Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a psychological thriller with an atmosphere so unsettling it’ll stick with you long after you finish. The writing is clever, full of subtle clues and creeping tension that keeps you second-guessing everything. If you love literary puzzles, unreliable narrators, and stories that get under your skin without relying on gore, this is your jam. Fans of mind-bending fiction, slow-burn suspense, and anyone who enjoys books that make them uneasy (in a good way) should give this one a shot.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer straightforward plots or need closure and clear answers at the end, this might not be for you. Some readers found the twist either predictable or confusing, and the ambiguous, repetitive writing style turned off those who want traditional character development or rapid pacing. If dream-like narratives, philosophical tangents, or unsettling ambiguity aren't your thing, you might not enjoy this book as much.
About:
'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' by Iain Reid follows a young woman on a road trip with her boyfriend to meet his parents, contemplating ending their relationship. As the journey progresses, unsettling events unfold, including mysterious phone calls from her own number and a sense of foreboding. The narrative builds tension through eerie moments and a creeping feeling that something terrible is on the horizon, reminiscent of classic horror elements.
Reid's writing style in this psychological thriller is described as atmospheric, disturbing, and mind-bending. The story keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves a plot that blurs the lines between reality and perception, leading to an ending that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for the book include themes of mental illness, suicide, and disturbing imagery, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
Now a Netflix original movie, this deeply scary and intensely unnerving novel follows a couple in the midst of a twisted unraveling of the darkest unease. You will be scared. But you won't know why…
I'm thinking of ending things. Once this thought arrives, it stays. It sticks. It lingers. It's always there. Always.
Jake once said, "Sometimes a thought is closer to truth, to reality, than an action. You can say anything, you can do anything, but you can't fake a thought."
And here's what I'm thinking: I don't want to be here.
In this smart and intense literary suspense novel, Iain Reid explores the depths of the human psyche, questioning consciousness, free will, the value of relationships, fear, and the limitations of solitude. Reminiscent of Jose Saramago's early work, Michel Faber's cult classic Under the Skin, and Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk about Kevin, "your dread and unease will mount with every passing page" (Entertainment Weekly) of this edgy, haunting debut. Tense, gripping, and atmospheric, I'm Thinking of Ending Things pulls you in from the very first page…and never lets you go.
Ratings (310)
Incredible (39) | |
Loved It (93) | |
Liked It (77) | |
It Was OK (58) | |
Did Not Like (29) | |
Hated It (14) |
Reader Stats (883):
Read It (321) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (446) | |
Did Not Finish (14) | |
Not Interested (99) |
7 comment(s)
This was a compelling page-turner for me. I finished it in one sitting, and I felt uneasy the entire time! There isn't many specifics that I can say about this one without giving too much away...I think it's better to go into the book mostly blind. Overall, I definitely think this is worth reading! Five stars!
I did not expect the ending, but I also did not sympathize to be honest it was not deserved
what the fuq did i just read. 5 stars for originality; this novel was quite unlike anything i’ve ever read.
Atmospheric greatness. So weirdly intense yet very quiet story but hard to put down.
I didn’t really like the book. It was a very good idea but I felt it was a lot of boring thoughts about mundane topics. I thought the plot was going nowhere. The ending put everything together but the lead up to that point was just painful.
I'm not sure if I have ever said this before; but I thought the movie was better than the book.
The book spelled things out for the reader, leaving less to the imagination. With the movie, I had a hunch of what was going on, but some stuff was uncertain, so I wasn't sure, which I like, it is more to think about. After reading the book, I now know my hunch was correct, but I really preferred not being spoon fed like in the book. I prefer a challenge over everything just being confirmed in the end. This may sound weird too; the movie is probably better if you don't read the book first.
Trippy
The suspense definitely builds and by the end, it’s like “What the heck did I just read?!” I thought it started a bit slow, but that honestly helped the tension set in subtly. It’s worth a read for sure.
What can you read after
I'm Thinking of Ending Things?
About the Author:
Iain Reid is the author of two critically acclaimed, award-winning books of nonfiction. His internationally bestselling debut novel, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, has been published in more than twenty countries. Oscar-winner Charlie Kaufman is writing and directing a film based on the novel, which Reid will co-produce. His second novel, Foe, was an instant bestseller and feature film rights have been acquired by Anonymous Content, with Reid set to executive produce. Follow him on Twitter @Reid_Iain.
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