Before I go to sleep

by s j watson | Mystery & Thrillers |
ISBN: 0552164135 Global Overview for this book
Registered by 3vie of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on 12/3/2012
Buy from one of these Booksellers:
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21 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by 3vie from Gateshead, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Monday, December 3, 2012
Purchased for wishlist tag game. This book is coming to you direct from Better World Books ;0)

Journal Entry 2 by wingJ4Shawwing at Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Thursday, January 3, 2013
This book arrived with me this week as part of "NEW wishlist tag game"
Thanks to 3vie for tagging me

About the Book:
Before I Go to Sleep is the first novel by S. J. Watson published in Spring 2011. It became both a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 30 languages, and has become a bestseller in France, Canada, Bulgaria and the Netherlands. It reached number 7 on the US bestseller list, the highest position for a debut novel by a British author since J. K. Rowling. The New York Times described the author as an "out-of-nowhere literary sensation". He wrote the novel between shifts whilst working as a National Health Service (NHS) audiologist.

Plot:
The novel is a psychological thriller about a woman suffering from anterograde amnesia. She wakes every day with no knowledge of who she is and the novel follows her as she tries to reconstruct her memories from a journal she has been keeping. She learns that she has been seeing a doctor who is helping her to recover her memory, that her name is Christine Lucas, that she is 47 years old and married and has a son. As her journal grows it casts doubts on the truth behind this knowledge and sets her on a terrifying journey of discovery.

Journal Entry 3 by wingJ4Shawwing at Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Wednesday, May 15, 2013


An easy read with some flaws to the story that can be overlooked given the pace and subject matter being so compelling.
Would be interested to see how the movie fairs, and also look forward to reading more from this new author as I feel their writing talent will improve.
Important to take into account that this novel is a product of the first Faber Academy 'Writing a Novel' programme.

Edit to add : April 2015
I watched the film and thought it was awful!

Journal Entry 4 by wingJ4Shawwing at bookray/bookring, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, May 23, 2013

Released 10 yrs ago (5/24/2013 UTC) at bookray/bookring, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:



Click HERE to sign up to receive this book.


And its off......

PARTICIPANTS:
Lakelady2282 - Australia (Aus)
Billbooks - Australia (int)
d-writer - Canada (int)
lauraloo29 - Canada (int)
Bookworm-lady - Spain (int)
Bournemouth - Germany (int)
QueenSissi - Portugal (EU)
Ftarazu - Portugal (EU)
JemmaJ - England (UK)
okarih England (UK)
Tyrnimarja - Finland (int)
Makke - Finland / Estonia (int)
-Kata- Finland (int) <<<------- please skip
Penelopewanders - Switzerland
Tenscentpistol - Spain (EU)
kiki66 - Germany (int)
Shann24lvr - USA
JudySlump612 - USA <<<------- BOOK IS HERE
Carmendoran - NZ
........PM J4shaw for instructions if you are last on the list...


Please make sure you use the stars to rate the book and try to add something about what you thought of if, even if its just a "liked it" comment on your release notes.

Thanks everyone.

Journal Entry 5 by lakelady2282 at Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Monday, June 3, 2013
The book arrived on Friday but I didn't get a chance to catch it until today and already I'm three quarters of the way through. Just found out Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman play the main characters of Ben and Christine and are filming now. A really important and challenging role for Nicole.
Just wondering J4shaw, where you came by my address as it is my old one from 4 and a half years ago. Let me know so I can update it.
Luckily the new owner gave me a ring and I was able to pick it up.
best wishes
Debbie

Journal Entry 6 by lakelady2282 at Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, June 15, 2013
There were a number of reviews on goodreads for this book that stated the characters were not delineated and were for the most part flat. At first I agreed but as I continued reading it became obvious how many challenges this storyline created for the writer and being a writer myself I found it interesting to see how Watson faced each one.
The beginning is really exciting and well handled with Christine waking up to a strange new life and this is, of course what she does over and over again. Gradually we learn more about Christine and her husband - what she remembers and what she doesn’t and the journal she is writing each night makes the novel much more interesting.
I believe S J Watson has done an excellent job of juggling all the different “waking ups” throughout the book. It is clearly not the first scene over and over again. He has shifted the focus to make the scenes different and during the latter part of the book as Christine remembers more the “wakings up” take on a life of their own.
The second main challenge in Before I Go To Sleep is making all the characters different - I believe he has failed a little in this but only a little. Part of what characterises us and our view of others is our memories. We know this person is mean with their money, we know you can’t talk to another before they’ve had their first cup of coffee etc etc. In this way I believe our memories (apart from our opinions of someone’s physical appearance) play a crucial part in what we think of ourselves and others.
When my character in The Grey Silk Purse begins to get her memory back she becomes more like old self - bolder, assertive and sometimes difficult. In the early phases of the novel when her memories are very uncertain she is meek and pliable. The same applies to Christine I believe. She can’t make decisions, observations over the course of just one day and for most of the novel that’s all she has and as Christine’s point of view is told in the first person, I think this is why some of the characters appear characterless so to speak. To delve any deeper than this would reveal spoilers.
I read this book very quickly so it was a real page turner for me and I enjoyed it thoroughly. For me the ending was partly guessed yet still a surprise but believable all the same.

Journal Entry 7 by lakelady2282 at Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, June 15, 2013

Released 10 yrs ago (6/15/2013 UTC) at Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posted on to the next bookcrosser in the booking. Enjoy Bill!

Journal Entry 8 by Billbooks at Malvern East, Victoria Australia on Monday, June 24, 2013
Book has arrived and have just begun reading it

Journal Entry 9 by Billbooks at Malvern East, Victoria Australia on Wednesday, July 3, 2013
A really enjoyable read that had enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. It's been a while since I had to just sit down and read while putting those little chores aside. Thanks to 3vie for starting this ring and I hope the other readers enjoy as much as I did. It's off to Canada now!

Journal Entry 10 by rem_KYI-580147 at Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Saturday, July 20, 2013
Just received this book in the mail from Billbooks in Australia - thank you! I will be reading it and passing along to lauraloo29 when I am finished :)

Journal Entry 11 by rem_KYI-580147 at Quesnel, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, August 8, 2013

Released 10 yrs ago (8/8/2013 UTC) at Quesnel, British Columbia Canada

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Good book, though I thought the middle was going a but slow. The twist got me, I never seen it all coming. Have not read a mystery/thriller book in a long time, so it was a good change in my reading. Mailed to lauraloo29 today. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 12 by winglauraloo29wing at Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Thursday, August 22, 2013
This has finally arrived. Apparently the postman didn't want to put it in my mailbox, but left a card that disappeared to pick it up at the post office. Not sure why. Got a FINAL NOTICE!! note yesterday. It is here now, safe and sound.

Journal Entry 13 by winglauraloo29wing at Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Friday, September 13, 2013
I liked the beginning. I liked the end. I found the middle a bit tedious. I thought all the wake ups were handled well. But I was frustrated with Christine. I can't imagine how it would feel to wake up each morning and not know anything. But I would hope I would have set something up for myself to help me know what is going on. I felt she was a bit too complacent.

After reading the other entries, I now know this is being made into a movie. Not sure how that will go.

I already have the next address, so this will be on its way next week. Thank you for sharing!

Sept 18 - I had to send this surface. Too expensive to send it by air.

Journal Entry 14 by wingBookworm-ladywing at Madrid, Madrid Spain on Saturday, November 2, 2013
Received, thank you very much.
I love the Australia bookmark! :)
Somehow I have ended up with two copies of this book, so this one will soon be on its way to the next reader.
Thanks for sharing, J4Shaw!

Journal Entry 15 by wingBookworm-ladywing at Madrid, Madrid Spain on Thursday, November 7, 2013

Released 10 yrs ago (11/7/2013 UTC) at Madrid, Madrid Spain

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent today to Bournemouth, in Germany. ;)

Journal Entry 16 by Bournemouth at Lauf an der Pegnitz, Bayern Germany on Monday, December 2, 2013
The book finally arrived in Germany! Thank you very much bookworm-lady :)
Can´t wait to read it!

Journal Entry 17 by Bournemouth at Lauf an der Pegnitz, Bayern Germany on Thursday, January 2, 2014
To be honest, I didn´t really like the book. I think the idea behind it was very interesting, but I wasn´t drawn into the book. Maybe because it was not a very christmassy topic :)
I´ll send the book off to Portugal today because Meg165 has already got the book.
Happy new year everyone!
Julia

Journal Entry 18 by QueenSissi at Gouveia, Guarda Portugal on Monday, January 27, 2014
It arrived.Thanks!

Journal Entry 19 by QueenSissi at Gouveia, Guarda Portugal on Tuesday, September 2, 2014
It was a really good read and although it took me long to pick it up, this book made me stay awake longer than I usually do.

Sending it to Ftarazu tomorrow.

Journal Entry 20 by Ftarazu at Ovar, Aveiro Portugal on Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Was in my mailbox yesterday. Is next in my TBR pile!
Thank you so much for sharing!

Journal Entry 21 by Ftarazu at Ovar, Aveiro Portugal on Tuesday, October 28, 2014
This is a nice story and well thought of. It had some gaps in the middle but all in all I enjoyed reading it and was looking forward to see what would happen in the end. I think the beginning is especially well written and it seems that midway through the book the author got a bit lost with all the “waking ups”. It is an easy read and I have enjoyed it.

It was sent today to JemmaJ. Wal-89 asked to be skipped because he has read this book already.

Journal Entry 22 by JemmaJ at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Arrived safe and well. Been here a few days; been away with my work so I have only just "caught" this book.

Journal Entry 23 by JemmaJ at Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Sunday, December 14, 2014
Haven't had time to read it - messaged Carmendoran for their address...
EDIT: Carmendoran has moved away! Change to order!

Journal Entry 24 by JemmaJ at Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 18, 2015
I did not enjoy this book at all; until the last few pages. I have written a review about it on my blog. See my profile for the link.

I have contacted okarih and I am waiting for their address.

This book arrived yesterday... I've just finished my previous bookray so I can start reading this straight away!

Released 8 yrs ago (4/10/2015 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I really enjoyed this book although there was one thing that bothered me right at the start. It probably isn't a big deal but the fact that her amnesia had been going on for 18 years made it seem a bit unrealistic to me.

This is a brilliant thriller though and I was suspicious of everyone - the husband, best friend, doctor....

This is now on its way to the next person on the list.

Journal Entry 27 by wingTyrnimarjawing at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Thursday, April 16, 2015
The book arrived today, thanks!!

Journal Entry 28 by wingTyrnimarjawing at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
I enjoyed every moment with this book. I liked the story, it was scary and kept me suspecting them all until the very end; doctor, husband, best friend. And the ending was good, I did not guess right:)
I will send this to Makke as soon as I have got her address.

Journal Entry 29 by wingTyrnimarjawing at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (5/5/2015 UTC) at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I have mailed the book today to Makke ( Turku, Finland).


Journal Entry 30 by makke at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Safely arrived today, thanks! Will read this ASAP.

Journal Entry 31 by makke at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Monday, May 18, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (5/18/2015 UTC) at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I read on this on many evenings just before I went to sleep, which caused quite weird and stressful dreams. :D But I enjoyed the book. This was thrilling from beginning 'til the end. At some point, I thought the description of the everyday life of Chris as somewhat boring but on the other hand it transmitted her feelings very well. I would recommend this one even for people who think they wouldn't like thrillers.

I will pop this to post still today. Thanks for letting me enjoy this book!

Journal Entry 32 by wingpenelopewanderswing at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Monday, June 1, 2015
This arrived while I was away on a short trip. I look forward to reading it soon. Thanks so much for sending and making it available.

Journal Entry 33 by wingpenelopewanderswing at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Friday, June 5, 2015
I thought this was very well done - perhaps because I'm getting to a stage in my life where memory is not something I take for granted, the heroine's struggle with her amnesia was even more moving to me than it might have been otherwise. I found the plot twists such that despite much guessing, I was able to enjoy this to the end. I've written for the next address and hope to send this out soon. Thanks so much for making it available.

Journal Entry 34 by wingpenelopewanderswing at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (6/9/2015 UTC) at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This is now leaving the Swiss Alps, en route for Barcelona where tenscentpistol now lives. Thanks so much for making this available. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 35 by tenscentpistol at Barcelona, Barcelona Spain on Tuesday, July 14, 2015
It's always nice to come back from holiday and find mail waiting for you! First thought, cool another hopper !
Looking forward to reading it after I finish the one I'm currently reading.

Journal Entry 36 by tenscentpistol at Barcelona, Barcelona Spain on Friday, July 24, 2015
This book was a real page-turner, I didn't expect for it to be such a quick read. That was a really good way to start my summer holiday reading !
I really enjoyed how the author handled the different wakes up. Good plot, interesting twists.

I contacted kiki66 for their address.
Thank you for sharing J4shaw!

Journal Entry 37 by tenscentpistol at Barcelona, Barcelona Spain on Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (7/29/2015 UTC) at Barcelona, Barcelona Spain

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Book sent over to kiki66. Happy reading!

Journal Entry 38 by wingkiki66wing at Gauting, Bayern Germany on Friday, July 31, 2015
hooray! it's here :-)

since I have no 'urgent' book to finish I will start this today!

Journal Entry 39 by wingkiki66wing at Gauting, Bayern Germany on Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Finished within a few days - also thanks to my son who let me read one afternoon - not
demanding that I play or do something with him :-)

I found the idea really quite perfidious! Reading it was fun and I also suspected nearly all
persons in the book *lol* - and the ending was - not what I thought..

Have contacted Shann24lvr..

Journal Entry 40 by wingkiki66wing at Gauting, Bayern Germany on Thursday, August 6, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (8/6/2015 UTC) at Gauting, Bayern Germany

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Off to the States now!

Happy Travelling...

Journal Entry 41 by wingShann24lvrwing at St. Clair, Missouri USA on Friday, August 21, 2015
This well worn book arrived a couple weeks ago (sorry lots of life drama interfered). I'm looking forward to reading and sending on its way.


Journal Entry 42 by wingShann24lvrwing at St. Clair, Missouri USA on Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Released 7 yrs ago (4/12/2016 UTC) at St. Clair, Missouri USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sorry for the long stay. My life took a bad turn. Book is now on its way to next in line.

Journal Entry 43 by JudySlump612 at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Saturday, April 16, 2016
Arrived here safely today, after its many travels.

Journal Entry 44 by JudySlump612 at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Thursday, May 12, 2016
I agree with the previous reviewers that the mysteries of Christine's life were set up well and carefully revealed. I also doubt that this was good material for a movie (and the IMDB reviews seem to back me up: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1726592/?ref_=nv_sr_2). However, I didn't see the big plot twist coming, so the author achieved at least that one big goal.

My disappointment with Christine was that she seemed to constantly dwell on her emotional turmoil. This gave the book kind of the feel of a soap opera in which the characters spend 80% of their time exclaiming over their own anguish, fear, love, etc., and 20% actually doing anything. Of course, this is a situation (amnesia repeating each day) of which I have NO first-hand knowledge, so maybe that's the inevitable reaction.

Journal Entry 45 by JudySlump612 at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Released 7 yrs ago (6/1/2016 UTC) at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

To Edwardstreet, next reader in J4shaw's bookring.

Journal Entry 46 by wingEdwardstreetwing at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Saturday, June 11, 2016
Letter box surprise, thank you, I suspect I have already read this, will check and ascertain who is next

Released 7 yrs ago (7/8/2016 UTC) at —- by hand, post, or courier in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

On an active bookcrosser's wishlist - so I am delighted to be able to send her a letter box surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope she does to.

Released 7 yrs ago (7/8/2016 UTC) at —- by hand, post, or courier in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

On an active bookcrosser's wishlist - so I am delighted to be able to send her a letter box surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope she does to.

Journal Entry 49 by BaiLong at Shanghai, Shanghai China on Friday, July 29, 2016
Thanks for this surprise! It's always nice to receive unexpected books!

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