Written from the first person point of view, which is Joe who runs a bookstore and when aspiring author Becks walks in he is obsessed - yes obsessed with her. Joe talks about Becks almost as a running dialogue of what's going on in his head and he refers to Beck as 'you', so the reader has the impression that he's talking to you, making for a very creepy and claustrophobic read, giving me a mouse in my house!!
Joe is a deranged stalker who uses social media to find out about Beck and the people she hangs out with. He very carefully manipulates situations and removes all obstacles that in his mind are in the way of him having a perfect life with Becks. He will go to any lengths to achieve what he wants and he can always find a good excuse for doing what he does.
It isn't normal. Being in Joe's head is scary because yes you feel his passion but with it his insanity, yes you get his humour and charm but also his dark disturbing thoughts, yes you get his oh so funny sense of humour that had me laughing out loud many times but you know it's twisted. He's charming but demented but addictive and you almost wish he was in your life.
And he appears so normal to those around him, not just normal but likeable and clever and witty which is why he gets away with what he does. What would I do if I met someone like Joe? That's a disturbing thought because I'm pretty sure I'd be swept away by his intelligence, humour, good looks and who doesn't want someone who's devoted to you and the sex! Bring it on. But Joe's idea of love is not love, it is a sickness that I only want to experience through reading, that's enough, but what a read.
The writing is excellent, beautifully crafted with constant references to great books and songs from great films, all very cleverly done and making this a unique, compelling and brilliant book.