How do you present yourself when you meet someone new? Are you your idealized "you," your true "you," or are you completely not yourself at all? Identity and perception play a huge role throughout this book--a gripping, ugly, hurtful, and ultimately truthful look at the break-down and build-up of a relationship. 
 "Gone Girl" had me riveted from the get-go. As each chapter flip-flopped from Nick's perspective to Amy's perspective, I felt as though I was really getting to know these people--BIG warts and all. And then... 
 (view spoiler)[ 
 ...I was hit by the big twist about midway through. Looking back, I should have seen it coming, especially since Amy's diary entries talked often about the "best self." So when her plan was revealed, my first instinct was to think, "wow, she really bamboozled me!" But that's not the case. Even though she fabricated details in order to frame Nick for her disappearance, the diary entries *were* Amy--in all her sociopathic glory. 
 I like how neither character was blameless, and I felt sympathy for both at different times while reading. I admit that I was hoping for some sort of comeuppance for Amy, but I think that's a built-in reaction nowadays in the world of crime procedural television shows in which we live. Her comeuppance is more of a slow-burn: living the rest of her life (or until she gets bored) knowing that she has to manipulate her husband into loving her 24/7. 
 (hide spoiler)]