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You
This wasn’t the way it was supposed to go.
You’re just a typical fifteen-year-old sophomore, an average guy named Kyle Chase. This can’t be happening to you. But then, how do you explain all the blood? How do you explain how you got here in the first place?
There had to have been signs, had to have been some clues it was coming. Did you miss them, or ignore them? Maybe if you can figure out where it all went wrong, you can still make it right. Or is it already too late?
Think fast, Kyle. Time’s running out. How did this happen?
You’re just a typical fifteen-year-old sophomore, an average guy named Kyle Chase. This can’t be happening to you. But then, how do you explain all the blood? How do you explain how you got here in the first place?
There had to have been signs, had to have been some clues it was coming. Did you miss them, or ignore them? Maybe if you can figure out where it all went wrong, you can still make it right. Or is it already too late?
Think fast, Kyle. Time’s running out. How did this happen?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2010
77 people are currently reading
4553 people want to read
About the author
Charles Benoit
39 books113 followersWhen he's not traveling around the globe in the search of exotic, tax-deductible settings for his mysteries, Charles Benoit spends his days pumping out subliminal-laced advertising.
Nominated for an Edgar and a Barry, Relative Danger won the Franklin award and was the darling of fans and critics alike. Out of Order (2006) is set in modern India while Noble Lies (September 2007) takes place in Thailand.
Nominated for an Edgar and a Barry, Relative Danger won the Franklin award and was the darling of fans and critics alike. Out of Order (2006) is set in modern India while Noble Lies (September 2007) takes place in Thailand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
September 24, 2010
What a lucky Goodreads Giveaway win! I would have never picked up this book on my own and it ended up exceeding all my expectations.
The novel is addictive from the very first lines:
You are surprised at all the blood.
He looks over at you, eyes wide, mouth dropping open, his face almost as white as his shirt.
He's surprised, too.
There is not a lot of broken glass, though, just some tiny slivers around his feet and one big piece busted into sharp peaks like a spiking line graphs, the blood washing down it like rain on a windshield.
He doesn't say anything clever or funny, doesn't quote Shakespeare, just screams. But no one can hear him, and it would be too late if they could.
You are thinking, this wasn't the way it was supposed to go, this shouldn't be happening. And now things are only going to get worse...
What did just happen? Who are these people? What are they doing?
As the story unfolds, we gradually learn who this mysterious "you" is, how he got to this point, what life choices (or circumstances?) made him what he is now. It's not a feel good story. To see the main character make poor choices and become passive and apathetic is truly disheartening, but there is a meaningful lesson.
You is an extremely intense novel written in a very unique way. Although it is very short (220 pages in large font and with huge margins) and the prose is sparse, the book managed to keep me in a state of anxiety throughout. What is also remarkable about the style is that the story is written in 2nd person. I don't come across this POV very often and Charles Benoit uses this perspective to the fullest advantage. In fact, You is written and paced so well that I believe the book might be a Printz award contender.
The novel might not appeal to everyone - it is a dark, frustrating story. Many will think the ending unsatisfying. But I personally found the message of the book very powerful. You are the choices you make rather than a victim of circumstances, even though it is often more comforting to think so.
The novel is addictive from the very first lines:
You are surprised at all the blood.
He looks over at you, eyes wide, mouth dropping open, his face almost as white as his shirt.
He's surprised, too.
There is not a lot of broken glass, though, just some tiny slivers around his feet and one big piece busted into sharp peaks like a spiking line graphs, the blood washing down it like rain on a windshield.
He doesn't say anything clever or funny, doesn't quote Shakespeare, just screams. But no one can hear him, and it would be too late if they could.
You are thinking, this wasn't the way it was supposed to go, this shouldn't be happening. And now things are only going to get worse...
What did just happen? Who are these people? What are they doing?
As the story unfolds, we gradually learn who this mysterious "you" is, how he got to this point, what life choices (or circumstances?) made him what he is now. It's not a feel good story. To see the main character make poor choices and become passive and apathetic is truly disheartening, but there is a meaningful lesson.
You is an extremely intense novel written in a very unique way. Although it is very short (220 pages in large font and with huge margins) and the prose is sparse, the book managed to keep me in a state of anxiety throughout. What is also remarkable about the style is that the story is written in 2nd person. I don't come across this POV very often and Charles Benoit uses this perspective to the fullest advantage. In fact, You is written and paced so well that I believe the book might be a Printz award contender.
The novel might not appeal to everyone - it is a dark, frustrating story. Many will think the ending unsatisfying. But I personally found the message of the book very powerful. You are the choices you make rather than a victim of circumstances, even though it is often more comforting to think so.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Kyle is a hoodie. One of those kids that sits in the back of the class, tries not to be noticed, doesn't do his homework (only because he doesn't see the point), and dresses in the same "uniform" every day - black jeans, black shirt, black hoodie.
You can find hoodies in every school, even though they might be called something else - slackers, freaks, stoners. Whenever you see them walking down the hall or through the mall, you don't know exactly what to expect - you just know it won't be good.
YOU by Charles Benoit provides a glimpse into the mind of Kyle. By writing in a second-person point-of-view, the reader actually walks around inside Kyle's head. You are the character going through the story.
* You are the one listening to the teachers explain how important it is you turn in all your work the rest of the
grading period even though you still won't be able to pass the class.
* You are the one attending Midlands High School because your grades weren't good enough to go to the
private school with the people you already know.
* You are the one with a secret crush on a girl you're afraid you have no chance with.
* You are the one who thinks that your cute, kindergarten-age sister is the best person you know.
* You are the one with a tragic end.
Kyle is a good guy. Is he misunderstood? No - he projects exactly what he wants to project. The people in his life don't give him a reason to do anything differently.
EVERY educator needs to read this book!
Kyle is a hoodie. One of those kids that sits in the back of the class, tries not to be noticed, doesn't do his homework (only because he doesn't see the point), and dresses in the same "uniform" every day - black jeans, black shirt, black hoodie.
You can find hoodies in every school, even though they might be called something else - slackers, freaks, stoners. Whenever you see them walking down the hall or through the mall, you don't know exactly what to expect - you just know it won't be good.
YOU by Charles Benoit provides a glimpse into the mind of Kyle. By writing in a second-person point-of-view, the reader actually walks around inside Kyle's head. You are the character going through the story.
* You are the one listening to the teachers explain how important it is you turn in all your work the rest of the
grading period even though you still won't be able to pass the class.
* You are the one attending Midlands High School because your grades weren't good enough to go to the
private school with the people you already know.
* You are the one with a secret crush on a girl you're afraid you have no chance with.
* You are the one who thinks that your cute, kindergarten-age sister is the best person you know.
* You are the one with a tragic end.
Kyle is a good guy. Is he misunderstood? No - he projects exactly what he wants to project. The people in his life don't give him a reason to do anything differently.
EVERY educator needs to read this book!
February 18, 2020
1.5* read this a few years back and hated it
September 28, 2010
Am I missing something? Can someone please tell me what it is? Why is the front cover of this ARC covered with wonderful blurbs? Why is the back cover the same? Why are there three and a half pages inside (three of them filled to the brim) with wonderful blurbs? Someone tell me because I'm not seeing it.
I rated this two stars because I did finish it although that's not a huge feat considering I did this in one evening only picking up the book three times. If I started listing all the other things I did in between I'd be here for hours so I won't. Let's just say it's super fast. And who wants to know the reason for that? YOU?? Oh good. Because there's nothing to it.
It kept me going because I wanted to see how Kyle dies at the end. I have to be straight up here. That's the only reason. But even that wasn't anywhere near as climactic as they made it out to seem. Where is the excitment? Where is the good writing?
Kyle is speaking straight at the reader which is nothing else but annoying in my opinion and when you through in a few one sided convo's I think this book needs a straight jacket and a trip to the looney bin.
Note to publishers: There is a certain line to be drawn when hyping a book. If you are not SURE that the book is "gut wrenching" (what?), "stunning" (where exactly?), "unforgettable" (lmao), and "outstanding, original, haunting" then don't shout it to the world. This is nothing if not medicocre yet it's thrown at people like it's life-changing. Just in case we have some slow learners out there - you create a desire for a bang and people want a bang. You don't deliver said bang people get annoyed. In the words of my five year old: Get it? Got it? Good.
I rated this two stars because I did finish it although that's not a huge feat considering I did this in one evening only picking up the book three times. If I started listing all the other things I did in between I'd be here for hours so I won't. Let's just say it's super fast. And who wants to know the reason for that? YOU?? Oh good. Because there's nothing to it.
It kept me going because I wanted to see how Kyle dies at the end. I have to be straight up here. That's the only reason. But even that wasn't anywhere near as climactic as they made it out to seem. Where is the excitment? Where is the good writing?
Kyle is speaking straight at the reader which is nothing else but annoying in my opinion and when you through in a few one sided convo's I think this book needs a straight jacket and a trip to the looney bin.
Note to publishers: There is a certain line to be drawn when hyping a book. If you are not SURE that the book is "gut wrenching" (what?), "stunning" (where exactly?), "unforgettable" (lmao), and "outstanding, original, haunting" then don't shout it to the world. This is nothing if not medicocre yet it's thrown at people like it's life-changing. Just in case we have some slow learners out there - you create a desire for a bang and people want a bang. You don't deliver said bang people get annoyed. In the words of my five year old: Get it? Got it? Good.
May 9, 2019
Casual teenagers story mixed with some «thriller» elements. The casual life part was good enough, the characters and the school life settings were believable and well done in my opinion. Unfortunately the thrilling part fell a bit short. It felts force by time, the conclusion of it all wasn't satisfying, and the big «drama» the beginning promise just didn't deliver. An okay read but just nothing extraordinary, it should have stay simple and focus more on the teens life and it probably would have been better.
December 2, 2010
You open a book and it hits you in the face with broken glass, blood, and screaming. You haven’t met anyone yet and so don’t know who the other players are. You’re confused. You’re anxious. You might even be angry. You decide to just go with it.
You are Kyle, a high school sophomore and hapless and angry loner. He made some bad decisions and is now resigned to a path in life that he can’t find a way off of. His father is a disembodied voice shouting at the TV, his mother is the Muppet Babies Nanny who constantly nags about school, clothes, and responsibility. There’s a Girl, a New Kid, and more Bad Decisions (or is it just unavoidable fate?) leading up to the desperate scene that opens the book.
Kyle is equal parts uncomplicated and unfinished. But he’s you, so what more do you need? Ashley is a pretty incidental character, more of a symbol, which I initially didn’t like but eventually appreciated. Zack, however, is a fascinating YA psychopath.
I didn’t really know what I thought of this book. I still don’t, but I know I think well of it. It’s a quick read. The words are actually pretty sparse on the page and are very terse. It’s tense and gripping and I found myself reacting strongly and without conscious thought. It all seems unfair, but was ultimately avoidable. Because, the truth? You chose to do this.
You are Kyle, a high school sophomore and hapless and angry loner. He made some bad decisions and is now resigned to a path in life that he can’t find a way off of. His father is a disembodied voice shouting at the TV, his mother is the Muppet Babies Nanny who constantly nags about school, clothes, and responsibility. There’s a Girl, a New Kid, and more Bad Decisions (or is it just unavoidable fate?) leading up to the desperate scene that opens the book.
Kyle is equal parts uncomplicated and unfinished. But he’s you, so what more do you need? Ashley is a pretty incidental character, more of a symbol, which I initially didn’t like but eventually appreciated. Zack, however, is a fascinating YA psychopath.
I didn’t really know what I thought of this book. I still don’t, but I know I think well of it. It’s a quick read. The words are actually pretty sparse on the page and are very terse. It’s tense and gripping and I found myself reacting strongly and without conscious thought. It all seems unfair, but was ultimately avoidable. Because, the truth? You chose to do this.
October 17, 2010
YOU is infuriating. (Please forgive me for the horrible grammar this title causes).
It’s is criminally hard to put down. There are no chapters. Only direct, shattering, prose, fast-paced and swift to read. I found myself telling myself to stop after five more pages, ten more pages, fifteen… Until I was halfway through in one sitting.
This is a novel that seems destined for discussion, not unlike a movie with one heck of a twist ending. In fact, I’m desperate to track down anyone who’s read it so I can let loose on that ending– it’s jaw dropping and unforgettable, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve even interpreted it the right way. The story zips along at a lightning pace, and it’s the type that keeps you up late at night thinking “Just a few more pages…”.
Addicting is probably the right word for it. YOU tries to do something different. The angsty, troubled teen has been explored countless times in YA lit before, but second person is a narrative device that’s only slowly emerging, and it’s probably a good thing, lest I be kept awake all night by how unputdownable a book becomes (think about a second person voice as gripping as Stolen by Lucy Christopher).
Gripping, harrowing, haunting as it may be, the characters remained unbelievable, or at least not thoroughly fleshed out. This is pretty understandable, given that the style it’s written in can’t give us much backstory on external characters, but you can’t get very emotionally involved with them, and I think a lot of the things that Kyle did didn’t make much sense; it was almost as if the story was trying a little to hard to make him seem teenagerly that he just became unrealistic. Not all the teens of today are that moody and brooding… I’d like to think, anyways.
It’s alright to suspend your disbelief for the few hundred pages of YOU, however, because it’s an absolute rollercoaster ride of a plot that’s done all too soon. I was annoyed by the characters, but their actions were over-the-top and very dramatic. Which leads me to their motivations behind said actions; hard to decipher.
This is a book that you can’t simply finish and move on– the ending is something else. It ties back to the beginning, changes your primary viewpoint, and then it just -ends-. I finished it in utter shock and disbelief, and it wasn’t entirely because it was good– in fact, I’d go as far to say it was a little infuriating. There is no resolution, and it just leaves you hanging, and a little confused. I suppose it’s up to your interpretation, but it was a little like being taken for a jarring ride to a questionable destination.
If you’ve finished YOU, I really, really need to discuss it with someone. It kind of made me a little angry, that ending. Like I stayed up all night reading it for nothing. Cop-out? Or brilliant, meaningful semi-cliffhanger? I can’t decide.
In short, YOU is something very different, and it’s jarring to say the least. It just tries a little too hard to be edgy. Kyle doesn’t seem, (to me) an ‘ordinary’ teen, contrary to what his description may be. Coming from a teen herself. But his story is striking, and unique among the typical books lining your shelf.
It’s is criminally hard to put down. There are no chapters. Only direct, shattering, prose, fast-paced and swift to read. I found myself telling myself to stop after five more pages, ten more pages, fifteen… Until I was halfway through in one sitting.
This is a novel that seems destined for discussion, not unlike a movie with one heck of a twist ending. In fact, I’m desperate to track down anyone who’s read it so I can let loose on that ending– it’s jaw dropping and unforgettable, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve even interpreted it the right way. The story zips along at a lightning pace, and it’s the type that keeps you up late at night thinking “Just a few more pages…”.
Addicting is probably the right word for it. YOU tries to do something different. The angsty, troubled teen has been explored countless times in YA lit before, but second person is a narrative device that’s only slowly emerging, and it’s probably a good thing, lest I be kept awake all night by how unputdownable a book becomes (think about a second person voice as gripping as Stolen by Lucy Christopher).
Gripping, harrowing, haunting as it may be, the characters remained unbelievable, or at least not thoroughly fleshed out. This is pretty understandable, given that the style it’s written in can’t give us much backstory on external characters, but you can’t get very emotionally involved with them, and I think a lot of the things that Kyle did didn’t make much sense; it was almost as if the story was trying a little to hard to make him seem teenagerly that he just became unrealistic. Not all the teens of today are that moody and brooding… I’d like to think, anyways.
It’s alright to suspend your disbelief for the few hundred pages of YOU, however, because it’s an absolute rollercoaster ride of a plot that’s done all too soon. I was annoyed by the characters, but their actions were over-the-top and very dramatic. Which leads me to their motivations behind said actions; hard to decipher.
This is a book that you can’t simply finish and move on– the ending is something else. It ties back to the beginning, changes your primary viewpoint, and then it just -ends-. I finished it in utter shock and disbelief, and it wasn’t entirely because it was good– in fact, I’d go as far to say it was a little infuriating. There is no resolution, and it just leaves you hanging, and a little confused. I suppose it’s up to your interpretation, but it was a little like being taken for a jarring ride to a questionable destination.
If you’ve finished YOU, I really, really need to discuss it with someone. It kind of made me a little angry, that ending. Like I stayed up all night reading it for nothing. Cop-out? Or brilliant, meaningful semi-cliffhanger? I can’t decide.
In short, YOU is something very different, and it’s jarring to say the least. It just tries a little too hard to be edgy. Kyle doesn’t seem, (to me) an ‘ordinary’ teen, contrary to what his description may be. Coming from a teen herself. But his story is striking, and unique among the typical books lining your shelf.
November 2, 2010
You worked for me as a young adult lit reader, but it worked for me even more as a teacher always on the look-out for great guy books. I’m going to be book-talking this book like crazy, but the cover alone will help draw in readers; it’s what grabbed my attention! The cover fits perfectly with the story and is incredibly intriguing. As soon as I started reading, Kyle reminded me of so many of my male students. It’s sad but true. It doesn’t take much for a student to end up like Kyle; a few missing assignments can drop a grade enough that it feels impossible to bring up. Then the nagging parents enter the picture, that is if they’re even involved. When grades start dropping privileges begin flying out the window. When all of this adds up, students often fall through the cracks- especially boys. I have boys like this in my classes and I’m constantly trying to find books for them to read and ways for them to succeed. You is going to be a huge hit with my boys.
Guy readers will enjoy this (and girls too!) because they’ll be able to relate with Kyle. Even if you haven’t been in the same position as Kyle, most teenagers can relate with parents constantly lecturing and asking questions. They can relate to liking someone but not knowing how to act on it. They can relate to feeling frustrated in class. Kyle, unfortunately, is dealing with all of this at once, plus some. I just wanted to reach out and help him.
I love the pacing of this novel. Benoit wrote a fast-paced, suspenseful novel. The very first lines should hook everyone: “You’re surprised at all the blood. He looks over at you, eyes wide, mouth dropping open, his face almost as white as his shirt. He’s surprised, too.” I couldn’t put this down after that first page. I absolutely devoured this book; it was done in about four hours or less. Amazing!
If you’ve read Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson, Right Behind You by Gail Giles or Breaking Point by Alex Flinn, you’ll enjoy You by Charles Benoit. This is a five star novel that begs to be read and discussed.
Guy readers will enjoy this (and girls too!) because they’ll be able to relate with Kyle. Even if you haven’t been in the same position as Kyle, most teenagers can relate with parents constantly lecturing and asking questions. They can relate to liking someone but not knowing how to act on it. They can relate to feeling frustrated in class. Kyle, unfortunately, is dealing with all of this at once, plus some. I just wanted to reach out and help him.
I love the pacing of this novel. Benoit wrote a fast-paced, suspenseful novel. The very first lines should hook everyone: “You’re surprised at all the blood. He looks over at you, eyes wide, mouth dropping open, his face almost as white as his shirt. He’s surprised, too.” I couldn’t put this down after that first page. I absolutely devoured this book; it was done in about four hours or less. Amazing!
If you’ve read Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson, Right Behind You by Gail Giles or Breaking Point by Alex Flinn, you’ll enjoy You by Charles Benoit. This is a five star novel that begs to be read and discussed.
October 20, 2010
You
By
Charles Benoit
Kyle Chase is a loser…in his own mind. He has dropped out…he has made poor choices, he doesn’t care, he doesn’t like the way his parents treat him, he doesn’t respect his teachers, he doesn’t really even like his friends. He knows if he had made other choices he would be in a different school doing very different things. And yet he is not. And there is nothing he can do about it. He has everyone figured out. He has life figured out and he is not able to change anything. He doesn’t know how or even better he knows how and yet he doesn’t want to do anything to change. He appears to be stuck. He gets detention after detention, he doesn’t study, he yearns after a girl named Ashley and does not do anything about it. He wonders when his mom became awkward around him and when his dad began to dislike him. He seems to love his little 5 year old sister. Her innocence and her love for him mean a lot to him. One day he hears his sister tell his mom that when she grows up she wants to be just like Kyle. When his mom responds that she hopes not…Kyle is sad even though he doesn’t want to be.
Then…new student Zack comes into Kyle’s life and nothing will ever be the same again. Zack knows how to find Kyle’s weak spot and use it to his own advantage. This results in a devastating end of this story.
I was really caught up in this story. It is narrated by Kyle. It was heartbreaking. I wondered what I would do if I had known someone like Kyle. He is intelligent, awkward, rebellious…all the things a 15 year old male can be. I don’t know if I would have gone out of my way to talk to him. It seemed as though all he needed was one understanding parent or one teacher he could talk to but all circumstances were against him. He walked alone. His story was so sad. He seemed to not know joy. He did not understand what to do with his tortured anger.
So…how did I feel about this book…I think it is an important book to read.
By
Charles Benoit
Kyle Chase is a loser…in his own mind. He has dropped out…he has made poor choices, he doesn’t care, he doesn’t like the way his parents treat him, he doesn’t respect his teachers, he doesn’t really even like his friends. He knows if he had made other choices he would be in a different school doing very different things. And yet he is not. And there is nothing he can do about it. He has everyone figured out. He has life figured out and he is not able to change anything. He doesn’t know how or even better he knows how and yet he doesn’t want to do anything to change. He appears to be stuck. He gets detention after detention, he doesn’t study, he yearns after a girl named Ashley and does not do anything about it. He wonders when his mom became awkward around him and when his dad began to dislike him. He seems to love his little 5 year old sister. Her innocence and her love for him mean a lot to him. One day he hears his sister tell his mom that when she grows up she wants to be just like Kyle. When his mom responds that she hopes not…Kyle is sad even though he doesn’t want to be.
Then…new student Zack comes into Kyle’s life and nothing will ever be the same again. Zack knows how to find Kyle’s weak spot and use it to his own advantage. This results in a devastating end of this story.
I was really caught up in this story. It is narrated by Kyle. It was heartbreaking. I wondered what I would do if I had known someone like Kyle. He is intelligent, awkward, rebellious…all the things a 15 year old male can be. I don’t know if I would have gone out of my way to talk to him. It seemed as though all he needed was one understanding parent or one teacher he could talk to but all circumstances were against him. He walked alone. His story was so sad. He seemed to not know joy. He did not understand what to do with his tortured anger.
So…how did I feel about this book…I think it is an important book to read.
March 3, 2024
When I first started reading this book I really liked it.
Since Charles Benoit wrote YOU in 2nd person, it was like nothing I've read before,
I absolutely loved it.
I would love to find more books that are written like this.
It started out great, and I started getting so excited because I thought I found an amazing book.
I read a lot of reviews with people saying that it was stunning.
But about half way through the book I starting thinking,
"Alright, so where exactly is this story going?"
I felt like the story was just kind of... Pointless.
And I know its just a novel and it can be pointless if it wants to be.
But I felt like this book absolutely accomplished nothing.
Nothing happened.
The entire book, it was just 15 year old Kyle Chase flirting with this girl he likes,
sneaking beer to the park with his friends, complaining about his mom, and trying to get a job.
...Okay.
So pretty much every single high schooler's life.
Man, doesn't that sound interesting? Yes! So lets make a book out it.
Alright, so now I'm getting carried away with my rant,
and I think everyone knows how that can turn out to be a little messy.
So besides everything I disliked about YOU,
I really loved how Charles Benoit did a nice job of developing the characters,
I also really liked how he captured Kyle's teenage boy thoughts so well,
without making it explicit.
I didn't hate YOU, I just wasn't very impressed with it.
The writing was incredible, I just felt like the story could have been a little bit more interesting.
Abigaile
Since Charles Benoit wrote YOU in 2nd person, it was like nothing I've read before,
I absolutely loved it.
I would love to find more books that are written like this.
It started out great, and I started getting so excited because I thought I found an amazing book.
I read a lot of reviews with people saying that it was stunning.
But about half way through the book I starting thinking,
"Alright, so where exactly is this story going?"
I felt like the story was just kind of... Pointless.
And I know its just a novel and it can be pointless if it wants to be.
But I felt like this book absolutely accomplished nothing.
Nothing happened.
The entire book, it was just 15 year old Kyle Chase flirting with this girl he likes,
sneaking beer to the park with his friends, complaining about his mom, and trying to get a job.
...Okay.
So pretty much every single high schooler's life.
Man, doesn't that sound interesting? Yes! So lets make a book out it.
Alright, so now I'm getting carried away with my rant,
and I think everyone knows how that can turn out to be a little messy.
So besides everything I disliked about YOU,
I really loved how Charles Benoit did a nice job of developing the characters,
I also really liked how he captured Kyle's teenage boy thoughts so well,
without making it explicit.
I didn't hate YOU, I just wasn't very impressed with it.
The writing was incredible, I just felt like the story could have been a little bit more interesting.
Abigaile
December 17, 2010
Um... I thought it was going to get all exciting in the end... But as it turns out, it ends with the exact question the book started... So I'm like "ok... I'm still confused..." So, this been said, I wouldn't really recommend this book, just because the ending is awful... You read a book thinking everything's going to get resolved in the end... But as it turns out, absolutely nothing gets resolved... Except for the fact you know where all the blood came from... Heh...
Read
December 26, 2016I'm not sure how to rate this book... I definitely expected more. Specially after that intro.
I don't know.
Will review later.
I don't know.
Will review later.
May 30, 2020
I received this one from audio sync so the target audience was teenagers. The main character was a 15 year old boy who was trying to find his place while starting high school. It was believable and interesting, especially being 2nd person narrative. The ending came abruptly and was a bit shocking. The book was short and I do think teenagers would find this more interesting.
November 16, 2018
What do you get when you mix a kid with anger issues and another kid who is a sociopath? A very intriguing book with a surprising ending. This was a random pick from the library that turned out to be a very quick read that was twisty and dark. I need to pick up random books more often.
April 1, 2010
Kyle is a hoodie – one of those kids that sits in the back of the class, tries not to be noticed, doesn’t do his homework (only because he doesn’t see the point), and dresses in the same “uniform” every day – black jeans, black shirt, black hoodie. You can find hoodies in every school even though they might be called something else – slackers, freaks, stoners. Whenever you see them walking down the hall or through the mall you don’t know exactly what to expect – you just know it won’t be good.
YOU by Charles Benoit provides a glimpse into the mind of Kyle. By writing in a second-person point-of-view, the reader actually walks around inside Kyle’s head. You are the character going through the story.
You are the one listening to the teachers explain how important it is you turn in all your work the rest of the grading period even though you still won’t be able to pass the class.
You are the one attending Midlands High School because your grades weren’t good enough to go to the private school with the people you already know.
You are the one with a secret crush on a girl you’re afraid you have no chance with.
You are the one who thinks the your cute, kindergarten sister is the best person you know.
You are the one with a tragic end.
Kyle is a good guy. Is he misunderstood? No – he projects exactly what he wants to project. The people in his life don’t give him a reason to do anything different. EVERY educator needs to read this book! In the end, Kyle is left wondering, “Where did it all go wrong?” The problem is, by the time he starts to wonder, it is already too late.
YOU by Charles Benoit provides a glimpse into the mind of Kyle. By writing in a second-person point-of-view, the reader actually walks around inside Kyle’s head. You are the character going through the story.
You are the one listening to the teachers explain how important it is you turn in all your work the rest of the grading period even though you still won’t be able to pass the class.
You are the one attending Midlands High School because your grades weren’t good enough to go to the private school with the people you already know.
You are the one with a secret crush on a girl you’re afraid you have no chance with.
You are the one who thinks the your cute, kindergarten sister is the best person you know.
You are the one with a tragic end.
Kyle is a good guy. Is he misunderstood? No – he projects exactly what he wants to project. The people in his life don’t give him a reason to do anything different. EVERY educator needs to read this book! In the end, Kyle is left wondering, “Where did it all go wrong?” The problem is, by the time he starts to wonder, it is already too late.
June 10, 2020
I rate You 2/5 stars. When I picked up You I wasn't aware it would be in the most painful and clunky point of view. This point of view is rarely used for a reason. The whole goal of using this pov is to make you feel like its happening to you, but personally it ruins my suspension of disbelief and feels clunky and overdone a few pages in. Other than that this is a typical YA book trying way to hard to be edgy. Boring tropes and unrealistic cliches. The whole outsider trope is overdone and often times bland the dark teen boy who doesn't care bout his grades, is pinning over some girl, and ends up involved with some bad things. I thought this book would be an interesting take on the outsider trope. The whole idea of Kyle being in the "Hoodie group" just because he doesn't have friends and wears hoodies truly shows how out of touch this is. There's not many characters of value outside of Kyle and Zach, both just truly saddening characters. Too much effort and focus was put into making the POV work and creating a non linear story, and clearly not enough time into the other characters. This book was hard to read and easily forgettable. That's why I rate this a 2/5.
November 9, 2019
TW: Blood, intensive bullying, recalcitrant behavior, body shaming, violence, discriminatory remarks, substance use, mention of drugs
I offer 4 mind-boggling stars to You, Mr. Benoit. 4 because I cannot stop thinking about You. You disgust(s) me. (clearly referring to the book and not you, dear author. I believe you've done more than enough.) Thinking about You makes me sick and nauseous and giddy and out of breath.. huh, but you see, I'm running out of words to describe You. It's possible everything about You is vile and reprehensible yet You did not fail to astound me, amuse me, beguile me. You are one hell of a book with a story that tampered with the deep recesses of my mind. Bravo, You! You know exactly who You are, and if You still don't get it, it is You. Yes, You. Totally You. None other than You yourself. Don't blame me, though. You have been made. It's all You. You did it to Yourself. I know You must be wondering what You did to feel like You have been blamed for something you either did or did not do. But guess what? All this is Your doing. You have been the cause of Your own downfall. But You know full well this is where it all comes down to. The only question is, what did You do?
Want to find out what You did (and certainly what You did to me)? Well then, You should read it for yourself. Trust me, You will be doing Yourself a massive and eminently rewarding favor. An intriguing and thought-provoking gem!
I offer 4 mind-boggling stars to You, Mr. Benoit. 4 because I cannot stop thinking about You. You disgust(s) me. (clearly referring to the book and not you, dear author. I believe you've done more than enough.) Thinking about You makes me sick and nauseous and giddy and out of breath.. huh, but you see, I'm running out of words to describe You. It's possible everything about You is vile and reprehensible yet You did not fail to astound me, amuse me, beguile me. You are one hell of a book with a story that tampered with the deep recesses of my mind. Bravo, You! You know exactly who You are, and if You still don't get it, it is You. Yes, You. Totally You. None other than You yourself. Don't blame me, though. You have been made. It's all You. You did it to Yourself. I know You must be wondering what You did to feel like You have been blamed for something you either did or did not do. But guess what? All this is Your doing. You have been the cause of Your own downfall. But You know full well this is where it all comes down to. The only question is, what did You do?
Want to find out what You did (and certainly what You did to me)? Well then, You should read it for yourself. Trust me, You will be doing Yourself a massive and eminently rewarding favor. An intriguing and thought-provoking gem!
March 10, 2019
A short book that was meh. It follows high school outcast Kyle and his bad decisions. He doesn't seem to care about school, his grades, or his life really. The story is told backwards in second person, which are the only interesting things about this book. He meets Zach in the principal's office, and he ends up being this creepy weird sociopath who ruins people's lives. He was the other interesting thing about this book. There were no real characters and plot. It was just whatever.
March 26, 2024
it’s not like i hated it but who is this book aimed towards is my question. (what does young adult truly mean)
there wasn’t much to hate or enjoy? nothing really..happened??
yeah the end was decent but besides that and all the corny phrasing through out the book … what did i actually read.
(i need to make a shelf of books i read because i liked the cover…)
there wasn’t much to hate or enjoy? nothing really..happened??
yeah the end was decent but besides that and all the corny phrasing through out the book … what did i actually read.
(i need to make a shelf of books i read because i liked the cover…)
Read
January 15, 2023rtc
January 10, 2011
To be honest, I didn’t know what I was really in store for when I signed up to read You. Insightful teen stories isn’t usually what I look for in a good book. The excerpt doesn’t really give you a good indication of what the story is about other than it being the Life and Times of Kyle Chase. And really, that’s about all the story is. You, while it doesn’t sound all that thrilling and let’s be honest, it really wasn’t that gripping of an account, did have its good moments. You isn’t something you pick up if you want a thrilling, action packed, romantic filled story. If you are looking for something that gives you an honest and true account of a normal teenager and shoves uncomfortable truths down your throat, then You is definitely an excellent choice. As previously stated I normally don’t go for these type of stories. They’re usually not my thing, but I still enjoyed You. Though I contrasted greatly with Kyle (haha my names Kyleigh) I was still able to relate to him. There is teenage angst abound and I have to tend to agree with most of his observations on teachers, school, and life in general. I can project Kyle onto many guys I know. Guy’s who are intelligent but really couldn’t care less about doing homework or getting a job. There’s even a few girls I could relate to Kyle. While you can’t really peg Kyle as a good kid or a troublemaker, I think to the core he is an honest and sweet person. It’s a shame that his decisions ultimately lead him to a tragic end.
Something equally unique and annoying about You is that it is written in second person. It drove me nuts and yet I understood the reason behind it as well. Seriously though, at times it was like nails on a chalkboard for me. I hate reading in second person. Maybe it’s because for the last 7 years of my life my English teachers have beaten it into my head to never use second person while writing. Surprisingly I managed to get over it. No matter how much it drove me nuts. I realized that it makes perfect sense for the story. You is all about conveying the real account of just a normal kid. While reading I’ll admit that I realized some uncomfortable truths about myself and my motivation for doing certain things. That is really the most important realization for the reader when they read this story. The story truly speaks to the reader. Suddenly you are not yourself anymore. YOU are Kyle. This is YOUR story, YOUR life, and YOUR decisions. So in a way, suffering through the second person writing is worth it in the end. It completes the experience so to speak.
If you are looking for something that is refreshing and has a new spin on YA then I would definitely recommend You. It really surprised me, and in the end I was glad I signed up for it. And if you’re a grammar freak like I am, don’t worry. After about fifty pages you’ll get used to the second person narrative. :P
Something equally unique and annoying about You is that it is written in second person. It drove me nuts and yet I understood the reason behind it as well. Seriously though, at times it was like nails on a chalkboard for me. I hate reading in second person. Maybe it’s because for the last 7 years of my life my English teachers have beaten it into my head to never use second person while writing. Surprisingly I managed to get over it. No matter how much it drove me nuts. I realized that it makes perfect sense for the story. You is all about conveying the real account of just a normal kid. While reading I’ll admit that I realized some uncomfortable truths about myself and my motivation for doing certain things. That is really the most important realization for the reader when they read this story. The story truly speaks to the reader. Suddenly you are not yourself anymore. YOU are Kyle. This is YOUR story, YOUR life, and YOUR decisions. So in a way, suffering through the second person writing is worth it in the end. It completes the experience so to speak.
If you are looking for something that is refreshing and has a new spin on YA then I would definitely recommend You. It really surprised me, and in the end I was glad I signed up for it. And if you’re a grammar freak like I am, don’t worry. After about fifty pages you’ll get used to the second person narrative. :P
January 18, 2011
You is a combination problem novel/murder novel about a young 15 year old teen named Kyle who feels disconnected from his school and family. He drifts through life and the only thing that he can get excited about is a girl named Ashley. He had friends, but his underachieving ways land him in another school, as they go on to the school for “smart kids.” His new friends are fellow underachievers, but he has only a thin connection to them. Then Zach arrives. Zach is a brilliant and sadistically manipulative teen who likes to find the weak spot in each person he meets. When he finds Kyle’s weak spot, events lead to murder.
Told in the second person, this novel does a fantastic job of sketching Kyle and his disaffection with life in general. Zach is more a cartoon/Iago like villain. We see him, of course, through Kyle’s eyes, as we see everyone else in the novel. The second person narration adds a level of distance to Kyle’s telling of the story, a distance that suits the personality of the narrator.
The plot is taut and gripping, as we realize that Zach and Kyle will ultimately have a showdown over Zach’s callous manipulation of others. The bloody climax has the inevitability of a Greek tragedy.
Themes of being locked into repetitive self-destructive behavior, with no hope of changing the pattern.
Although powerful in describing teens who are rudderless and feel detached from everything around them, the book’s ending is flawed. Although it is to be expected when we see the world through Kyle’s eyes, Zach is one-dimensional.
Told in the second person, this novel does a fantastic job of sketching Kyle and his disaffection with life in general. Zach is more a cartoon/Iago like villain. We see him, of course, through Kyle’s eyes, as we see everyone else in the novel. The second person narration adds a level of distance to Kyle’s telling of the story, a distance that suits the personality of the narrator.
The plot is taut and gripping, as we realize that Zach and Kyle will ultimately have a showdown over Zach’s callous manipulation of others. The bloody climax has the inevitability of a Greek tragedy.
Themes of being locked into repetitive self-destructive behavior, with no hope of changing the pattern.
Although powerful in describing teens who are rudderless and feel detached from everything around them, the book’s ending is flawed. Although it is to be expected when we see the world through Kyle’s eyes, Zach is one-dimensional.
October 24, 2010
15 year old Kyle Chase belongs to the Hoodie Group because of his choice of attire. He goes to the loser school Midlands while his high-achieving friends attend Odyssey. Kyle refers to the scar on his hand several times but never really tells us what happened. He's failing most of his classes and only comes alive when he encounters Ashley, the girl of his dreams. However, he never dares to tell her his feelings until it is too late. Kyle is coasting through life - drinking, hanging out, entering but not breaking into the school, and generally disappointing his parents until a new star streaks across his horizon. Zach McDade, a quoter of Shakespeare, a master of the risque statement, savior from bullies, and master manipulator is expelled from private school and arrives at Midlands. Kyle is alternately enthralled and repelled by Zach until the final confrontation in front of the trophy case. I had hoped to like this book but I didn't. It was one of the most depressing books I have read. Zach was truly diabolical and loathsome. I also felt sorry for Kyle because no one seemed to care enough about him to make an effort to find out what cause his malaise and his frequent outbursts of uncontrollable anger. His parents should have cared but seemed to focus their energies on his five year old sister who was certainly more lovable. But sometimes the unlovable ones like Kyle are the ones who need to be loved the most.
February 11, 2016
The first part of the book really hooks you. The first couple of lines talk about being surprised by all the blood, and how this isn't supposed to be happening. That sounds really intriguing right?! The story backs up and works it way back around to the first page again, so that you know what is happening and who is bleeding and why it's too late for anyone to help.
The main character is so passive and boring, I found him extremely unlikeable. The book is very short so I was able to finish it in just a couple of hours, but I kept wanting it to be over.
I'm not going to say anything about what happens, because finding out what the first page is all about is the only reason to read this book. I didn't find this book exciting like it should have been. I don't think the writing was great. The characters weren't realistic to me, and were really boring. Meh. Not for me.
A longer review will be posted at www.vivacioushobo.com on June 23rd
The main character is so passive and boring, I found him extremely unlikeable. The book is very short so I was able to finish it in just a couple of hours, but I kept wanting it to be over.
I'm not going to say anything about what happens, because finding out what the first page is all about is the only reason to read this book. I didn't find this book exciting like it should have been. I don't think the writing was great. The characters weren't realistic to me, and were really boring. Meh. Not for me.
A longer review will be posted at www.vivacioushobo.com on June 23rd
March 17, 2013
You by Charles Benoit is a 240-page realistic fiction book about a teenager named Kyle that made some bad decisions in middle school. He is now part of the 'Hoodies', a social drop-out group, and his life isn't very interesting until he meets Zack, a private-school transfer. Zack likes to mess with people's lives, and he takes special interest in Kyle. Zack pushes him to the point where he does something really stupid which was to break into the trophy case to get his crush's underwear.
Personally, I thought the book was okay. Although I knew the second-person point of view was supposed to let me fill in the character gaps, it made Kyle feel vague and underdeveloped. Other than that, the book was pretty interesting - it was suspenseful and well-written.
Personally, I thought the book was okay. Although I knew the second-person point of view was supposed to let me fill in the character gaps, it made Kyle feel vague and underdeveloped. Other than that, the book was pretty interesting - it was suspenseful and well-written.
May 12, 2010
Written in second person, this reads with an intensity that works well with the subject. Kyle is on a collision course. He is shut down, self absorbed and self incriminating. Some high school age readers will find pieces of Kyle's life to identify with- the isolation, manipulation, emotional reticence, slacker non-friends mixing a cocktail of despair. He is angry and depressed when he finds himself in the sights of pathologically cruel Zach. Zach amuses himself by manipulating people. His motive for focusing on Kyle, getting to know him and trying to crush him emotionally remains a mystery to me. The book does not culminate or resolve, it crashes.
December 25, 2010
Kyle Chase is the average fifteen-year-old sophomore - he hangs with the outcasts, never does his homework, and is a disappointment to his family. However, his life becomes much more than that when Zach, a new kid expelled from his previous private school, comes to Midlands. You become Kyle and experience what he goes through, and you will never be the same.
Uniquely written and creepily exciting, You is a great book for reluctant male readers or any person that enjoys a fast-paced story. The second-person narrative was refreshing and well-done.
Want to read more of my reviews? Follow me at: http://thomasle18.wordpress.com/
Uniquely written and creepily exciting, You is a great book for reluctant male readers or any person that enjoys a fast-paced story. The second-person narrative was refreshing and well-done.
Want to read more of my reviews? Follow me at: http://thomasle18.wordpress.com/
July 8, 2019
I’m giving this three stars because even though I just finished it yesterday, it was infinitely forgettable and I remember almost nothing about it. I feel that there was so much more that could’ve been explained so much more that could’ve gone in depth. Why did people do the things they do? Does the main character actually die? It isn’t left intentionally open I don’t think, but it’s left open in a way that’s just frustrating and it doesn’t tie up the book.
August 30, 2011
Benoit slices high school open and lays its steaming, stinking entrails on a stainless steel table, ready for the reader's autopsy.
October 31, 2018
The drama novel “You” by Charles Benoit follows 15 year old Kyle Chase through a dramatic few months of tenth grade. After being forced to go to a different high school than his friends due to poor grades, Kyle begins to hang out with a sketchy cast of characters. He and his friends enjoy drinking beer, smoking, vandalising, and a long list of activities that run afoul of the law. Throughout the book, he tries to impress Ashley Bianchi, a girl he’s liked for a while. He also meets a new schoolmate named Zack McDade, who seems mildly annoying at first, but after interactions with him and his acquaintances, he soon learns of Zack’s nefarious intentions.
The novel’s narrative provides an interesting way of storytelling. Instead of using first person narration, it uses second person narration, as if you were Kyle. This creates a feeling of the events happening to Kyle, but also you, the reader and a very dark, ominous mood. A good example of this is, “You feel your breath catch and your stomach cramp, your knees threaten to buckle, and you see your reflection sway.” The author also provides glimpses into Kyle’s mind, which allows you to understand what he’s thinking. My favorite scenes from the book are Zack's party and the ending, because you get a taste of what Zack really is.
The characters are very convincing too. Kyle’s thoughts, like not wanting a job and hating school are typical of some teens. He is a rebel who does what he wants. The character of Zack is rather carefree, daring, and a bit of an evil mastermind. After appearing as a mild annoyance to Kyle, he slowly begins to manipulate and destroy Kyle’s life at school. Another element of this novel is Charles Benoit’s way of keeping the reader hooked. The novel starts at the end, giving you no context about what is unfolding, then flashes back to a few months earlier, describing the events that lead up to the end. The thrilling writing style keeps you wanting more.
The novel’s narrative provides an interesting way of storytelling. Instead of using first person narration, it uses second person narration, as if you were Kyle. This creates a feeling of the events happening to Kyle, but also you, the reader and a very dark, ominous mood. A good example of this is, “You feel your breath catch and your stomach cramp, your knees threaten to buckle, and you see your reflection sway.” The author also provides glimpses into Kyle’s mind, which allows you to understand what he’s thinking. My favorite scenes from the book are Zack's party and the ending, because you get a taste of what Zack really is.
The characters are very convincing too. Kyle’s thoughts, like not wanting a job and hating school are typical of some teens. He is a rebel who does what he wants. The character of Zack is rather carefree, daring, and a bit of an evil mastermind. After appearing as a mild annoyance to Kyle, he slowly begins to manipulate and destroy Kyle’s life at school. Another element of this novel is Charles Benoit’s way of keeping the reader hooked. The novel starts at the end, giving you no context about what is unfolding, then flashes back to a few months earlier, describing the events that lead up to the end. The thrilling writing style keeps you wanting more.
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