Title: Survive The Night
Author: Riley Sager
What’s it about?
All Charlie wanted to do was get away from the nightmare her college life became. Her roommate and best friend was murdered, most likely by a serial killer named the Campus Killer. Cheesy name? Yes, but that’s beside the point. Charlie hasn’t driven since her parents were killed in a car accident so she needs someone to drive her home. In this case, home is where her grandmother lives which is a few states away. Enter Josh. He is heading home to take care of his father that recently had a stroke. He wants someone to share the cost of gas with and have some company for the long ride. At least, that is what he initially told Charlie. Over the course of the drive, things start getting a bit wild with Charlie unable to tell what is real and what isn’t. See, Charlie has a condition where she can’t handle the stress of reality so her mind conjures up delusions to escape into. Set in a time period where everyone doesn’t have a cell phone in their pocket Charlie begins a confusing and dangerous game with her life as the stakes.
Did I like it?
I enjoyed reading this book. In fact, I ended up reading it in one day because I found it so enjoyable. Do I think it is fine literature? Absolutely not. Do I think it was a bit of fun escapism? Absolutely yes. From different reviews I’ve seen I get the impression people either liked the book or didn’t. I can understand why for the most part. Without getting into spoiler territory it’s hard to address specific complaints so I’ll just say some of the main complaints just didn’t bother me. One complaint I will address is people thinking it was dumb Charlie didn’t wait the extra few days so her boyfriend could drive her. I’d like to point out, minor spoilers I guess, that the reason she decided she couldn’t wait was that she was breaking up with him. I can’t blame her for not wanting to get in a car with him for many hours and then dump him when they got there. It would be kind of a jerk move on her part as well.
Who would I recommend it to?
I’d recommend this book to a variety of different people. The subject matter places it solidly in adult fiction but I think people that normally stick with YA fiction could find it enjoyable. Depending on the teen I could see them enjoying it as well. I’ve heard people say this book is a thriller which I guess is true. I’d go more with psychological thriller if I had to keep it in that category but I think it’s more a mystery with psychological elements.
Charlie is a movie buff so the book is filled with movie talk and references. I didn’t find it annoying but I could see that being a turn-off for some people.
I’m not sure it would be a good fit for a book club. I don’t think the plot is strong enough to support an in-depth analysis. Maybe if it is a movie-themed group? There are a lot of references.
Did I purchase it?
I got this book through the Book of the Month club as an add-on. I do not plan on making it a permanent part of my collection.
Rating 4/5