This book isn’t new. Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects was published in 2006. Recently, I’ve been watching the T.V. series that was picked up by HBO and it… is… amazing! I have never watched a show or movie that has as accurately represented the book as this one. It is practically done word for word, scene by scene. That being said, I recommend giving the show a try. But please read the book first. Gillian Flynn easily makes my top five favorite authors of all-time list. She is witty and dark and everything I crave in an author. She will make you laugh, she’ll make you smirk, and she’ll most definitely make you cringe. Her characters are real. They swear, smoke, drink, and are just utterly imperfect.
As of 2018, Flynn has published three novels and one novella. All her books explore the darkness and violence women are capable of. This is a unique topic considering it was often skirted around in literature until more recently. Flynn is probably best known for Gone Girl, which was made into a movie in 2014. However, Gone Girl has nothing on Sharp Objects. There is something truly disturbing about these characters that I love. No one is in this story is without their dirty secret. So if you're looking for a good psychological thriller, this is the book for you. I guarantee you’ll have a hard time putting it down. Flynn’s sharp wit and insight into human flaws has created characters that will haunt you long after you've finished this book.
What's the Plot?
A journalist, Camille Preaker, is sent back to her small Missouri hometown to cover the disturbing murders of two preteen girls. All the while, she struggles with past demons she has tried to keep under wraps for years. And her not-so-loving-mother only makes things worse.
“Sometimes I think illness sits inside every woman, waiting for the right moment to bloom. I have known so many sick women all my life. Women with chronic pain, with ever-gestating diseases. Women with conditions. Men, sure, they have bone snaps, they have backaches, they have a surgery or two, yank out a tonsil, insert a shiny plastic hip. Women get consumed.”
-Gillian Flynn (Sharp Objects)
Whatcha Drinkin'?
For those of you that have read Sharp Objects, you might understand why I chose an Amaretto Sour as my accompanying cocktail. Throughout the book, Camille’s mother often drinks Amaretto Sours with her husband on the porch. The cocktail is referenced numerous times throughout the novel, almost as much as sweet tea. Being from New England, Amaretto Sours are not the most popular drink here. At least not as popular as they seem to be in Missouri. So, this is a new recipe for me. However, I have to say this was surprisingly delicious. I’ve discovered I like my sours sour (for lack of better words) which is why I limited the amount of simple syrup. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. The only thing I recommend is not skimping on the lemon juice. I don’t care what anyone else says, sour mix CANNOT compare to the taste of fresh-squeezed lemons! Go ahead, change my mind...
Amaretto Sour
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Yield: 1 serving
Total time: 5 minutes
What You Need:
- 1.5 ounces Amaretto liqueur (1 shot glass)
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup*
- 1 orange slice
What You Do:
1. Pour Amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with orange slice if desired. Serve immediately.
*No need to buy premade simple syrup. Make your own by dissolving equal parts water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to room temperature before use. Extras can be stored in a glass container for up to two weeks.
**I've also tried this recipe without any simple syrup. For my taste, it worked just fine. I found the Amaretto to be sweet enough on its own.