The book Joe is reading at the end of YOU season five reveals a disturbing truth about him

So, Joe Goldberg finally ends up behind bars in YOU season five, and surprise, surprise—he’s still reading. But the book he’s flipping through in his prison cell is no coincidence. It’s deeply symbolic of his character and mindset.

So, what exactly is Joe reading?

via Netflix

The book Joe is reading at the end of YOU season five is called The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer. The book is a true crime novel that follows the story of Gary Gilmore, a murderer who becomes infamous for being the first person executed in the U.S. after the reinstatement of the death penalty. What’s significant here is that Gilmore, like Joe, became a notorious figure, but unlike Joe, he ultimately accepted responsibility for his actions.

So, why would Joe choose this book?

via Netflix

Joe has always struggled with his own guilt. Throughout the series, he tries to justify his actions, seeing himself as a misunderstood hero in his own story. He’s never fully admitted that he’s a killer. The Executioner’s Song is the perfect book for someone like Joe. He is a man who sees himself as a victim of society rather than someone who needs to take responsibility for his actions. As Joe finishes the book, he starts to think about how “unfair” his punishment is. This only deepens his belief that the real problem isn’t him, but everyone else.

Joe Begging Louise to kill him

via Netflix

Most Read

Good lord, Bonnie Blue opened up about what Beavo was like in bed and I’m traumatised

‘We were never in love’: Tori heartbreakingly speaks out about why she and Jack split after MAFS

Netflix has launched a brand new subtitle option for YOU, and it’s a game-changer

Joe isn’t facing execution in the usual way, but the idea of death as an escape is something he deeply relates to. In a chilling moment, he begs Louise to kill him, showing his fear of facing what he’s done. Joe can’t bear the thought of being alone in prison. Instead of dealing with his crimes, he wants to avoid the isolation at all costs. This mirrors the story in The Executioner’s Song, where Gary Gilmore seeks death as an escape. Joe’s desperation to avoid the consequences of his actions highlights his unwillingness to take responsibility for the monster he is.

Season five of YOU is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

Featured image via Netflix.