johnvferrigno's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
samolineux's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
alexnaderwrites's review
4.0
I heard this book was recommended by Chuck Palahniuk a while back and was nervous about reading it. A couple weeks ago I saw it mentioned again on a different list, so I figured I'd give it a try and I'm glad I did.
Handbook reads very much like a Palahniuk novel to me, but it's somehow more entertaining. All of the thoughts and notes main character Johnny Vincent makes over the course of the book are insightful as to his state of mind and interesting.
It's worth noting that through the majority of the novel there is very little tension to me. No huge danger, just a guy who wants to pass a psych evaluation so he can get back home. It's interesting reading, but there's not a lot of suspense. That changed for me somewhere around 87% percent. That last 10% I refused to put the book down.
Great writing and I will be back for more of Clevenger's work, I'm sure of it.
Handbook reads very much like a Palahniuk novel to me, but it's somehow more entertaining. All of the thoughts and notes main character Johnny Vincent makes over the course of the book are insightful as to his state of mind and interesting.
It's worth noting that through the majority of the novel there is very little tension to me. No huge danger, just a guy who wants to pass a psych evaluation so he can get back home. It's interesting reading, but there's not a lot of suspense. That changed for me somewhere around 87% percent. That last 10% I refused to put the book down.
Great writing and I will be back for more of Clevenger's work, I'm sure of it.
mariocomputer's review against another edition
4.0
So far, almost overly Palahniuk-esque. Paranoid, cynical, misanthropic, arrogant. I'm glad he's given some character background, though, because it makes the protagonist somewhat sympathetic. Otherwise I think he'd be intolerable.
........
It had a really good ending. Still very, very Palahniuk-esque, minus any fantastic/supernatural elements.
........
It had a really good ending. Still very, very Palahniuk-esque, minus any fantastic/supernatural elements.
bookeared's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
michaellouisdixon's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic story and captivating prose. I will look for more Craig Clevenger.
mariemariemariemariemarie's review against another edition
5.0
the contortionists handbook holds such a special place for me. i read this book on average of twice per year and each time i read it im completely blown away by what craig clevenger has pulled off with this novel. its so profoundly human while also telling one of the weirdest stories i have ever read. although this is my favorite novel i have ever read, so i may be biased, this is a story i recommend time and time again to everyone who will listen.
annelienvan's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It was highly original, short and cleverly written. The contortionist that's mentioned in the title is a man who gets really bad migraines and changes his identity often. The rest I'll leave for you to read in this very charming book.
ghilimei's review against another edition
4.0
Mi-a plăcut atât de mult cartea asta încât nici n-am terminat-o bine și mă gândesc s-o citesc din nou. Am citit-o pe nerăsuflate și mi-e teamă că am trecut prea repede peste anumite paragrafe, că nu i-am acordat suficientă atenție. Acum îmi pare rău că nu am subliniat paragrafele care mi-au atras atenția ca să revin asupra lor. În sensul rău, cele 4 stele vin de la faptul că sfârșitul mi s-a părut prea simplu la cât de încâlcite sunt ițele narative. În sensul bun, cele 4 stele vin de la micile detalii care au făcut lectura savuroasă, de la micile indicii sau simple artificii care au făcut-o tridimensională - micile lucruri pe care le observăm cu vederea periferică, pe care le înregistrăm fără să ne dăm seama în timp ce ne gândim la altceva, care se interpun involuntar timp de câteva secunde peste șirul conștient al gândurilor, dar care declanșează seriile de conexiuni care ne alcătuiesc lumea interioară și ne tapetează mintea cu imagini și senzații care uneori se asamblează săptămâni mai târziu. „Sometimes I can be so smart and sometimes I can be so stupid„ - paradoxul unui „contorsionist„ care este mereu atent la ce face și la ce spune, care își calculează mereu mișcările ca la șah, dar care uneori nu vede și nu prevede cele mai evidente lucruri. Ah, și mi-a plăcut extrem de mult explicația contorsionistului din titlu :)