rmgebhardt's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as other Palahniuk books, but it was still decently engaging. It was very weird, however, in that it felt like a Stephen King story but told through Palahniuk's writing style. I was not expecting the pseudo-supernatural thrust of the latter part of the novel and I struggled a bit to take away from from Diary what the real themes being portrayed were. I felt a little unfulfilled as I finished it, but I might just need some more time for the story to sit with me to sink in.
katebol's review against another edition
4.0
When I read this book as a teenager, it was a five star book for me. It was my first Palahniuk novel. The first time I’d read anything like it - subversive, vulgar, funny, strange. I loved his writing style and I still do. The repetition, the use of second person, the satire I didn’t(don’t) get, stuff that feels profound at 17, but is it really? What you don’t understand, you can make mean anything.
This is a three star book for me now, reading it fifteen years later. The absolute physicality of it puts me off now. The needles, the vomit, the descriptions of bodies. He really wants to and has the ability to put you right in there. Can you feel this?
This is a three star book for me now, reading it fifteen years later. The absolute physicality of it puts me off now. The needles, the vomit, the descriptions of bodies. He really wants to and has the ability to put you right in there. Can you feel this?
books_n_bananas's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this one. Is it one of Palahniuk's best? No. Is it a good read? Sure! Palahniuk incorporates some very interesting themes into a subpar story..
Like reincarnation? A little tacky.
But the themes of helplessness over your own life and your own fate? Now we're talking. The writing is beautiful and poetic. Very Palahniuk. And as always, he explores some real themes and beliefs about life.
But this plot line was a little less than realistic. If you were a fan of the plot in 'Lullaby,' this might be a good read.
Like reincarnation? A little tacky.
But the themes of helplessness over your own life and your own fate? Now we're talking. The writing is beautiful and poetic. Very Palahniuk. And as always, he explores some real themes and beliefs about life.
But this plot line was a little less than realistic. If you were a fan of the plot in 'Lullaby,' this might be a good read.
nik_snowflake's review against another edition
4.0
Was def a palahniuk book! I enjoyed getting lost in it. He always paint such vivid pictures of what he wants you to see. Enjoyed. ;)
summerdreams56's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm giving this 3.75 stars but I really don't know how to feel about this book. The beginning was strong for me, but a bit confusing. By the middle of the book I had no idea where the story was going and I was forcing myself to continue. But by the last 50 pages or so I was speed reading in a frenzy because I just wanted to know what happens. The book had a great way of describing the dark and disturbing things happening and while reading it I felt like I was slowly going mad along with the main character. I will say it was super disturbing because I too grew up in poverty with a single mom, then went to art school, dropped out and am now getting married. So that was also creepy for me personally haha. I liked how certain themes and phrases kept repeating. But I will say I was confused for most of the book and that's part of why I'm giving it a lower score.
safsaf118's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
ZERO STARS. Horrible, awful, one of the worst I’ve ever read. A waste of paper, I’m genuinely shocked - not only did someone write this thinking it was worthy of being told but they also felt the need to share it with the rest of the world. Just a terrible, terrible story that’s weird beyond words and gross. Hated every second.
aliencatl0rd's review against another edition
1.0
Don't read this book, it's terrible.
It's unbelievably repetitive and winds around on itself so many times that I estimate the actual story in chronological order to be closer to 100 pages or less. Yes, I'm saying that about 150 pages of this is repeated material. I wish I were kidding.
The story is a decent idea and unique, however it is half-assed, far too brief, and underdeveloped. I could easily summarize the entirety of it in a paragraph.
It's unbelievably repetitive and winds around on itself so many times that I estimate the actual story in chronological order to be closer to 100 pages or less. Yes, I'm saying that about 150 pages of this is repeated material. I wish I were kidding.
The story is a decent idea and unique, however it is half-assed, far too brief, and underdeveloped. I could easily summarize the entirety of it in a paragraph.
bookhawk's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Any Chuck Palahniuk book is a unique experience. Credit to Palahniuk for having novel ideas and writing techniques that simply set him apart from other authors. There is an element of Diary that reminds me of Vonnegut’s books. I didn’t love this story as much as the way he told it. A solid 3.5 stars that may grow on methe more reflect on it. Recommended fora distinct change of pace read.
crikhopit's review against another edition
3.0
Diary was my first forray into the mind of Chuck Palahniuk...and...it was weird. He's a clever writer, but oh man, I had no idea what was going on half the time.
His writing reminds me of Christopher Moore, who I love, so maybe I'll give him another chance.
His writing reminds me of Christopher Moore, who I love, so maybe I'll give him another chance.
ausurzha's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0