Reviews

We follow the college stories of Sean Bateman, Lauren Hynde and Paul Denton, told from both their own and their peers' perspectives. They are all messy characters, and their world involves a lot of drugs, identity crises, and sex.

I loved how we get a glimpse into everyone's head and how each experiences the same things differently. In typical Ellis style (never mind that this is only the second book I've read of his), the book is quite gloomy and dark, but it doesn't read as a heavy book per se, and the satirical tone of voice is so well done that it's almost comical at times.

Though not universal, the college experience that is depicted in The Rules of Attraction has at least a few elements that are relatable. The anonimity on a big campus, the unwritten rules of how to socialize and maintain relationships, and that the actual learning bit of college isn't even the main thing a day revolves around.

Another (definitely less sinister but still dark) highly enjoyable read of Bret Easton Ellis! Can't wait to read more of his oeuvre.

kuraishinju's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

tallsaint's review against another edition

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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

1.0

Pointless. Heavily misogynist. Only good parts are when they mention the bands they're listening to. I would have honestly had more fun with my hand in a saw trap.

baamofnight's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective sad medium-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

3.0

sophwest's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book so much I'm not sure how to express it, and a little worried about myself.
The use of the povs to contradict each other, and bring the reader into a different level of awareness, the way it felt like you were in on this big joke. Some of the most intelligent and effective writing, for me personally, that I have ever come across. This book was hilarious and upsetting and awful and perfect.

The way I squealed when clay quotes himself was ridiculous but it really just felt like I was a part of something!!! I was in on it with my buddy Bret!

Also, the audio book of this was just brilliantly performed