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bernardblack's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Capitalism this, anarchism that, let's talk about the "intricate rituals" that men construct, in order to touch the skin of other men, now THAT'S what this book is about
eyedrop's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
tense
fast-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? Yes
0.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Terminal illness
pastelhellion's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The first third is a bit of a slog and is a bit incoherent, but from there it really shows why it is a classic.
Nihilism, anarchism and anti-capitalism on steroids. But mostly nihilism. The snowball effect of starting something, a movement and having it not be yours -becoming its own entity, was carried out so well (almost Life of Brian-esque). Every character is deeply unlikable, but is relatable in the most mundane way, that even though you despise them...you can see part of yourself in them.
I've never seen the movie, but I think I will so I can compare, or see if I take in anything new.
Nihilism, anarchism and anti-capitalism on steroids. But mostly nihilism. The snowball effect of starting something, a movement and having it not be yours -becoming its own entity, was carried out so well (almost Life of Brian-esque). Every character is deeply unlikable, but is relatable in the most mundane way, that even though you despise them...you can see part of yourself in them.
I've never seen the movie, but I think I will so I can compare, or see if I take in anything new.
jbran24's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i plead the first
kgarciabug's review against another edition
4.0
The first rule of Fight Club is that you don't talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is that you don't talk about Fight Club.
tieganc's review against another edition
dark
fast-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? Yes
2.75
caitlincrtr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cancer, Death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
lonely_tardigrade's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Violence, Excrement, Car accident, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Cancer, Fatphobia, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Rape, Forced institutionalization, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
a_burning_teacup's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
colinfdavis's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars |
This is not a book I would have picked up without it being a book club choice. I saw the movie many time, I still love it, mostly due to the technical choices made by Fincher and his team. I wasn't a fan of Lullaby, so I didn't feel the urge to read any more Palahniuk. That being said, I'm glad I read this. It takes a new meaning 25 or so years later with the fans of this movie having grown up and feeling more disenfranchised than ever. It's pretty scary to see the way that hyper, toxic masculinity has evolved in the last few decades and I can't help but feel this story had something to do with it. It's incredible when satire turns into reality and I have my doubts Palahniuk intended for the message of this book to be misconstrued by so many, as outlined in the afterwords at the end of this edition. I wish more people would read this for what it is, a cutting satire about pre-2000, late capitalism, toxic masculinity.
This is not a book I would have picked up without it being a book club choice. I saw the movie many time, I still love it, mostly due to the technical choices made by Fincher and his team. I wasn't a fan of Lullaby, so I didn't feel the urge to read any more Palahniuk. That being said, I'm glad I read this. It takes a new meaning 25 or so years later with the fans of this movie having grown up and feeling more disenfranchised than ever. It's pretty scary to see the way that hyper, toxic masculinity has evolved in the last few decades and I can't help but feel this story had something to do with it. It's incredible when satire turns into reality and I have my doubts Palahniuk intended for the message of this book to be misconstrued by so many, as outlined in the afterwords at the end of this edition. I wish more people would read this for what it is, a cutting satire about pre-2000, late capitalism, toxic masculinity.