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hdbblog's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely not my favorite Palahniuk book, but there is actually a lot to Damned that I did in fact love. First off, Madison. Her attitude about Hell was hilariously glib and she was an enigma for most of the story. It might have been because the narrator of the audio book was so good at portraying this young and very matter of fact girl, but I loved her almost instantly. Madison definitely makes the book.
Also, when the synopsis says that this is "The Breakfast Club" in Hell, they really aren't kidding. Palahniuk has given the reader a wide array of characters to enjoy while exploring this dark, damp (and often gross) land of the dead. You have your punk rocker with a heart of gold. The jock who isn't as brave as he seems. Even the perfect cheerleader type, complete with fake blond hair and white shoes after labor day, makes an appearance. These characters take the reader on a wild ride.
What was a miss for me in this book was really the ending. I know a lot of people disliked Damned entirely, but I was honestly extremely invested until the ending of the book. It almost felt like a cop out to me. I get that Palahniuk is unpredictable. In fact, that's usually what draws me to his books. However I felt like I was missing something important that left a hole in my reading of this book. Not sure what, but it's definitely not there.
Anyway this rambling is simply meant to share that I did actually really enjoy listening to Damned, despite any flaws that it might have! Madison and her motley crew take the reader on a ride unlike any other. The ride through Hell itself. Don't go into this one expecting anything stunningly poignant, but rather go into it expecting the unexpected. Do that, and you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Also, when the synopsis says that this is "The Breakfast Club" in Hell, they really aren't kidding. Palahniuk has given the reader a wide array of characters to enjoy while exploring this dark, damp (and often gross) land of the dead. You have your punk rocker with a heart of gold. The jock who isn't as brave as he seems. Even the perfect cheerleader type, complete with fake blond hair and white shoes after labor day, makes an appearance. These characters take the reader on a wild ride.
What was a miss for me in this book was really the ending. I know a lot of people disliked Damned entirely, but I was honestly extremely invested until the ending of the book. It almost felt like a cop out to me. I get that Palahniuk is unpredictable. In fact, that's usually what draws me to his books. However I felt like I was missing something important that left a hole in my reading of this book. Not sure what, but it's definitely not there.
Anyway this rambling is simply meant to share that I did actually really enjoy listening to Damned, despite any flaws that it might have! Madison and her motley crew take the reader on a ride unlike any other. The ride through Hell itself. Don't go into this one expecting anything stunningly poignant, but rather go into it expecting the unexpected. Do that, and you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
johnnyanxiety's review against another edition
3.0
Good story that abruptly ended. If there really is a sequel book I have no idea how it could be any longer than a few chapters. Of there isn't a sequel than what a letdown.
tmmarkos's review against another edition
2.0
Let's see:
Weird sexual experiences? Check.
Repeated snappy catchphrases? Check.
Self-absorbed but well meaning parental figures? Check.
A generally unlikable protagonist? Check.
A little bit of gross violence? Check.
I like Palahniuk. I've loved several of his books. But this felt more like someone took their quirky idea and ran it through the Chuck Palahniuk Novel Generator. All of the cliches, none of the charm. Meh.
Weird sexual experiences? Check.
Repeated snappy catchphrases? Check.
Self-absorbed but well meaning parental figures? Check.
A generally unlikable protagonist? Check.
A little bit of gross violence? Check.
I like Palahniuk. I've loved several of his books. But this felt more like someone took their quirky idea and ran it through the Chuck Palahniuk Novel Generator. All of the cliches, none of the charm. Meh.
ashsaxreadsstacks's review against another edition
3.0
Struggling to accept that every Palahniuk book I read can't be 5 stars.
queenpluto's review against another edition
4.0
I just think its very funny that some people are commenting that a thirteen year old girl would never think or speak or act like Maddy Spencer.
clearly, many of you were never a thirteen year old girl.
hope this helps!
clearly, many of you were never a thirteen year old girl.
hope this helps!
tiedyedude's review against another edition
4.0
There was a great idea behind this book. A 13-year-old girl narrates her time in Hell, alternating to her previous life and how she died. It took me a while to get into it, but that seems to be the case with the last few Palahniuk books.
stormbornarchive's review against another edition
4.0
It's like Dante's Inferno meets the Breakfast Club. The plot is written in a fast and entertaining way, that it gives you a virtual tour of quirky hell. I just find some parts weird, but it has Palahniuk's fingerprints all over the place. Fun read indeed :)
jcayala76's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
thouser's review against another edition
5.0
Another great Palahniuk! He still remains one of my favorite authors.
clambisquick's review against another edition
4.0
I actually listened to the audio. I think if I were to have read this novel, I wouldn't have liked it as much. having a teenage sounding girl read it constantly reminded me she was young, otherwise; I would have thought (by the way she spoke) that she was college educated. but hey, a 13 year old girl in hell.. interesting enough. the bigger picture was, what's wrong with us is on earth we expect it to feel like heaven... but its not... and it never will be.