Reviews

Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey by Chuck Palahniuk

thouser's review against another edition

5.0

This book is absolutely brilliant. Ive been wanting to visit it again very soon.

_readwithash's review against another edition

4.0

I just read this, and I already think I need to re-read it. There are things I undoubtedly missed, and I am already eager to explore this book further.

Fair warning though, there is a lot about this book that I did not like. Notably, it's pretty gross. If i didn't have a friend who was waiting on me to finish, I probably would have put the book down within the first few chapters. 

If you're an audiobook girly, I recommend this one wholeheartedly, it's full cast, and it really contributes to the world Palahniuk reveals. 

And finally, you rarely see such masterful story telling. The way this story is revealed shows that even with his less beloved works, Palahniuk is more artist than author. 

jbrownleo's review against another edition

3.0

So, this definitely wasn’t my favorite book by Palahniuk. To be fair, i feel like I feel like my inferior mind has missed the brilliance of his writing, because, let’s face it, his writing is use quite brilliant...but I really didn’t get this one. I was hooked in the beginning, enjoying the unique format of the story, laughing at the characters, slowing figuring bits and pieces out. Then BAM! The story takes this crazy turn and I’m left wondering wtf happened? It was weird how the whole story shifted more than halfway through the book!
So, anyhow, still a big fan of his work, just didn’t dig this one. It happens. Still feel like I missed something though.

ashtronomic's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense 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

2.5

 A novel with interesting ideas, but which doesn’t know when to stop.

I finished Rant because there were some really interesting concepts held within it, but I did struggle. There are so many unique bits of plot that are explored in great detail and are absolutely gripping. However, they are barely connected as a narrative whole. Often the book would ruminate on a topic and then suddenly forget it ever happened.

Also, each great idea is sandwiched between unnecessarily long, grotesque scenes. I’m not squeamish, I love horror and handle graphic scenes without trouble. However, I do require those moments to have a reason to exist. Otherwise, it feels like the author is just being edgy or fetishistic. Chuck Palahniuk novels come with an expectation of intense writing, but in Rant, the obscene felt over-the-top and unending; well past the point of having any meaning. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death and Rape

unfortunatecircus's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny informative mysterious

Palahniuk is one of my favorite authors, but this was.... so... I don't even know.

I also  watched the movie Prime right before the whole time travel bit starts up so my brain is totally melted.

this went to a place I did not expect at all. I'm not mad though? the only way I can reread this is if I skip Irene's memory near the end. IYKYK. otherwise I'd love to go back with the context of the rest of the story. honestly I would have loved to keep reading in this strange (yet strangely mundane?) alternate history novel! what a weird book.

breanda's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.25

stjernesvarme's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

satellitehabits's review against another edition

5.0

13th review of 2021: Damn this was weird but so good. Seriously even if you think you don’t like Palahniuk pick this up. The way he weaves this story together is masterful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

minimarcus's review against another edition

challenging dark funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

katiereitzel's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0