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andrewgvnn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
johnvferrigno's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
samolineux's review against another edition
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
3.75
alexnaderwrites's review against another edition
4.0
I heard this book was recommended by Chuck Palahniuk a while back and was nervous about reading it. A couple weeks ago I saw it mentioned again on a different list, so I figured I'd give it a try and I'm glad I did.
Handbook reads very much like a Palahniuk novel to me, but it's somehow more entertaining. All of the thoughts and notes main character Johnny Vincent makes over the course of the book are insightful as to his state of mind and interesting.
It's worth noting that through the majority of the novel there is very little tension to me. No huge danger, just a guy who wants to pass a psych evaluation so he can get back home. It's interesting reading, but there's not a lot of suspense. That changed for me somewhere around 87% percent. That last 10% I refused to put the book down.
Great writing and I will be back for more of Clevenger's work, I'm sure of it.
Handbook reads very much like a Palahniuk novel to me, but it's somehow more entertaining. All of the thoughts and notes main character Johnny Vincent makes over the course of the book are insightful as to his state of mind and interesting.
It's worth noting that through the majority of the novel there is very little tension to me. No huge danger, just a guy who wants to pass a psych evaluation so he can get back home. It's interesting reading, but there's not a lot of suspense. That changed for me somewhere around 87% percent. That last 10% I refused to put the book down.
Great writing and I will be back for more of Clevenger's work, I'm sure of it.
mariocomputer's review against another edition
4.0
So far, almost overly Palahniuk-esque. Paranoid, cynical, misanthropic, arrogant. I'm glad he's given some character background, though, because it makes the protagonist somewhat sympathetic. Otherwise I think he'd be intolerable.
........
It had a really good ending. Still very, very Palahniuk-esque, minus any fantastic/supernatural elements.
........
It had a really good ending. Still very, very Palahniuk-esque, minus any fantastic/supernatural elements.
bookeared's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
michaellouisdixon's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic story and captivating prose. I will look for more Craig Clevenger.
kmdudley's review against another edition
5.0
the contortionists handbook holds such a special place for me. i read this book on average of twice per year and each time i read it im completely blown away by what craig clevenger has pulled off with this novel. its so profoundly human while also telling one of the weirdest stories i have ever read. although this is my favorite novel i have ever read, so i may be biased, this is a story i recommend time and time again to everyone who will listen.