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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While better than a few of his previous books, Palahniuk has descended from a clever new take on storytelling into a dark hole of shock for the sake of shock value. The craft is still solid as ever and this is a decent read if you're okay with listening to a dead 13-year-old girl for a few hundred pages. Any fans of Chuck should read this book. Non fans should go read Fight Club, Invisible Monsters, and Survivor then decide if you should continue with his repertoire.
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Being an obsessed Palahniuk reader for years, it's hard for me to not have high expectations of his new books and therefore have those expectations crushed each time. Damned is an interesting book overall, with ideas thrown around, humor and irony, and a completely new view on the Hell and afterlife. But it still doesn't stand a chance in comparison to Choke or even Invisible Monsters. A cliffhanger ending doesn't benefit much to the case, either - I was waiting for the somewhat weak story to be at least resolved in the end, and instead got an unexpected plot twist and the always-annoying "to be continued.." thrown in my face. Can't say I feel very happy about it.
I was nervous when I first starting reading this. I am a huge Chuck fan, and this seemed so straight-forward and a little silly. Intitially, I juat didn't get it. However, I stuck with it, and I am so glad I did. I enjoyed Madison's unique viewpoint on her situation. Her "addiction to hope" was just so endearing, and her voice was pitch-perfect. The author succeeds in making her a round, dynamic character. Also, this was funny -an unexpected treat! As always in this author's books, I think I enjoyed the trivia the most. The culture of demons in our world's history makes for some fascinating reading.
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.
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.