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mrmysteryfox's review against another edition
5.0
A trip through the mind of a junkie as he battles with an unknown illness causing him severe headaches which drive him to periodic overdoses. The most interesting part is that Johnny is a master at document forgery and creates a new identity each time to avoid getting committed. A story of love, anxiety and addiction.
Highly enjoyable read and not something you’d come across every day!
Highly enjoyable read and not something you’d come across every day!
jorgjuar's review
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
3.0
This book kept being suggested by Goodreads, so I gave it a shot.
Written by Craig Clevenger, The Contortionist's Handbook tells the story of John D. Vincent, whom has adopted various identities throughout the course of time in order not to be institutionalized whenever he ends up in the emergency room as a result of drug overdose, which, in turn, are caused by a futile attempt to ease his heavy migraines.
It's a short and mostly easy reading. The story is quite simple, actually, which eventually makes it repetitive. The development of the characters is mostly superficial, with some exceptions here and there for the main character.
In summary, The contortionist's handbook isn't either great or terrible. I'm not sure if I'm the intended audience for this type of book; quite frankly, I think the story could have been way better as it has an interesting and mostly solid base, but it lacks development for both, story and characters. If you're really into the so-called contemporary genre, you may give it a shot. Otherwise, you won't miss much if you skip it.
Written by Craig Clevenger, The Contortionist's Handbook tells the story of John D. Vincent, whom has adopted various identities throughout the course of time in order not to be institutionalized whenever he ends up in the emergency room as a result of drug overdose, which, in turn, are caused by a futile attempt to ease his heavy migraines.
It's a short and mostly easy reading. The story is quite simple, actually, which eventually makes it repetitive. The development of the characters is mostly superficial, with some exceptions here and there for the main character.
In summary, The contortionist's handbook isn't either great or terrible. I'm not sure if I'm the intended audience for this type of book; quite frankly, I think the story could have been way better as it has an interesting and mostly solid base, but it lacks development for both, story and characters. If you're really into the so-called contemporary genre, you may give it a shot. Otherwise, you won't miss much if you skip it.
mazer_31's review
challenging
informative
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
3.5
seclement's review against another edition
5.0
I am always on the hunt for good fiction, but I have to wait for people to recommend it to me because I tend to read nonfiction and find it easier to find a good nonfiction book. This was an intriguing page turner that was perfect before bed, except for the fact that I often stayed up late to read more. If you like Chuck Palahniuk novels, then you will like this.
mb2508's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
mustafa_marwan's review
5.0
My animation video review on youtube:
Neo-noir books: The Contortionist Handbook by Craig Clevenger https://youtu.be/BMXIOjBfQcQ
Neo-noir books: The Contortionist Handbook by Craig Clevenger https://youtu.be/BMXIOjBfQcQ
akizico's review against another edition
4.0
I understand why Chuck likes this book. The book has a similar style to Fight Club/Choke and crosses it with Catch Me If You Can.
An off-kilter story of finding happiness within yourself!
Thoroughly enjoyed this
An off-kilter story of finding happiness within yourself!
Thoroughly enjoyed this
phoebe_c's review against another edition
4.0
- having also suffered from migraines in the path I can confirm that I would also construct elaborate new identities every 6 months if I thought it would help
fromtheyellowchair's review against another edition
5.0
This book blew my mind. I didn't really know what to expect before I started reading and it still took me by surprise. The writing style is really similar to Chuck Palahniuk's, but still unique.