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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you want to be thoroughly disillusioned with A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (or Ryan Ross's Book Report, as it's known in this house), then Invisible Monsters is a must read. That line you thought meant they really, like, GOT 13 year old you? That's a direct quote from this book and Chuck Palahniuk super does NOT get 13 year old you. Or maybe he does and reading this book will just make that album mean even more. I had my usual struggle with White Male Writer (tm tm tm) gaze/style but if you make peace with that lens, it's a good read. I honestly was very touched and teared up at the ending and did find room in my heart for these difficult, terrible people. This is definitely a Good Book (tm tm tm) but does need to be approached in the right timing/mind frame- it isn't necessarily a light or easy read just to pass the time, but it certainly doesn't require a academic's bend to get through.
I think this is my favorite Palahniuk so far. It's out there, and messed up, but I don't feel like he hates me in this one (as opposed to Fight Club).
He does quite well with bring his grotesque images to life.
Do yourself a favor, and don't read a single bit of material about this book unless it's the book itself. I was lucky enough to enjoy the book spoiler-free, and, in typical Chuck Palahniuk style, the twists are half of the fun. It's definitely a fast, fun read, but it may not be up to Fight Club quality. Still, I strongly suggest this read for people comfortable with Palahniuk's style and subject matter.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
medium-paced
This is my second read of Invisible Monsters. It's ambitious but flawed with too many twists and reveals. Palahniuk isn't the most subtle or talented of writers, but I do think this novel is great. It's very much a sibling to Fight Club, and if I remember correctly, was actually written first and published a few years after. The themes are all very similar. Fight Club is almost like rewriting this same sort of moral message, but from a Male perspective.
This is my third book of Palahniuk and oh, boy he keeps it up every single time. If you liked Haunted, for example, you'll love this one. It focuses on the recurrent obsessions Palahniuk seems to have with modern society and he does so through his unmistakable style. And even though it's basically a short book it should definitely not be read in a rush as he tackles some really important matters which are supposed to make you think, analyze and reconsider.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes