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actuallyjulia's review against another edition
5.0
Not surprisingly, this book is pretty dark and depressing if interpreted the right way. That being said, it really makes you think about some deep and scary topics that you probably wouldn’t have otherwise, and that’s what I think makes a book a good one.
kplat's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED this book. It took awhile to catch on to the style of writing but once you do it flows well. I loved the idea behind it and think it might be one of Chuck's best.
ngeunit1's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed Rant a lot. I thought it was weird and different, but it really came together so well at the end. It is a bit difficult to really explain what I loved about the book without spoiling the plot a bit so I will do my best in that aspect.
The book itself had some really interesting themes that were present. The main idea, kind of brought up pretty much from the opening scene, is that everybody views people in different ways. That these views can actually cause a single person to almost have an entirely different view of the same person that it is surprising that it is actually in fact the same person. And that we can make sure to act a particular way to influence the way we interact and are viewed by others. This is really taken to many levels in the novel from looking at it from perspectives of family members, friends, and community members.
The story of the novel here is in my opinion well written. It keeps the reader interested without giving up too much and really pays off towards the end when a lot of the elements in the story really start to connect and it turns into a really satisfying experience. It is especially interesting if you take a step back at the end and just try to draw a mental timeline of the characters and the relationships in the novel. It becomes fascinating at this point to think about who is actaully influencing who and the cause of many of the major events in the novel. I also like the use of some random titles that you learn mean very different things then they first seem to mean, like the distinction of "historian" in the context of the story.
There was actually not very much that I disliked about this novel. I though the pacing was right throughout the book, and the characters really felt like they had purpose and direction and developed in the story.
The book itself had some really interesting themes that were present. The main idea, kind of brought up pretty much from the opening scene, is that everybody views people in different ways. That these views can actually cause a single person to almost have an entirely different view of the same person that it is surprising that it is actually in fact the same person. And that we can make sure to act a particular way to influence the way we interact and are viewed by others. This is really taken to many levels in the novel from looking at it from perspectives of family members, friends, and community members.
The story of the novel here is in my opinion well written. It keeps the reader interested without giving up too much and really pays off towards the end when a lot of the elements in the story really start to connect and it turns into a really satisfying experience. It is especially interesting if you take a step back at the end and just try to draw a mental timeline of the characters and the relationships in the novel. It becomes fascinating at this point to think about who is actaully influencing who and the cause of many of the major events in the novel. I also like the use of some random titles that you learn mean very different things then they first seem to mean, like the distinction of "historian" in the context of the story.
There was actually not very much that I disliked about this novel. I though the pacing was right throughout the book, and the characters really felt like they had purpose and direction and developed in the story.
scheu's review against another edition
2.0
I had hoped that after the cluster**** of _Haunted_ that Palahniuk would start maturing as a writer, but unfortunately _Rant_ tells me otherwise. Nearly all of his ideas in this book were lifted from films or other novels. It wasn't as childishly repugnant as his previous book, but that's all I can say in its defense.
jawnoftheflies's review against another edition
dark
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
jennitheghost's review against another edition
4.0
This book took a really weird turn towards the end but it was still really good. I will definitely be thinking about it for a long time.
nmanclsaxon's review against another edition
5.0
This is by far my favorite Palahniuk novel I have read to date. It is a masterclass in character-building; told in the style of an oral biography, many of the characters' stories contradict one another. By revealing certain details about the characters through the testimony of others, Palahniuk brilliantly allows the reader to speculate which characters are lying. I won't spoil anything here, but the twist toward the end was unexpected and masterfully done! I love books that allow the reader to fill in the blanks!
sashazaur's review against another edition
5.0
Rant is one of my favorite books of all time. I absolutely adore how the story is laid out and how the world is built up for the reader. All the characters are so human even in such an odd setting. I've read Rant several times, I think maybe 4-5? And I get something new from each read. I can't recommend this book enough.