Rating: Summary: Horribly written Review: This is the most horribly written book I have ever read. Most of the story is filled with tedious descriptions of yuppie accouterments. Two entire chapters are devoted to the narrator's critique of music. I don't care! The author does not seem to have given this work a re-read. For instance, in one episode he describes a hot summer day in New York City. The narrator is running around with a woman, trying the keep cool in the miserable heat before he kills her in an apartment. Later the same evening, he is in a cab with his friends and everyone is dressed for winter weather. The season changes in one day. In another episode, he describes the tie he is wearing, but removes a completely different tie, described in exasperating detail, on the same page. Apparently this writer does not read his own detailed descriptions. Doesn't anyone edit books anymore?
Rating: Summary: Too Psycho! Review: This is a Vintage Contemporaries book?! By George, I think literature's dead! Worst of all, if this book enters the prestigious and pricey Everman's Library, it's the end of great literature as we know it! AP was too Americanized and too crazy! It was brutal to read through, but I thought, "Oh! Vintage has great collections!" Next time I'll check the book out more to see what the whole thing's up to.
Rating: Summary: not too bad at all Review: When reading the book I felt myself focusing not on why Pat Bateman kills, but rather, on the transition from yuppie businessman to serial killer. Ellis does a pretty good job with regard to this aspect. While the descriptions were extremely graphic, maybe in excess, the book was well written and did a good job of bringing the setting out toward the reader. I found this to be a good read overall.
Rating: Summary: Horrific violence and the mundane upper class Review: I just finished reading this one after giving in to the Why-was-Leonardo-DiCaprio-going-to-make-this-his-next-project-hype? Recently he pulled out, but I was still curios. After reading this book, I have to say first, Ellis is a great technical writer. BUT, this book is completely sick. I don't usually get grossed out, but the violence in these pages is absolutely disgusting and horrific. The real problem with "American Psycho" is not with the violence, but the almost complete absence of suspense--essential for a murder/mystery/serial killer book! Also, there is hardly any reason or explanation for what goes on. The author would probably counter with, "That's exactly it. The killer has no reasoning, that's why it's so incredible." Even if that's true, it makes for boring reading. If you read this book, you will come away with two things: One, a overdone lesson on early 1990's upper crust fashion (every other sentence in the entire book describes an Armani suit or a designer umbrella). Two, you will experience frightening serial killer murders in extreme detail. Sound appetizing? I didn't think so.
Rating: Summary: Has it gone this far? Review: This book deals with people living other lifes than mine. But after I put it down I saw it could as well be about me. My scales also weigh in favor for indifferent consumerism of life.
Rating: Summary: Disturbing Tale of Madness Review: This is definately the best Ellis book. Read it for ye of strong stomachs.
Rating: Summary: Masterfully Written Satire Review: I first heard about this book when various womens groups protested it. I wasn't sure whether the book would be good or just a gratuitous bloodbath. I am happy to say that this book is definately the best ever written by Ellis. The story follows the horrific adventures of a yuppie, Patrick Bateman, as he murders people in Manhattan. When the book begins Bateman is introduced to the reader as everyone's stereotype of a Young Urban Professional (one who constantly acquires expensive items and yet knows the value of nothing) and appears that he is a normal (yet astoundingly shallow) person. However it soon becomes apparent that he is a cruel killer who takes sadistic glee in slaying his victims. While the explicit sex and gore of the book will be a turn-off for many, it is still a very well written piece of satire with a vicious sense of humor (it appears that NO ONE, including serial killers, likes mimes). A major problem with the book is that Bateman couldn't kill and dispose of that many victims without being caught. Also the constant descriptions of all of the high-priced items is annoying. However, that being said, this book is definately worth the time for the brave of heart.
Rating: Summary: Compelling, gruesome, intelligent Review: Easton Ellis is an extremely talented writer with a strong sense of detail that covers both the page upon page of self obsession and brand dropping as well as the (at least) interesting descriptions of his killings. I did find the murders brutal and often disturbing and I could have put the book away on many occasions and not returned to it BUT I WAS moved and affected and that IS important with a book. Too many novels flash through your consciousness. This has left a spike in my memory and ironically I will likely remember the five pages near the beginning devoted to Bateman's description of his hygiene routine than any of the sensationalised killings. Hyped YES but worth reading. Please e:mail me if you disagree or otherwise.
Rating: Summary: creative murderer Review: I'm still waiting for a sequel to this book, or a movie. American psycho was brilliantly written. Mr. Ellis needs to get cracken, the informers was not half the book this was. Rudeness toward cab drivers, fashion, hot clubs and restaurants, drugs, hardbodies, violent death , and Alain Mikli sunglasses. A must read, very diffrent. Can BRETT EASTON ELLIS do it again ?
Rating: Summary: Weeks later, I remain unsure. Review: How can one review a book which glorifies the bizarre and extreme sexual perversions of a madman? While I found myself violently repulsed often during the course of this novel, Ellis was trying to make a point about society. However, I have to wonder whether or not this was the smartest way to do it. Its written well, although not an incredible read.
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