Helpful Score: 1
Oh Damned... The crazy relationship I've had with this book changed my life. Not necessarily for the story (which is, actually, fantastic in its own way), but for being my gateway to wonders of Chuck Palahniuk.
I picked up a copy for cheap at Barnes and Noble on sale, and I thought, "Hey, this is that author that friends recommend every so often, but I haven't heard of this book... Might as well give it a try," and I was very excited to read it. I was REALLY put off by his writing style at first; I just couldn't get into it.
I was initially confused by his sheer absurdity. I just couldn't understand why a conception of Hell needed to include oceans of semen or lakes of aborted fetuses (seriously, they're in there). I knew he was a bit of a shocker, but I really thought the whole thing was silly, especially because it was toted as being "like a Breakfast Club of the damned," I thought the storyline was heavily relying on the cliche.
Now, with that being said... This book is an incredible piece of modern fiction. Nay, this series. I had to put the book down after awhile of reading "Are you there Satan? It's me, Madison," honestly, due to the aforementioned complaints, and instead took the time to read one of Palahniuk's most appraised books, "Rant". After that, I felt like I got a better feel for what he's all about. While waiting to borrow more Palahniuk books from a friend, I HAD to pick Damned back up because I was craving more.
I soon noticed that the "schtick" was not what the storyline relied on. Of course, I can't go so deep into the storyline as to spoil it, but let's just say that Madison's life- er, afterlife- is not as it seems. It's especially worth finishing so you can read "Doomed," which is the follow-up novel that takes the story to a whole new level.
So, my bottom line is this: DO NOT try to read this series as your first time Chuck Palahniuk reader. Read "Invisible Monsters" before you read any of them. You really have to have a feel for how Chuck develops a "voice" of the character that often repeats using what he calls his "choruses." Otherwise, this story may seem too silly to take seriously. The work as a whole is really grand, and it takes you from grossed out, to laughing at silliness and absurdity, to deeply touched and disturbed (yes, at the same time).
Prepare yourself for a ride... This one's definitely worth the read.
I picked up a copy for cheap at Barnes and Noble on sale, and I thought, "Hey, this is that author that friends recommend every so often, but I haven't heard of this book... Might as well give it a try," and I was very excited to read it. I was REALLY put off by his writing style at first; I just couldn't get into it.
I was initially confused by his sheer absurdity. I just couldn't understand why a conception of Hell needed to include oceans of semen or lakes of aborted fetuses (seriously, they're in there). I knew he was a bit of a shocker, but I really thought the whole thing was silly, especially because it was toted as being "like a Breakfast Club of the damned," I thought the storyline was heavily relying on the cliche.
Now, with that being said... This book is an incredible piece of modern fiction. Nay, this series. I had to put the book down after awhile of reading "Are you there Satan? It's me, Madison," honestly, due to the aforementioned complaints, and instead took the time to read one of Palahniuk's most appraised books, "Rant". After that, I felt like I got a better feel for what he's all about. While waiting to borrow more Palahniuk books from a friend, I HAD to pick Damned back up because I was craving more.
I soon noticed that the "schtick" was not what the storyline relied on. Of course, I can't go so deep into the storyline as to spoil it, but let's just say that Madison's life- er, afterlife- is not as it seems. It's especially worth finishing so you can read "Doomed," which is the follow-up novel that takes the story to a whole new level.
So, my bottom line is this: DO NOT try to read this series as your first time Chuck Palahniuk reader. Read "Invisible Monsters" before you read any of them. You really have to have a feel for how Chuck develops a "voice" of the character that often repeats using what he calls his "choruses." Otherwise, this story may seem too silly to take seriously. The work as a whole is really grand, and it takes you from grossed out, to laughing at silliness and absurdity, to deeply touched and disturbed (yes, at the same time).
Prepare yourself for a ride... This one's definitely worth the read.
Top notch! Loved the movie Fight Club, this is my first Palahniuk book, and I loved it! Had me laughing out loud hysterically on several occasions. I'm now certain more than ever, that I am damned to hell!
Fantastic characters! Sweet plot twists and turns! A lovable heroine! The most bodacious vocabulary I've seen in a book, in a very long time! Had to look up no less than 12 words in the dictionary for definitions! Loved it!
Mash up all the cherished memories of the 1980s and throw it into hell. Angst and deep thinking!
This will not be my last Palahniuk book! Mark my words! I picked up Lullaby for my next Palahniuk read!
Fantastic characters! Sweet plot twists and turns! A lovable heroine! The most bodacious vocabulary I've seen in a book, in a very long time! Had to look up no less than 12 words in the dictionary for definitions! Loved it!
Mash up all the cherished memories of the 1980s and throw it into hell. Angst and deep thinking!
This will not be my last Palahniuk book! Mark my words! I picked up Lullaby for my next Palahniuk read!
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but there were so many vulgarities that I got about half way and couldn't continue. I was expecting something a little more YA. But dont' be misled by the references to the popular movie The Breakfast Club. This is definitely not a YA novel.
Let me start off by saying how much I love Chuck Palahniuk. I've ready many of his books and devoured them. Yes, he is supposed to make one uncomfortable, squirmy, nauseous, etc. However - I'm so sorry Chuck - I couldn't finish this one. Not because it wasn't funny, it really is and I love the satire. It is pure Chuck. The problem I had is that hell is so disgusting and his writing so good that I just couldn't handle the trip through all that is vile and heinous. Call me a wimp but certain things (which I won't spoil here) were nightmarish and that was it. I'm so sorry Chuck! But for those with a super strong stomach, please read it and report back to me!
