Search - Choke

This book was refreshingly different from what I have been reading recently. Palahniuk's writing style was enjoyable although I found it very similar to that of Vonnegut. I have yet to decide whether this is a good thing.

The story was bleakly humorous and interesting, but I thought that the repetition of certain sentences for effect was somewhat irksome, especially when they were being used on every page. Luckily, this began to ebb after the first half of the novel.

"Annoying isn't the right word, but it's the first word that comes to mind".

Underneath the satire and occasionally excessive sexuality is a story about a guy wading through his problems while attempting to discover himself; problems that he essentially blames on his deteriorating, archetypal philosopher mother.

I have to disagree with the book's opening sentence- "If you're going to read this, don't bother". I recommend Choke to anyone interested in reading Palahniuk. My first novel by him, but certainly not the last.

This was my first taste of Palahniuk. I'm not real sure what to think of it -- the book had something in it to offend everyone! It was very strange and bizarre but also quite creative. The main character is a compulsive sex addict (the book goes into great length describing his addictions. So be warned. Maybe a little too much information) who creates heroes by purposely choking at restaurants and getting himself saved. This book is not for the easily offended, but it is interesting and has a moral of sorts in showing the impermanence of material things. The story itself is also extremely funny and the situations are outlandish. I'm not sure if I would go out my way to read other Palahniuk books, but I did enjoy the book overall.

Like others, I saw the film Fight Club but had not read any of Palahniuk's books before. This book had been sitting on my TBR shelf for a while, and with the upcoming release of the movie I figured it was time to give it a try.

The word "sick" seems to occur frequently in reviews of Palahniuk's work. After reading this book I understand why. Many of the images in the book are quite disgusting, but "sick" is also a good word to describe the world as Palahniuk portrays it. Despite the high gross-out factor, this book is at times laugh out loud funny - indeed I could not decide if some of the scenes were for shock value or attempts at dark humor.

The protagonist Victor behaves in an appalling manner, but because the book is written in first person we can almost understand why and feel sympathetic towards him. However, whenever Victor starts to become likable, Palahniuk quickly does something to make us gag or laugh again. What a strange book.

This book has a unique sense of humor and a refreshing style. Palahniuk manages to bounce between explicit sex, the narrator's off-kilter self-evaluation, and bits of insight about humanity without missing a beat.

What a great read from a great author! The perspective in this book is unique. The main character isn't someone class, but kinda the world's underdog. The storytelling of his life fills in with... I wouldn't say brilliant scenes, but with very believable details. You think you know him, then you KNOW you know him..... and then you're wrong. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who wants something out of the norm and a bit twisted.
See also: Creative
See also: Sordid
See also: Page Turner

Wow. This book will boggle your mind with its depictions of over-the-top characters that are the same time despicable, endearing, and ultimately human. If you thought the movie was outrageous... The book is even more so! (And why didn't you read it FIRST?)