American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (1991, Paperback)

Wow, as far as unique storylines go, this one takes the cake...really, really interesting main character, ultra vain, successful and rich Yuppie from the 80's with a sinister side to his life that no one seems to have any kind of clue about. This book is all about designer labels, money, sex, etiquette and such but has a sexual situations and violence like you will never encounter in any other books; very disturbing scenes of gore and brutal sex then on the flip side, there are scenes of ultra-refined and priveleged young men and women living a self-absorbed high life that most of us just dream about. I was pretty engrossed in the main character's life; very fascinating voyage into a functional (society-wise) but deranged mind. If you like unusual tales or are into the macabre, give this a try...the movie is great too, but it never got into the character's state of mind like the book does. p.s. NO BOOK deserves to be burned; another reviewer suggested that in regards to this novel, that's just plain wrong. I'm anti-censorship and don't agree at all!

In a way that's reminicent of Faulkner's "Rose For Emily", Brett Easton Ellis makes a criticism of an era through the faults of the main character. Patrick Bateman is the quintessential 80's yuppy, and as the ultimate representative of the period, all of the gruesome acts he commits are symbolic of the disgusting behavior of his comrades. Although many people are put down by Ellis's graphic murder descriptions, he juxtaposes these scenes with the ordinary and blase' as a way of reflecting the commonplace nature of such coldhearted monsters in 80's society. Some reviewers would say that these sensational scenes are simply an attempt to shock the reader and make up for a lack of substance, every drop of blood and scrap of flesh makes the author's point all the more critical. It takes a very jaded person to read parts, but overall a very entertaining and thought provoking book.

This book is written in such a descriptive manner, in which I can't seem to put it down. I just kept flipping the pages wanting to know whats next; how he invisions the world around him. The mystery of how he interprets whats good from bad through day and night is defined so majesticly. I recommend this book to all fiction readers who like mystery and murder throughout lifestyle. Simply a fantastic novel!!

After seeing the movie, I decided to read the book and find out what this author is all about. What a nightmare! This book is so totally disturbing that I wanted to burn it so I wouldn't be responsible for anyone else reading it. Considering this book is written by a man, does it give insight into a "man's" psychotic mind? Every single woman should read this and know that this is what could happen to her! It is the best book to encourage women to be extremely cautious in our potentially very sick society! Even though it is written as fiction, it was hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that Ellis can even have thoughts like this. What experiences does he draw from? Why? I just heard on TV that there is a Test Kit available for known Date Rape Drugs. After reading this book, you will definitely want to buy one of those and USE IT! The female sexual torture in this book is beyond description. It by far outweighs any redeeming value. Ellis' obsession with band and music reviews was crazy. Maybe that is what the author is trying to get across; total insanity. Very scary stuff in more ways than one.

The story itself was good and If you pay close enough attention to understand it has a nice twist to the end. Watching the movie after reading the book helps you to understand it better. This is the first book I've read by this author, and he's a little too in depth in pointless detail i.e. He walks into a restaraunt and describes in great detail what everybody including the kitchen staff is wearing. It will get into the plot and then be like oh I forgot I'm wearing blah blah blah and then try without success to pick up where it left off without losing any momentum
I loved the gore but it's definately not for the faint of heart. Reader discretion is advised. I'm someone who loves this kind of thing and I even felt my stomach turn once or twice. I understand why it is out of print. It is the sickest book I have ever read. If your bored and have some free time check it out, but if you bore easily you will not get through the first 25 pages