For those who like to tickle their nerves and get a dose of adrenaline without risking their lives - a review of the best books by Chuck Palahniuk, recommended for reading. The classic of comedic horror - apt definition of his work, belonging to one of the critics. Some of them also compare Palahniuk to Stephen King, meaning that both masters masterfully master the art of enveloping the reader with the intricacies of ordinary words, constructing sentences from them in such a way that each subsequent immerses in an eerie plot with a head, grabbing attention and holding it from the first to the last page.
But Stephen King describes the external monsters, produced by his fantasy, Chuck Palahniuk masterly brings out into the light of day much more terrible monsters that live in the depths of the human soul and mind. They exist in every person, hiding, waiting for the slightest opportunity to break free, in order to plunge others and their own master into an abyss of terror. Methodically and dispassionately, like a surgeon, he reveals the depths of the human mind and soul, revealing the most unsightly sides of them, not caring about the patient's feelings, not afraid to be booed and losing popularity - he just does what he knows best to do. This is probably why his prose is so exciting and lively. At the same time, he makes the reader not only be horrified, but also ... laugh. Satire is a spicy seasoning for the main monstrous dish, skillfully prepared by the author for true gourmets. Each of his books is a bestseller, which is read in one breath and disassembled into quotations, invariably causing a wave of conflicting comments from critics and a storm of emotions from readers.
It is better for overly impressionable people not to take these books in their hands, however, if the nervous system is strong and you want something "spicy" - Chuck Palahniuk will more than satisfy this desire.
Content
Rating of the best works of Chuck Palahniuk
Composed of the best works, according to readers and critics, who have broken circulation records not only in America but around the world.
"Damned"
The novel opens the top books recommended for reading. He makes you believe the worst: all people do not live by their own will, and not even by God. No, dear readers, everything is much worse: the script of human life is written by none other than ... Satan. The 13-year-old daughter of a famous Hollywood actress, who foolishly committed suicide, will be convinced of this. But ... out of stupidity? Or was this terrible act also included in the sophisticated scenario of the lord of hell? Who really makes decisions and makes a choice: the man himself, or the devil-puppeteer, skillfully pulling his strings? Having passed through the possessions of Satan together with the main character, the reader will be able to answer this question.
Advantages:
- Easy to read, plot gripping.
Disadvantages:
- The novel is able to turn the mind and plunge an impressionable reader into depression.
"Fight club"
Both the book and the film based on it in 1999 are still heard today. They became the debut and the hallmark of the writer.If someone asks: who is Chuck Palahniuk, it is enough just to say these two words so that the person immediately understands who is being discussed. Paradoxically, many viewers do not know whose work formed the basis of the cult film, but there are few people who have not watched it. The work masterly reveals the problem of such mental deviations as a split personality and a lack of self-preservation instinct. Critics' assessment: "This book knocks the spirit out of you and the soil from under your feet." But even here the writer found a place for satire - some scenes cause fits of uncontrollable laughter.
More than 20 years later, the author returned to this work, "resurrecting" the alter-ego of the protagonist and famously twisting the plot around his kidnapped 9-year-old son, who, moreover, was insured for $ 5 million by allegedly his own parents who knew nothing about insurance. ... Several parts of the sequel were written from 2010 to 2015, published in the format of a graphic novel, where the plot is conveyed through pictures, and the text has a supporting function. It's kind of like a comic book for adults, of which the second volume is called Fight Club. Part 2".
Advantages:
- Humorous nuances more than compensate for the rigidity, even the cruelty of the plot, the novel is read quickly and with pleasure.
Disadvantages:
- For people prone to self-digging, it is better not to read, so as not to diagnose themselves on their own;
- The format of the comics, in which the sequel to the novel was released, was not liked by all readers.
"Lullaby"
A gripping story with several intricate storylines. One of them tells of a terrible tendency: every year several thousand babies die in their cradles or in the arms of stunned parents, and for no objective reason. Meanwhile, in the same city, a charming realtor lives and works, cleverly taking over the exclusive right to sell houses in the most popular areas. However, this practical charm has its own oddities, which for an ordinary person look, to put it mildly, creepy. First, Helen gravitates towards houses inhabited by restless ghosts and an evil poltergeist. These entities regularly survive the owners of the houses she sold, which allows her to sell them again and again. And secondly, the realtor knows an old lullaby that the shamans of African tribes sang to mortally wounded warriors so that they die quietly and without torment. The same lullaby was sung to newborn children in order to reduce the size of the tribe, avoiding overpopulation and hunger. So why are innocent children and other people dying, seemingly unrelated to Helen and her business?
Work on the creation of the film adaptation of the novel began in 2008, several directors were replaced, the script was revised and edited several times, due to the fact that the writers could not catch and convey the atmosphere of the work on the screen.
Advantages:
- The author broke his own record: the first print run was sold out in a matter of days, overtaking Fight Club, the novel was reprinted 9 times;
- A real gift for fans of the genre;
- You can buy inexpensive paperback editions.
Disadvantages:
- The content does not compensate for the comic nuances, after reading a gloomy "aftertaste" remains.
"Snuff"
Who at first glance is able to guess that a charming person with a good-natured smile and expressive eyes is a famous scandalous writer of world fame who is not afraid to write on any uncomfortable topics that his fellow writers try not to raise? But his novel "Snuff" is simply the quintessence of scandal and caustic, cynical humor, revealing the most unsightly underside of sexual relations presented in the porn industry.Stepping into dangerous territory, which most of his colleagues avoid, the writer, in his satirical, dispassionate manner, dissects the bottom of the human brain, where monstrous sexual fantasies lurk. What is an aging porn star ready for enchanting fame at the end of her professional career? A protracted sex session with several hundred lovers online in front of video cameras - what could be more scandalous and disgusting? The novel is generously flavored with all the same attractive "evil" humor of the author - one of his signature pieces. The denouement, as always, will be unexpected.
Advantages:
- Pocket paperback format available.
Disadvantages:
- The plot is a little overloaded with nuances and details, including a description of the tactile sensations of the characters.
"Loan day"
A novelty published by the publishing house AST in 2020. Regular admirers of the author say that the novel is not bad. However, they note that it is weaker than the same "Lullaby" and calmer than the "Fight Club". It will be useful to read the work for those who are not yet familiar with the work of Palahniuk, so the first acquaintance will not be as shocking as if they started with Lullaby or The Damned. The plot is very relevant to today's situation in the world, so the book, as they say, shot out. It is about the threat of a third world war, which will begin in the United States. Simultaneously with the feverish preparations for hostilities, a grandiose hunt is being prepared for old people, elected and re-elected corrupt officials, politicians, journalists and other objectionable ... to whom? This is what the reader has to learn.
Advantages:
- Easy to read, interesting plot.
Disadvantages:
- So far, only a paid online version is available for download.
"Survivor"
The captivating biography of the main character, mixed with historical religious facts, is another gift from the Russian publishing house AST to fans of Palahniuk's talent. The plot keeps in suspense to the last page, not allowing to guess whether the only surviving member of the religious community will survive in a plane crash, or will he die? The rest of the sectarians committed ritual suicide, however, this fact raises serious doubts: what if someone's ruthless hand eliminates the adepts for an unknown purpose, and a plane crash is a way to get rid of the last of them? A special psychological technique: the hero, until the last minute of the flight, dictates advice on how to keep his home in order on the flight recorder of the airliner.
Recommended for those who are tired of tearful ladies' novels with a predictable ending, as well as for fans of something unusual, strange, exciting the nerves and consciousness.
Many critics note that Palahniuk uses sometimes forbidden methods in his work, stopping at nothing in order to grab the reader's attention, masterly performing a literary solo on his nerves strained to the limit. His cynicism and caustic irony revolt to the depths of his soul - and the circulation of his new books soars ever higher.
Advantages:
- It is available in different versions, including pocket - it can be read in transport on the way to work or home.
Disadvantages:
- Many people have a painful impression from reading this work.
Coloring pages for adults
Chuck Palahniuk is not only an extraordinary writer. His originality manifests itself in everything, even in communication with his fans. So, for example, in 2017-2018, connoisseurs of his work received an unusual gift from the Russian publishing house AST, which has exclusive rights to publish the author's works. This is a series of books with new works by the author with black and white illustrations from professional artists, which each reader can color in accordance with their preferences and vision of the plot, breathing life into the characters. The most anticipated novelties and the most popular works of the author in the format of coloring pages for adults can be found on the websites of bookstores and the publishing house AST.
"Bait.Colorless stories that you will paint "
This is a collection of stories from the master of humorous horror in an unusual design: picture books for adults that need to be colored. The novelties of short prose are “dressed” in beautiful covers and published on coated paper, which is easy to color and pleasant to leaf through.
Advantages:
- The author is just as cleverly handling "small forms" - his stories are as voluminous and lively as the novels.
Disadvantages:
- Not quite the usual format for those who are used to seeing Palahniuk exclusively as a novelist.
"Heritage. A colorless story that you will paint "
The second volume of books with pictures for coloring, intended for adults, published in 2018. A novel about an unusual inheritance, inherited by a bank clerk, not burdened with moral standards. A small decorative tree worth a collectible retro car gives precious fruits that bestow immortality. But there are too many hunters for this treasure: this is an aging "forever young" striptease star, and a mysterious pursuer who knows no pity and peace, and a gang of selfish thugs ready to sell a magic tree to someone who pays more. Dark humor and gripping plot, as usual, ensure the continued popularity of the writer's books and the leading positions in the ranking of works to be read.
Advantages:
- Unusual design and brilliant outline of the plot;
- A publication in this format can be a wonderful gift for those who are attracted by truly interesting foreign literature with a piquant "seasoning".
Disadvantages:
- For those who are not familiar with the work of the writer: do not give a book to children or teenagers. Despite the pictures for coloring, the work, as always, is in the spirit of Palahniuk, and the illustrations are not at all as harmless as in children's coloring.
Tips from the master
Among other things, there is a tutorial on the Internet called "How to Write Books" with practical tips for aspiring authors. The manual was written by an expert in the literary genre of comedy horror Palahniuk, which in itself should be a reason to take into account his recommendations in order to learn how to keep the reader's attention throughout the work. Also, you can learn from it where to start and what to look for when working with the text, so that it plunges the reader into the world invented by the author, and does not put him to sleep. The topic is covered in more detail in several essays by the author, which he posted on the official website of fans of his work. These works fully reveal the meaning of the terms adopted in the literary environment, set out the main theses of the author's work to facilitate the creative process as it should be in the understanding of Palahniuk. It also tells in detail about the main mistakes when choosing a presentation style. Novice writers will certainly find it helpful to read these essays.
Advantages:
- An intelligible and accessible presentation, spiced with humor.
Disadvantages:
- Can only be found on the internet.
How much does a bestseller cost and how to choose a book and not be disappointed?
The average cost of Chuck Palahniuk's books ranges from 150 to 600 rubles, depending on the format: budget paperback options are cheaper, but more expensive copies are more pleasant to take in your hands and reread from time to time. Also, the master's books can be downloaded or read online on the resources of Internet publishing houses, where many of them are available for free for online reading. The average price of a file for downloading will be from 140 to 390 rubles. When deciding which one is better to buy, you can focus on the following selection criteria:
- Brief description on the cover - as a rule, it is compiled by editors who make changes to the novel, therefore, know its content;
- Customer Reviews - You can see the rating of this book in reviews and the average rating given to it by those who have already read it.There you can also see reviews of other works and decide which book is better;
- Critical reviews - these people, as a rule, are impartial due to their specialty, therefore they objectively evaluate the work of the writer as a whole or a separate work. True, one should take into account the fact that sometimes even the best authors and their works are awarded an unpleasant characterization. This is due to the fact that laudatory odes are periodically indulged, they simply need to be diluted with healthy criticism.
Now, knowing everything or almost everything about the work of this outstanding writer, you can answer the question to yourself: will you risk taking his book in your hands without fear of being dragged into a whirlpool of gloomy, frightening, and at the same time realistic events that could very well have happened and with you ... if your personal monsters broke free?
