Bret Easton Ellis

Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis (39 of 1294)

I've only read a few books from Ellis, the two in this review, and the Less Than Zero sequel, Imperial Bedrooms.  I think it's probably fair to say his books can be a little disturbing, and are probably not for everyone.  I imagine the drinking, drugs, and sex would turn some people off.

Less Than Zero was like a bad party that went on for 200 pages.  It's an almost depressing look at a bunch of kids who do coke, sleeps around, and parties their way through life.  I can't really feel too much sympathy for any of the characters, who lead pretty shallow and spoiled lives.

After reading the lifestyle certainly isn't glamorized, and maybe you feel a little sorry for the spoiled, rich kids living such shallow lives.  Sometimes reading a book makes you wish you were there, but if anything after reading this book I'm glad that I wasn't there.

My rating: 4 stars



American Pyscho by Bret Easton Ellis (40 of 1294)

If you are looking for a light, enjoyable book to read, don't read American Pyscho.  Disturbing doesn't even begin to describe this book, and in reality it is a pretty unpleasant book to read.  Patrick Bateman is not a character with any redeeming qualities.  It's a graphic book, with over the top violence, demeaning to women, and even violence towards animals.  If that bothers you I wouldn't recommend reading it.

However, that's not to say that American Pyscho is a bad book.  It paints an accurate picture of the 80's excess through the mind of a serial killer.  At times the book is funny, at times it is sick and twisted, but it is well worth reading.

My rating: 4 stars