Chuck Dixon

Advantages: Typical Chuck
Disadvantages: A Quick Read

...This was the first book of Chuck Palahniuk which i read. I think it is a brilliant starting point. The story outlines a beautiful girl who is disfigured, and her challenge with life. The story contains characteristic twists and turns and definitly needs a lot of thinking. This book is also suitable for a slightly younger audience than many of Palahniuk's other books, which is another reason it would make a good starting point. The storyline is a bit of a tear jerker, which is unusual in Palahniuk books, i have never felt so close to a character before. I recommend this book, especially as light releif from more symbolic books. I'd read this book again and again and again!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Well split up, each chapter being about 30mins (good for my train journey to work!)
Disadvantages: Tricky to follow due to interlocking stories, and interludes.

...This book has a different writing style to other books by Chuck Palahniuk. It is more mature. Palahniuk's observations of social situations have improved, which leads to the reader being able to identify more easily with the emotions. The themes which are involved in the book include canibalism and murder. These themes are involved in the main story of the book, as well as the alternate chapters which are stories written by the characters in the book itself. The highlight of these is definitly 'Guts'. This story was a story which Palahniuk read at book readings, and would make 50 people in the room faint. A first time reader may find this book a little difficult to get into. Palahniuk has used many of his usual literary tooks, however this books is deeper and requires considerably more concentration than other novels which he... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Come on its Palahniuk.... Riveting
Disadvantages: Questionable plot

...I’m a huge fan of Palahniuk’s work but his books seem to be getting worse. Invisible Monsters and Survivor were absolute classics. Choke, whilst enjoyable, was overly long and a bit too formulaic. Chucks last offering Lullaby was, for me, the weakest point in his career. The story was just plain ridiculous. His writing style saved the day but we were all hoping for a return to form for his next book. So has Diary proved a return to form? Well no, not exactly. It’s an improvement on Lullaby but it’s still got a long way to go till it’s up there with Survivor and Invisible Monsters. The plot starts out well and Chuck creates an eerily tense atmosphere that keeps you hooked. The main character, Misty, is likeable despite her failings. You feel for her, but mostly you just pity her. The “Islanders” take pleasure in walking all over her... Read review

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