 2008-11-26 - Trite.
I opened this book understanding that there would be incredible sadism throughout the story. The book is titled "American Psycho," after all.
This book is neither interesting nor racy nor sexy as so many have claimed. It's trite and unbelievably obvious. Rather than reading a new chapter in American fiction it seemed as though I was reading the violent and sexual fantasies of an anti-social pubescent boy.
I agree fully with those who've already commented that those with any rudimentary knowledge of pyschological disorders will smirk and roll their eyes at this truly over-the-top potrayal of a violent sociopath. The truth is--dissociative or not--the character fails to actually follow any reasonable pyschological patterns and is therefore entirely unbelievable. Suspension of disbelief quickly turns into yawns and boredom after the third murder.
If Bret Ellis' purpose was merely to create something as shocking in violence and sex as he could, well...he potentially mastered this, but it doesn't make it any more interesting or literary. This is no literary masterpiece...it's "Twilight" for sadists.
Not to mention that nice little scene where Bateman meets his brother, a moment which segways nicely into another one of Ellis' novels. (Literary self-marketing, anyone?)
I forced myself to finish it believing that at some point it would get more interesting or creative...it didn't.
If you want something scary, creepy or original skip this trite trash. It only panders to the same audience Ellis' novels mock.
 2008-11-11 - important, but...be warned
A good book. An important book, but be warned. It contains unmatched scenes of graphic violence.
This book will haunt you afterwards for a long time. Sometimes that's bad, but, more often it's good
2008-11-03 - an outrage
The only response that an intelligent person can have to this piece of crap is revulsion and dismay. I read a little of it near the end and found it entirely disgusting and worthless. It is despicable, and the author of such trash can only be looked upon as depraved. It is of no value whatsoever, and I can barely contain my rage in writing this review, that some readers found it 'hilarious'. The author is sick and needs to be put away.
Apparently some people have no idea what 'helpful' means.
 2008-10-20 - Not for those with a weak stomach!
I had been meaning to read this book for a long time, and I must say that I am glad to have finally read it. There is horror and gore in this book, but the only purpose is not to make you sick. Pat Bateman exists in a society that most of us will never understand. His ability to keep up appearances in a world filled with designer clothes and daily facials in the face of such a psychopathic, blood-crazy mental state really makes you think. People are so caught up in their own worlds that Pat Bateman can get away with murder. If you can understand the book for what it is...I encourage you to take it on.
2008-09-30 - Deep Sixed
For the first time in my reading career (and I have done a lot of reading) I not only didn't finish the book but deposited it in the wastebasket. I am not a prude but the sex really turned me off. Having been in the Marine Corps, I have seen my share of mayhem and carnage but enough was enough. I know we live in a violent era but when haven't we. I also became bored with the countless description of clothes and their manufacturers. I might just as well as have read a Sears catalog, men's section.
However, I did admire the author's writing style and his depiction of the Yuppie way of life even though it did seem over blown at times.
Can I recommend this book? I don't really know because I did not complete the book. But if you want to see the inside of cultural depravity give it a try. I'll even send you my copy free of charge. (U.S. only< please).
I do have one question. What was the symbolism of Les Miserables?
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