This is one of the most fascinating books I've read. It is also the most appalling thing I have ever read. As such, while I would readily recommend this book, I feel that under no good conscience could I actually do so.

If you've seen the 2000 film, that will give some idea of what to expect, but the film only touches the surface of what is in the book. Less a story than a continuing mental narrative of a rich Wall Street business man who approaches his exterior with exacting attention to detail while his interior barely passes for human. What starts with meticulous listings of what people are dressed in via style, material, and brand name is intruded upon by increasing graphic descriptions of violence as the narrative becomes more unhinged. "See me" he seems to plead, but no one does.

I am in no way surprised this book is so controversial, but I also believe that it's a powerful critique of what occupies our attention in society. ( )

Patrick Bateman is one of the most intersting characters I've read in a novel, and even after reading him mentally deteriorate as the novel progresses, I still can't exactly explain his character. His actions are precarious, and some of his most heinous acts have no rational behind them or are from trivial matters. For those wanting to give this a read, bear with the first couple 100-150 pages, as those are the slowest pages. The book really picks up pace after then. If you're coming from the movie, know that the movie was essentially a heavily-censored version of the novel. The kills are graphic and may make you feel queasy, especially since no demographic is safe (kids and animals included). The clothing descriptions and scenes are superfluous and can be difficult to read. The chapters on Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Huey Lewis, etc. help accentuate his character, but they are skippable chapters.

Some things I noted
-Way too much cleansing and exfoliating, but he doesn't have time to floss?? Also no sun screen but uses anti aging products. He also says to shave the sideburns and chin for last, but upon further research you should shave your upper lip and chin for last.
-Classic business card scene
-Classic dry cleaning scene
-Patty Winters Show reflects his mental state in each chapter
-Christmas Party chapter and Bethany chapter were awesome
-His brother bagged Dorsia first attempt
-The death of the 2 girls in Paul Owen's place were brutal
-The rat scene
-Killing the 5 year old boy was so bleak ( )

For the most part, this book is a classic satire on toxic masculinity, white privilege, and economic inequality. It is so well written that at times I wondered if Ellis was doing a damning condemnation on these things, or if he was admitting what was going on in the inner recesses of his own id. Obviously, the film, which was written to be a feminist criticism of various structures, has a much better P.O.V. that doesn't force you to wonder if you should be laughing with it or at it.

However, my big problem is the length of the book. He really needed an editor to cut down on some things. It starts out okay; with an understanding of Patrick's psyche, snapshots of his life, and the eventual murders. But it becomes far too repetitive in the middle sections. The ending is fine, especially as the writing style--like the voice change and Patty Winters Show--evolve into surrealism. But the repetitiveness, especially on the sex and murder descriptions become a bit too much. The film fixes this however, by having the Psycho style thrills of witnessing a killer being chased after.

Still, as we continue to live in a world where social inequalities along gender, race, class, and consumerism continue to upset people's fragile grasp on reality, this holds up as a great book. Recommended. ( )

Reread, after over a decade and remembered why I love this book. ( )

This is a great satire where the bouts of shallow, tedious and uninformed conversation serves to hypnotize you and let the shock and gore come on through with the detached, non-sequitur quality that makes it work. It also has some wonderfully absurd and comedic moments. Unfortunately it really outstays its welcome by hammering the same chord for 400 pages. At 300 this would be a really great, tight novel. Unfortunately you're saying "yeah I get it" a lot before the yup, yup, yup of the end. Very similar to Funny Games. ( )