/lit/ - Literature

Hi there, /lit/. I'm applying for an editorial job with a publisher and they want, amongst other things, an 800 word review on a book, play, opera or... whatever. I finished reading (the terrific) American Psycho a few weeks ago, so decided that would be a good choice.

However, after trying to write an introduction, it strikes me that I haven't written a book review in quite some time. In fact, I don't even remember how to do it any more.

Here's what I've got so far. If you could tell me if it's awful, or just 'shit', and what parts are the most awful, then that would be very appreciated.

---

When flicking through the history books on the search for cultural snapshots, the finger of accessibility often falls at the 80's, a decade which comes out trumps for ease of review and criticism. Lubricated by a plethora of movies, songs and written works which simultaneously hail the pop culture explosion and hold a mirror up to the vapidity of vanity at its worst, the 80's are oft mocked and brushed aside as a momentary lapse in judgement. Ellis' 'American Psycho' does more than simply hold a mirror to the decade of personal gain; it boils down the cutthroat pursuit of material identity into its protagonist, Patrick Bateman. The embodiment of the 80s, Bateman is the archetypal yuppie whose surface hopes and dreams culminate in tailored suits and perfect business cards. But look further into his psyche and what lies there is a shocking, base behavioural set, born of a culture which suppresses individuality and taunts him with promises of social acceptance. This quest for social acceptance is Bateman's driving force and the reason for his suppression of anything that does not fit the paradigm for success by which he is graded. Ellis brilliantly juxtaposes the facade of Bateman's ever-challenging social life and front, with a dark, lustful underbelly which not only highlights the contrast in his character, but as a grander statement of the culture as a whole.

What does /lit/ think of this book?

I just finished it. Good read. I think the theme was pretty easy to relate with, and probably would be for most people. The gory parts were... pretty damn gruesome, stomach churning. Still, the book dragged at quite a few places. I mean, I understand the idea is to convey just how pointless, repetitive, and inane his life is, but that doesn't make it any less interesting.

>>1965063
>picture related

Need another book like this /lit/.
Fucking loved Patrick Bateman and the transgressive nature and the style of ending used (trying not to spoil for those that have not read it).
Thanks /lit/!

>pic related

Howdy /lit/!
I've become obsessed with this book. I'm absolutely in love with it; does anyone know of any similar books?
Also, I don't want to spoil anything but did anyone that has read it come to a definite answer about the end of it?
I've read Less Than Zero and enjoyed it as well but not as much as American Psycho, I'm dying for more characters/narrative such as that of Patrick Bateman.
Cheers /lit/!

THIS IS NOT AN EXIT.

Was thinking about reading this. Worth the time?

Just read American Psycho... I don't get it?

>>708673
Hahaha, excellent. I was reading American Psycho in an airport and the middle aged woman sitting next to me asked me what it was. When I showed her she gave me a look of disgust and moved away shortly afterwards.

One of my friends carries Mein Kampf specifically to piss people off.