Review from a Transgressive Fiction Fan
As with every Chuck Palahniuk book I’ve read so far I really enjoyed Choke.
This book had a lot going on for one that was a mere 159 pages (on the Nook). I just want to say that this book was amazing. If you’re one of Chuck’s fans I am guessing you will love this, since it’s got his usual satire, style, humor, and repetition. Also, great writing of course. There are some great messages in Chuck’s books, some are less obvious, some are hidden completely, some are in your face, and some are crammed down your throat. This book makes you take a look at your life and in an odd way I felt inspired. What I always take from Chuck’s work is the feeling of “get off your butt and do something!”
“Insightful” Review from a Mainstream Reader
I hated this book. Now I have a skewed view of life, but Geez Louise, I can’t hold a candle to this. I didn’t finish this book. I really didn’t see the point. Upon reflection, I’m trying to decide why I didn’t like the book. Was it the 12 step program for sexual addiction where the “hero” of the book, Victor, (who is a medical school dropout) regularly goes to score (and I don’t mean a dime bag). Or maybe it was Victor’s making money to support his elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s by “choking” in upscale restaurants and letting himself be “saved” by caring individuals who then often give him money to help with his financial problems. Or maybe it was description of working in Colonial Dunsboro where the employees are generally stoned. Or maybe it was his search for his paternity–his mother has suggested that it’s divine. Give me a break. Can’t not recommend this book enough. I guess that I was either stoned myself when I chose it at the library or maybe, just maybe, I was having a mini-stroke and am, therefore, not responsible for my actions.