How- To Be a Sophisticated Psychopath

“I’m into, oh murders and executions mostly. It depends.” ― Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is a brutal satire of the American upper class in New York in 1980’s. Anti-hero Patrick Bateman is the main character and narrator who works in Wall Street and earns six-figure salaries a year. Bateman is narcissistic, vain and materialistic. Also, he is a serial killer.

“I had all the characteristics of a human being—flesh, blood, skin, hair—but my depersonalization was so intense, had gone so deep, that my normal ability to feel compassion had been eradicated, the victim of a slow, purposeful erasure. I was simply imitating reality, a rough resemblance of a human being, with only a dim corner of my mind functioning” ― Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho

I read this book for the first time some years ago when was in high school. I put this book in same category with Clockwork Orange. I acknowledge that Easton Ellis writes very well and this is very powerful book (in many disturbing levels). I liked this book as in my opinion there’s too much violence and it is written in a way that I find grotesque but no special or original. Also,  there was too much psychopath-ism, I missed creativity. Title fits the book well.

My rating for this book: 1,5/5. It’s best terrible book I know though (along with Clockwork Orange)

How-To Read American Psycho

1. Very powerful book, satire-part  is highly entertaining if you’re looking for good satire. Unique style and content. 2. Talented book (?) as Norman Mailer said: “How one wishes this writer was without talent!” 3. If yo enjoyed Clockwork Orange, you might like this too. If you didn’t like CO, you should skip this. 4. I never have thought of it, but some interpreted that everything happened in Patrick’s head. I don’t know which point of view is more disturbing. Half way through the book I felt like it had nothing new to offer anymore. 5. American Psycho is very graphic and violent book. If you don’t like long descriptions of women being chopped up, you probably shouldn’t read this.

“All it comes down to is this: I feel like shit but look great.” ― Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho

Have you read American Psycho? What did you think of it? They tell me movie is much better and not nearly as disturbing, should  I watch it?

Buy the book: American Psycho on Amazon

28 thoughts on “How- To Be a Sophisticated Psychopath

  1. Creepy . . . . . . I’ve never read this one. Nor have I ever seen you give such a negative (but good in that it’s honest and informative) review before. Wow. I’m thinking I’ll probably give this one a pass.

  2. Creepy . . . . . . I’ve never read this one. Nor have I ever seen you give such a negative (but good in that it’s honest and informative) review before. Wow. I’m thinking I’ll probably give this one a pass.

  3. Weirdly, this is the first book I read that really got me excited about reading. I was probably way to young to be reading it to be honest, but it changed my life. I still have a soft spot for Easton Ellis, and his unique style of writing.

    1. I think first books always have special place in our hearts so I very much understand you. He does write in very unique way. I haven’t read any other books written by him, is there something you would as fan recommend?

  4. Weirdly, this is the first book I read that really got me excited about reading. I was probably way to young to be reading it to be honest, but it changed my life. I still have a soft spot for Easton Ellis, and his unique style of writing.

    1. I think first books always have special place in our hearts so I very much understand you. He does write in very unique way. I haven’t read any other books written by him, is there something you would as fan recommend?

  5. Very very different for sure ha. I read it at college when I read loads of edgy fiction; The Diceman, The Wasp Factory and Fight Club. I thought the film did a good job of it.

  6. Very very different for sure ha. I read it at college when I read loads of edgy fiction; The Diceman, The Wasp Factory and Fight Club. I thought the film did a good job of it.

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