Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Chuck Palahniuk


Cover art for DAMNED
FICTION
Released: Oct. 18, 2011

"The novel sustains a consistency of narrative voice, but there is little plot or momentum, until it climaxes at the end with a power play, identity transformation and O. Henry–ish twist, followed by the most frightening of all possible promises: "To be continued…"."
As the provocative novelist probably intended, reading this book is hell. Read full book review >
Cover art for FIGHT CLUB
FICTION
Released: Aug. 1, 1996

"This brilliant bit of nihilism succeeds where so many self-described transgressive novels do not: It's dangerous because it's so compelling."
Brutal and relentless debut fiction takes anarcho-S&M chic to a whole new level--in a creepy, dystopic, confrontational novel that's also cynically smart and sharply written. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNUFF
FICTION
Released: May 20, 2008

"The sordidness might appeal to the Palahniuk's cult following, but it won't extend it."
The notorious novelist's excursion into the world of porn might well be his most moralistic work to date. Read full book review >
Cover art for STRANGER THAN FICTION
NONFICTION
Released: June 15, 2004

"Dolorous yet exhilarating dispatches from the edge."
Palahniuk takes a break from his pitch-black, apocalyptic fiction (Diary, 2003, etc.) and spins a few yarns about real people--some not insane or suffering from a debilitating illness. Read full book review >
Cover art for SURVIVOR
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 1999

"Brilliant, engrossing, substantial, and fun: Palahniuk carves out credible, moving dramas from situations that seemed simply outlandish and sad on the evening news. (Author tour)"
A morbidly fascinating black fantasy about a young cult member's rise to fame and his fall from grace, written by West Coast novelist Palahniuk (Fight Club, 1996). Read full book review >
Cover art for CHOKE
FICTION
Released: May 15, 2001

"Palahniuk is a cheerful nihilist with a mordant wit and a taste for scatological humor. Fair warning: some may find his language and imagery offensive."
The author of Fight Club (1996) takes as the hero of his fourth novel an unlovable loser who doesn't blame Mom. Read full book review >