Average Rating: 
Rating: - A Time to Grow
This, like all of his previous novels, is a fantastic satire and commentary of the world we live in, however this book feels rushed. I had read on his website that he completed the book in 6 weeks and it shows. I'll list my problems with the books, and the the good points.Problems
1. Character Development - For the first time Chuck tries to have a real ensemble of characters, but he doesnt properly build their motivations and backgrounds. The brief overviews dont allow the reader to understand all their interactions. Oyster especially remains a mystery, which, i think, does a disservice to the novel. 2. Not sticking to the selling point - This was supposed to be a horror novel, i dont know about anyone else, but i no point was i scared, and the only shocks i had came from the plot or the trademark one line zingers that seem to sting the world today. Good Points
1. Just another great satire - As much as i think it's time to grow, all of his novels present a different moral quandary, and this novel keeps that traditions. The message of negative mass media and constant sensory overload to distract us from our lives, like a not so hidden Big Brother, i thought, was fantastic. 2. Such and easy read - The whole story just flows and all you want to do is turn the page to find out what happens, or what stinging message might be laid out for the world. Overall
This book was excellent, but it is time for Chuck to sit down, take his time, and craft something truly magnificent, so i can feel inside the characters, imagine the oddball settings of the story, and just be able to immerse myself in a novel that is as literarily sophisticated and it is philosophically thought provoking.
Rating: - More Goodness from Mr. Palahniuk
I just finished this book and really liked it. As usual, there were many ingenious themes all wrapping and interconnecting which are so enticing that it keeps you wanting to read more - classic Palahniuk. There were also, as is his style, very sharp and critical insights into the modern condition which he so well, and often subtly, captures. Palahniuk's books are always a joy to read for those willing to take a stark account of the world we live in. I will say the reason I only gave this 4 stars is b/c the first 100 pages of the book, while they do a good job setting up the ending, seem underdeveloped. I think there was room for Palahniuk to delve more into the characters' pasts in these pages, or at least hint at their pasts more. Also, one major theme of this book is about power and it's ability to corrupt. In these initial pages I think this book could have been better is in really detailing the struggle of the main character to resist this corruption. To be fair there is some of this here, but it is after the fact and after the corruption has already begun.
Nevertheless, the book is well worth the read and I would recommenced this to anyone interested in seeing the world like no one else sees it.
Rating: - Won't let you sleep
Finally Chuck deals with issues that have been plaguing me for months and years on end. I'm talking about all the quiet-ophobics and sound-ohlolics. I'm talking about everyone with their cell phones, pagers, beepers, and bass booming so loud from the sound system of their cars. In this book Chuck tackles everything from the media to telecommunications.
The twists in this book aren't on the same level as fight club or even choke. This is more of a character driven book. Palahniuk shows you the different sides of everyone's personality. The fact that it's not a completely twisted ending is what makes me love this book so much. Out of all of chuck's books i would rank this as my second favorite. My first being Survivor which i gave 5 stars to.
Do yourself a favor, and read this Lullaby.
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