I have stopped reading Chuck Palahniuk religiously after he released RANT in 2007, which I thought to be an uninspired spin on his transcendent and free spirited characters. Don't get me wrong, the man can write a book and a half, but I've grown more critical of him over the years. One thing sure, Palahniuk has great reading tastes. Thanks to him and to Goodreads, I got steered towards Craig Clevenger and his breathtaking novel, THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK. For about two hundred pages, I read a book like I was twelve years old again. That alone makes it very precious to me.
This gorgeous little piece of literature was published in 2002 and a decade later, it's safe to affirm it became a cult hit. A film adaptation has been rumored for many years, with Channing Tatum playing the main character John Dolan Vincent. Yeah, I know. Weird choice. Maybe that's why it's been sidelined for so long. I like having novels like THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK on my shelves. Makes me the keeper of a somewhat exclusive knowledge. Today, I want to share it with you all.
THREE REASONS TO READ: THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK
1) It's a masterful study in tension. There is only one thing happening throughout the novel. The protagonist undergoes psychiatric evaluation. But as he gradually reveal his story (half to us, half to his evaluator), the walls are closing in and the weight adds on the narrator's shoulders.
2) It's a gateway novel to darker fiction. It's not very violent and John Dolan Vincent is a flawed, but extremely seducing protagonist who's both fragile and streetwise at the same time. If you like him, there's a whole new world that opens its gates to you.
3) Impress your friends. No need to buy the complete works of Dostoevsky and have them collect dust on a shelf. Read this little book and pass it along. This is probably the best novel you haven't read yet. Put it in your friends hands and they will love you.
THREE TOPICS ABOUT: THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK
1) What are the foundation's of one's identity. If you sever every ties with your old life, can you truly become somebody else?
2) Knowing more than the evaluator does. Would you say John is to be protected from himself?
3) Would have anything happened if John didn't fall for Keara/Molly? How do you think she influenced the story?
2) Knowing more than the evaluator does. Would you say John is to be protected from himself?
3) Would have anything happened if John didn't fall for Keara/Molly? How do you think she influenced the story?