Comments on: Book Debate Pt II: American Psycho

By: MaxBro

MaxBro — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:59:39 +0000

From a student’s perspective, I would love to see American Psycho become required reading in classrooms. Having a Christian Bale movie made from it doesn’t hurt, since many teachers like to end a book study with a film based on the book.

But I have to agree with a few others who mentioned Bonfire of the Vanities. Even though for the sake of time it would probably have to be abridged for the classroom, it’s a book that should be read in its entirety. For an AP English class, that really shouldn’t be a problem. At four times the length of A Tale of Two Cities, Bonfire is still a funner and more engaging read than Dicken’s verbose prose allows.

By: steve

steve — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:05:11 +0000

I like the post, but I disagree about the movie: It was awesome. Of course, I have not read the book, so I am assuming it was one of those things where the book was better than the movie. Nevertheless, I think the movie stands on its own and is a classic.

By: Ade

Ade — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:38:33 +0000

I would choose Bonfire of the Vanities before American Psycho. I liked American Psycho, but I thought it had little to say beyond what was already said in Bonfire. Besides, it belabors the point. While Bonfire's Sherman McCoy develops into a sort of monster, just as Patrick Bateman does, McCoy's transformation is far more nuanced and believable. Ellis does heavily--with shock--what Wolf is able to do subtly. Incidentally, did you know that both Sherman McCoy and Patrick Bateman work at the same firm - Pierce and Pierce? Also: I disagree. The movie was good.

By: Ilan Bouchard

Ilan Bouchard — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:11:06 +0000

Awesome, it was cool to see this get so much coverage.

American Psycho has been on my list for a while, though this is pushing it up in priority. (Have to finish What Makes Sammy Run first, just got to it a couple days ago.)

By: Marcus

Marcus — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:06:16 +0000

You know what else is interesting about this choice is… I mean, look at the title. America really has dominated the world in those decades. Surely the book to define subsequent decades might be a bit more global.

By: Ilan Bouchard

Ilan Bouchard — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:45:44 +0000

Awesome, it was cool to see this get so much coverage.

American Psycho has been on my list for a while, though this is pushing it up in priority. (Have to finish What Makes Sammy Run first, just got to it a couple days ago.)