Has anyone read much of this guy's work? I've never read anything of his but am familiar with the movie adapdations of his books.

Anyway, I was wandering around the used book store the other day and they had a copy of Less Than Zero. I didn't buy it but it got me wondering if I should pick up a book by him.

I've always avoided his stuff because he seems to be actively hated by a lot of people and I haven't really met any defenders. However, I like a lot of stuff that other folks hate...so I'm wondering if this might be a similar situation.

Any opinions on his books?

Ive only read American Psycho and fouind it way too wordy....*no pun intended*

"Less Than Zero" was my first introduction to Mr. Ellis. It's a bit dated now, but the story was definitely good when I read it back then. Very easy reading -- you should be done in a couple of days.

I've read all of his novels, except the latest one. I have enough else on my plate that reading more of BEE figuring out BEE figuring out AMERICAN POP CULTURE isn't worth my time. (But I hear it's a pretty good read and I like that he brings back characters)

I think American Psycho is a frightening and freakishly good read, although the content is absolutely all the things you've heard it is. Whether or not that content is a problem for you is your call, but as with anything, I think that's something you shouldn't necessarily let others decide for you - his shit can be read as the most morally reprehensible and offensive and exploitative work outside of maybe snuff films (I'm reaching here, having never seen one, 'cept on that one L&O episode). I think the substance of his work literally does slide down the surface of things, to quote his Glamorama quoting Bono. But, I suspect that a great deal of his observations, while often hilarious, aren't all that revealing these days. When I last read him (Glamorama), I found myself skimming after a while, as the guy just doesn't have much new to say about not having much to say.

I'd say.

yeah, this one was the only book of his that really blew me away, but that was at a much more impressionable age and I thought the decay of our culture and ent of our era were on the verge of happening. It's kinda sad to read now and see how much lower the bar can be set. great writing, though. I never read American Psycho, but Glamorama bored me to tears so i gave up.

how long was i asleep?

Ditto here, though I liked Glamorama as well... It seems like, the older he gets, the harder his books get to read...

Haven't picked up the new one yet, 'cause I haven't been in a bookstore and seen it on sale yet...

Shit in a suit still stinks.

IME it's either dull, yet icky (congrats, you're a normal, healthy person!) or exciting and titillating (hey, you're a sick fuck! get treatment) these days. Less Than Zero was better, but not good enough to get him into the ranks he was ambitious for, so he went for shock, which always gets critical attention, to distract from his not-quite-there talent.

I have only read American Psycho and opposite Kevin, I think it is ridiculous and pandering. If there is any message in the work, it could be summed up in a page and would have given me back hours of my life. Verbose, and much of it reads like a laundry list - which while intended, does not excuse it.