Through 105

Well, to start out, I've never seen the movie, but Jane told me that there's something with a chain saw during sex or something like that, so I was expecting there to be more violence, although I'm sure it gets there.

I agree with Kailey that the beginning was kind of boring, because even Bateman's obsessiveness over what everyone is wearing just seemed monotonous, not psychotic. Because of that, it was kind of a nice--although disturbing change--when within him listing what people are wearing, he throws in his dark thoughts like wanting to brutally kill someone. I'm still not sure if he's actually killed people. I know he has the bloody sheets at the dry cleaners, but then what does he do with the bodies? Also, because of his extreme prejudices, it seems like he would only kill people who he has met and therefore who are known by others in Bateman's circle of acquaintances. I'm hoping that Ellis will go more into that.

In terms of the chauvinistic element, I find it interesting that it's not just Bateman, but all the men he seems to be acquainted with--especially Price. The only difference between them is that Bateman is actually psychotic, although I'm sure it could be argued that Price is psychotic in his own way. I find it interesting though that there are no female characters who challenge the men's chauvinistic beliefs, which like Kailey said, does put Ellis' own beliefs into question. At first, I was thinking that it's just because Bateman sees every woman as dumb or lesser than him, but I think it would be really interesting if there was actually someone who challenged his belief. For example, take the part where Bateman and his friends are talking about how there are only two types of women: hot and dumb or ugly and smart--I think it would be great if he were confronted by a woman who was hot and smart. I'm sure he would have some sort of psychotic reaction to that, but it would still be really interesting to see that unfold, especially because I find it annoying that all the women we've encountered so far are so pitiful.

I'm looking forward to Bateman really cracking, because I really would like less of his narration on clothing and brands and more actual plot instead. I'm trying to think if there's anything else that jumped out at me, but I can't think of it right now. Based on Kailey's last comment, I'm guessing there will be more to talk about coming up.

As far as what to read up to next, I'm really fine with anything. I would say we could finish it by the 20th? I don't know if that's too soon for anyone, but that way we could finish before I leave for RA training, only because I have no idea what my time is going to be like once I'm back.

Ok, let's chat...

I cannot count the number of times I have been reading this book and thought to myself (or out loud) “wow, this guy’s a psycho!” Most of the time I would realize how stupid this sounded, considering the title, and promptly looked around o make sure no one heard me.

For the first fifty pages or so I just marveled at how a character can be so self-obsessed and self critical at the same time. The majority of Bateman’s time is spent evaluating everyone’s clothing, looking to score and scoping out his next lay (by the way, the term “hardbodies” confused me for awhile. At first I thought it referred to hot waitresses, then shortly realized they’re just hot women in general). Knowing the general route the story takes from the movie, I found myself waiting for something violent and nasty to happen. This probably isn’t the best way to go since it made everything up to the first hint of action rather boring (though if I remember correctly, the first bit of action in sex not murder…and really bad sex at that, and that’s where we leave off).

So up until now nothing has really happened worth talking about. Ellis is just building up the character: his obsessive compulsiveness, and ultimate chauvinism. Bateman is the perfect example of a chauvinist based on this definition “Prejudiced belief in the superiority of one's own gender, group, or kind.” Not only does he see women only as objects of a man’s pleasure, but he sees himself and his colleagues, all upper-class businessmen and other investment bankers, as far superior to all other “normal” folk, and his hatred of the homeless is all too evident. I’m actually going to go research Ellis. With most novels, the separation of author and any fictional character is very clear, but for some reason while reading this I can’t help wondering if perhaps Ellis is a bit sexist? Or maybe a bit prejudice against the lower class? Anyway, I’ll look it up and get back to you.

Alrighty, what are reading to next? Personally, I think we should just set a date to finish it and then chat again. I’m having trouble holding back, I’m at 160. For those of you who haven’t gone beyond 105 yet, this shit is NUTS!

Oh Boy!

Wow, Kailey...what a dream! Very strange, but an interesting look into your subconscious. I finished reading till page 105, but Grace wrote on facebook that she should have it finished tomorrow, so we should probably wait to post anything that could give stuff away.

American Psycho

I'm on page 106 or something like that... Going to bed but I'll post probably tomorrow night after work. Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks! I'm kinda meh at the moment...

Dream that should be a book on our list!

So Gabrielle from Zena Warrior Princess is, in fact, a faerie! Yes, it's true. And the Faerie Queen found out that she and Aladin were desperately in love so she granted her to him. But during an invasion of giant troll things she stepped in front of Aladin to protect him from troll leader who wanted his crayons. In an instant Gabrielle was horribly wounded and the stout little goblin figure that is Aladin's friend (and is sometimes how I see everything that's happening...apparently my subconscious views itself as a stout little goblin thing) realizes that the queen will not be pleased! At this moment the story blurs somewhat to return to my basement, which apparently is the limbo-type world between Aladin's world and the Faerie world. While I'm standing there in goblin mode Aladin climbs out of the dryer, apparently the entrance to Aladin's world, and begins morosely collecting various wood pieces which he says is for Gabrielle's coffin. Shocked, I quickly inquire as to her state of wellbeing...or death, and he informs me that she has yet to die but he can do nothing for her. As he carries what 2 seconds ago were wood pieces and are now crayons through the dryer passage I jump at the vicious screams of the faerie queen from the land up above (the faerie world being up the stairs)! She seems to have discovered the plight of her beloved Gabrielle (maybe it's Zena). The voice is terrifying and shakes the world to it's core! She screams something about revenge and killing and immediately horrible shrieks of pain are heard from above that tell me the Faerie Queen is wreaking havoc on the above world, killing all the nice little faeries! I immediately try to hide anywhere but there really aren't that many good hiding places in my basement! I hear her voice getting nearer and I am getting more and more frantic in my searches for cover but it's no use! I decide that even if I did find a place to hide she is the Faerie Queen and would know where I was anyway... I start to walk back to the little stool I stand on (I guess to make me seem taller when I face the Queen), realizing that I am a second from dying a most horrible death!!!
Then I wake up.... My heart was pounding and I was SO scared!!! Then I realized that I was a goblin frightened of a faerie and Aladin was going to be much worse off so I got up and started getting ready for work... *shrug*

100 Pages by Monday the 10th!!! Let's do it! Then everyone can post about it Monday!?

When to Start

I got the book over the weekend, so I can start reading whenever. I don't have it in front of me right now, but maybe we should read until a chapter ending around page 50 or 60 to start out with? Maybe by next Monday?

Also, the fact that Anne almost fell into a waterfall because the rock broke is great and if I weren't at work, I'd be laughing my ass off, so yes, I see Kailey did a good job with the sadism.

Out of curiosity, when's everyone coming back to Boston? I'll be back on the 23rd...