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Andrew Smith's Reviews > Fight Club
Fight Club
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by
I don’t really care that I’m an outlier here � I hated this book!
An unnamed man who can’t sleep goes to a string of support groups for the seriously ill to see what people who really suffer look like. There, he meets a woman as twisted as he is, and they form a love/hate relationship. Meanwhile, when on a business trip for the job he hates, he meets an extremist rule breaker who is to turn his life around. That is to say, make it even worse! They form a fight club, which attracts people who also feel like they’re living meaningless lives whilst working dehumanising jobs. The fighting makes them feel alive. After a few scenes of gratuitous violence, things deteriorate further. The fighting turns into organised acts of vandalism and general mayhem. The ending is unbelievably bad.
I know there will be those who will want to point out the deep meaning hidden in the subtext. So what, I consume books to learn and to be entertained. This book didn’t tick either box.
I listened to this on audio and the only reason I got to the end of the book is that it’s relatively short and I didn’t have an alternative loaded on my phone (I hate walking without a book to keep me company). As I only award one star to books I fail to finish I’m reluctantly going to have to award this book two. That’s probably two more than it deserves.
An unnamed man who can’t sleep goes to a string of support groups for the seriously ill to see what people who really suffer look like. There, he meets a woman as twisted as he is, and they form a love/hate relationship. Meanwhile, when on a business trip for the job he hates, he meets an extremist rule breaker who is to turn his life around. That is to say, make it even worse! They form a fight club, which attracts people who also feel like they’re living meaningless lives whilst working dehumanising jobs. The fighting makes them feel alive. After a few scenes of gratuitous violence, things deteriorate further. The fighting turns into organised acts of vandalism and general mayhem. The ending is unbelievably bad.
I know there will be those who will want to point out the deep meaning hidden in the subtext. So what, I consume books to learn and to be entertained. This book didn’t tick either box.
I listened to this on audio and the only reason I got to the end of the book is that it’s relatively short and I didn’t have an alternative loaded on my phone (I hate walking without a book to keep me company). As I only award one star to books I fail to finish I’m reluctantly going to have to award this book two. That’s probably two more than it deserves.
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Reading Progress
July 11, 2020
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Started Reading
July 11, 2020
– Shelved
July 14, 2020
–
Finished Reading
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by
Gene
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rated it 5 stars
Jul 15, 2020 12:08PM
this is a very popular point of view these days which impacted the way books are written in the first place; they have got shallow, thick and truly watery to accommodate a reader like you :( heresy!
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Hahaha - I was expecting something like that. Perhaps from a reader like you. Thanks for stopping by :))
Break your own rule....be free....give it a one...I dare ya :DD
Haha - I may yet do that, Jaidee :))
I always appreciate an outlier review. Sorry this was a miss that probably made your walk less pleasant.
JanB wrote: "I always appreciate an outlier review. Sorry this was a miss that probably made your walk less pleasant."Jan - On the plus side, at least this is a reasonably short tale! :)
I read Fight Club years ago—or maybe I dnf halfway through. But I distinctly remember not liking it. So I totally agree with your analysis, Andrew.
Thanks, Shannon. I'm mystified as to what anyone is attracted to here.
I didn't think much of it either Andrew
Lee wrote: "I didn't think much of it either Andrew"Lee - it’s a book that divides opinion. A good friend of mine once told me it was her favourite book.
I love this book. Interesting to see how it is not for everyone
Brad - interesting, I haven't seen the film.
Leo - yes, a friend I worked with told me this was her favourite book of all time.
You are right the book is probably not meant only to entertain. The learning in it is all social commentary subtext. It is a multi-dimensional literary polemic using fiction to make points about toxic masculinity. Perhaps I’m wrong, but it seems to me a lot of men like the book because they “feel seen�, it covers the ground they walk on in their heads. Some women also feel the same about it, but I think a lot of women are like, “This! THIS! This is why I got a divorce! This is, whatever it is, is what causes men to be so screwed up!� They feel validated.
I saw the movie first, and honestly? All I noticed was how great Brad Pitt looked. He really must be a gym rat.
I really liked the book for its theme, though. Really. I like social commentary fiction reads - they often validate my experiences and/or beliefs. But often I want something shallow, fun and stupidly entertaining, too. I wish I had the time to watch WWE as I used to. I can’t wait to see Deadpool vs. Wolverine! Awesome duo despite they are all about channeling everything that is toxic masculinity into doing good! Sometimes. Maybe by accident. Did I mention I love satire best?
I wish you good reading, Andrew. You are “seen!�
I’ve seen several generations of men. I love saying this not just because it’s true but I like talking about what’s wrong with men as most women do - men are all alike when it comes to toxic masculinity no matter the generation. I don’t think this book will ever be out of print.
Love you're thoughts on this one, aPrlL. Just sorry it took me so long to spot your input. We all take different things from books, I'm delighted to hear your take 👌
I appreciate all perspectives from other readers/reviewers, including yours, Andrew. I hope your current read is knocking your socks off!!
Many thanks, Terrie. I'm currently reading a book titled The Strange Case of Jane O, and it most certainly is!
Fair review Andew. You effectively summarizes the plot, highlighting key elements like the protagonist's insomnia, the support groups, the fight club, and the escalating violence. Superbly done!
Taufiq wrote: "Fair review Andew. You effectively summarizes the plot, highlighting key elements like the protagonist's insomnia, the support groups, the fight club, and the escalating violence. Superbly done!"Many thanks, Taufiq! And Happy New Year.
