Choke (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) by Chuck Palahniuk (2002-06-01)

Maybe I just don't ger Chuck Palahniuk, but after reading two of his books (this one and "Lullaby") I find his style to be boring. Yes, he peppers his stories with unrelentingly disturbing imagery, and he manages to pull together interesing stories that start out well... but in both of these books things tend to peter out toward the end. When you become apathetic (not disgusted or distressed) about the lead character by the middle of the book, something is wrong. I know he carries a ravenous fan base, but frankly I just don't get it.

very dark humor, kind of a davinci code meets hustler in some parts. basically a guy trying to find out who he is and where he came from so he can figure out where he's going. I enjoyed it very much quick read also

The character is vile - but NOT in an interesting way. Instead the character feels forced. As if he was created simply for shock value. I don't understand why this story would be considered satirical or visionary. If there is nothing likable or redeemable or stimulating about the character how are we expected to keep reading?

I love Chuck Palahniuk's books. This is no exception. Right from the start this book takes off at an incredible pace and is a true page turner. At times the text is shocking and hilarious. At other times the text is compelling and deep. Overall, this is a great read and well worth the time and the money. I would also highly suggest readin Mr. Palahniuk's Fight Club as in my opinion it is his best work.

This book is written very well. It is straight forward and has a few good twists. Be warned it is about a sex addict so if you do not mind reading through a few vulgar parts that are a bit pornographic in nature then I recommend it.

I enjoyed reading this like I enjoy fast food. It's not something I want to eat often, but it's exactly what I want when I want it. Sometimes life gets too "sticky-sweet", and you just want something gritty and full of the schmutz of life. Chuck Palahniuk always pulls through for me. Also, try his "Stranger than Fiction", it's really interesting to read, and doable in "bites"

I am quoting another reviewer: "I've basically come to the conclusion that the first Palahniuk book you read will be your favorite....:
And I have come to the conclusion that the first of his books I've read, will be my last. Aside from a plot twist near the end of the book, he could have delivered the same story at half the length. And hopefully it would be at less than half the price as well.

I enjoyed reading this like I enjoy fast food. It's not something I want to eat often, but it's exactly what I want when I want it. Sometimes life gets too "sticky-sweet", and you just want something gritty and full of the schmutz of life. Chuck Palahniuk always pulls through for me. Also, try his "Stranger than Fiction", it's really interesting to read, and doable in "bites"

I am quoting another reviewer: "I've basically come to the conclusion that the first Palahniuk book you read will be your favorite....:
And I have come to the conclusion that the first of his books I've read, will be my last. Aside from a plot twist near the end of the book, he could have delivered the same story at half the length. And hopefully it would be at less than half the price as well.

This is certainly not "Fight Club". It doesn't even have the writing style or wit I was expecting. I don't think I will be buying any more from this author. Too bad, it seems like there are a lot of one-shot writers out there these days who manage to write a reasonably good book and in later work proceed to churn out page after page of dreck. Very meh.

Probably one of the worst books I've read. There didn't seem to be any real story. It was like one of those movies that you keep watching because you think it will get better but doesn't. Absolutely a waste of money.

drop whatever you are doing and read this now. i read this book in about 4 hours, unable to put it down. its full of the quotes and ideas that youd expect to find in a palahniuk novel - things so brilliant and obvious that we never can think of on our own. buy this book now.

Choke was one of those books that seems disjointed at first, but as you continue reading you are drawn in, and by the end, all of the many threads of story line weave together creating a total fabric. There were many similarities in style to "Fight Club", however, this was a book worth reading.

A great book about sex addiction amongst other things. Not quite as good as Fight Club or Survivor but any book that is even only "almost as good" as either of those is still an amazing book. I would certainly recommend that you read it.

This book took me by surprise. I went in expecting something much darker, but what I got was a very strange love story full of black humor and philosophical insight. But it turns out, that's what I'd really been looking for all along.

This was an entertaining read: the author tried hard to create a base reality for the protagonist, but the protagonist kept breaking out of that; the sentence structures are fun; and there were a few fun facts sprinkled in to keep things interesting at times for non-fiction readers, too.

You cant just write a book with some somewhat graphic stuff in it and expect that alone to carry it. Characters skin deep, no real apparent plot line. Just kind of sloppily written, like the author was stoned half the time he wrote and drunk the other. Ending pretty much rips off Fight Club. Idk I think he hit gold with fight club but this book was pretty basic. Pretty pointless. I rarely get nothing out of reading a book but this was one that was just a waste of time

This book is confusing at times because it jumps around a lot, but, in the end, you realize the deeper meaning(s) behind the story. It's tragic and humorous with a sort of twist. Definitely read it a second time around.

Palahniuk is a great teller of warped and slightly demented stories. I wanted to read this first before reading Fight Club and I was thoroughly pleased. Vincent Mancini is a funny weak character with whom I was able to somehow relate. Love Palahniuk!

Slightly entertaining. Style of prose was interesting at first but became annoying by the end. Palahniuk's development of his characters was well done, feeding us tid bits as the story moved on. I did like the plot twist near the end involving the Good Doctor. Glad it took me less than a day to get through this. Have purchased and read Survivor and preferred this novel over Choke, although many similarities to both