Rating:  Summary: Disconcertingly nothing, or was it? Review: I came across this book when I was searching desperately for a good read in a book shop. Haplessly I asked for help and the young guy behind the counter recommended LTZ with so much enthusiasm I felt compelled to buy it. Whilst reading the book I kept trying to imagine exactly what it was that impressed my friend at the bookshop so much. Was I missing something? Spoilt, unlikeable characters pitifully indulging themselves with too much of everything and an insipid, lost narrator was all I could make of this lifeless novel. But as I kept reading I became aware of a weird sensation, that of discomforture and a perverse, almost vicarious need to keep reading. Ellis is wonderful at creating a mood and infesting the reader with it no matter how dregsy and empty it is. I do not doubt his skill in this area, nor his attention to detail (re: American Psycho). However, it seems to me that Ellis is as preoccupied with the 'wastedness' of the city (LA)and its scene, as are his characters. In short, I both liked and disliked this novel and I find it difficult to explain why. Was this Ellis's intention?
Rating:  Summary: And the point is...............? Review: This was pathetic. I got the book thinking that it may be even better than the movie, but I was sadly disappointed. There was absolutely no point. I'm an avid reader and I love to get involved in the story and feel for the characters, but the characters were so undeveloped. You had no clue as to why their lives were so pathetic. kIf you want to read about a bunch of rich kids who have nothing to do and do just that, NOTHING, then read this book.
Rating:  Summary: A Must Read Review: Less Than Zero is a must read. It's a hard-hitting and real book, but it's nothing I would let my mother read. You just have to try it!
Rating:  Summary: Waste of time, paper and ink. Review: If this is supposed to be literature, I'd hate to see what bad prose is like. The book comes across in a flat monotone, written by an author who apparently can't be troubled to draw any real psychological portraits of his characters. Anyone who would compare this to "Catcher In The Rye" is more messed up than the self-absorbed goofballs in "Less Than Zero."
Rating:  Summary: a compelling book....written in a truely artistic style Review: As a teenager myself, i found this book truely compelling. the images conjured by this book are truely unforgettable... ...even now when i see those new "from GOD" billboards, i think of this great book. If you have the chance; read this book!
Rating:  Summary: Awful Review: The only good thing about this book is that it's short. There are a lot better things a person can do than hear about whinny, wasted kids that weren't beaten enough as children. As a member of "Generation-X", I'm pretty damnned insult with the alleged affiliation.
Rating:  Summary: brilliant, startling tale of youth and excess Review: I hadnt read this book in ages, and found a copy in a bookstore. Best purchase Ive made in awhile. This is the story of Clay and how youth and wealth are incompatible. Clay's view is one of apathy and aloofness. His friends are drowning in drugs, dangerous sex and all the trapping of having too much too soon. Clay turns a blind eye to all this and does not help those friends who desperately need it. A startling wake-up call to readers of all ages that apathy is a dangerous thing. Utterly brilliant.
Rating:  Summary: A good read. made me feel uncomfortable. Review: i'd hate to be one of these kids living this party all the time, meaningless life. this was a good book but i was distracted by all the ANDs there were in it. "and this and that and this and that" no kidding, at some points it gets that bad. other than that, i wouldnt change a thing. over all a good book
Rating:  Summary: Mind spinning barrage of desert imagery depicts rootless LA. Review: "People in LA are afraid to merge," wrote Ellis. Some New York Times types wrote that Ellis is crap. Less than Zero is the future on paper. MTV with substance via typewriter. Quick, one-plus page chapters. Floating images of characters that seem both jaded and unaware. The TNT of the Sex Pistols meets the nonhype, nonchalance of, well, someone before the dominant era of Hype. Just as the Ramones 2 minute chainsaw rock helped fall 70's schlock quadruple live albums with: 16 minute guitar solo -- check; 12 minute drum solo -- check; "I heard St.Louis likes to Party!" -- check, Ellis presents the spartan New Style. I first read this book while living in off campus housing in Santa Barbara circa 1986 where the booze flowed and some students equipped cars with TV's, VCR's and porno tapes. The book thrilled and shocked as an exaggeration of the So Cal lifestyles of the freshly scrubbed and stoned I saw (and joined). 13 years later, this book reads as much less a microcosm of So Cal 'tudes and much more a tour de force defining for a generation the concepts of (wasted) youth, privilege, Western rootlessness, and modern disconnect. Less than Zero may likely become The book, and perhaps The Medium that best defines the 1980's for Post Boomers.
Rating:  Summary: EXISTENTIAL ANGST AT IT'S BEST! Review: By far my favorite book of all time. Ellis' ability to portray alienation and anomie are second to none. While Camus and Kafka are rightly anointed as avatars of twentieth century angst, Ellis brings us to new heights (depths) of despair. His cunning use of humor throughout the work make for moments of cynical laughter. Highly recommended.
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