[45] American Psycho

I'm not sure who's the maniac this time round.  Is it Bret Easton Ellis, or is it just Patrick Bateman? Either way, this is a great, yet sick and twisted book.  This book is not for the faint-hearted.  If you can barely sit through your average thriller or horror movie, then in no way are you going to be able to read this without feeling the need to be violently ill.  Fortunately I was able to stomach it, and so have come out with winning results, and a slightly sickened stomach through one section of the novel.  

I've read two books from Ellis in the past, which were removed off the current 1001 list, but are still brilliant anyway.  I've read Glamorama and Less Than Zero.  American Psycho, unlike these, is banned for sale to people under the age of 18, in Queensland, Australia. You almost must be at least 18 to borrow it out from the library.  While I may be 18, I'd have to say they weren't doing a very good job of restricting that, because I didn't have to show any ID, just walked in and got it from the holds shelves, then borrowed it out.

The way this is written, you get chunks of great descriptions of what the main character is wearing, and what clothing that involves.  Then, on the other hand, you get pages of dialogue between various characters.  Then there's the graphic scenes of either a sexual or violent nature.  I have to praise Bret Easton Ellis' writing style, because I love it.  He mentions people.  He doesn't make up celebrities, or television shows, he utilizes what the world already possesses, and works them in.  Familiar names like Tom Cruise and Donald Trump are referenced a number of times.  The main characters also attend a U2 concert.  

All in all, this is a great novel, if you can stomach it! 

[44] Atonement

Atonement by the wonderful Ian McEwan.  McEwan has three books on this version of the list, making him one of the most populous authors on the list.  Before the new version of the list was released, he had eight.  I am so thankful for the revision, because, whilst good, lets face it, no one needs eight spots on a list like this.  Only Charles Dickens had one more than McEwan, and has now been reduced down to four. Thank goodness for that, I don't think I could handle that much Dickens.  Anyway, I was at least pleased with my first selection of Ian McEwan.  

If there's one thing I learnt from Atonement, it's not to have such an evil stupid little sister like Briony Tallis.  Briony Tallis is the most evil girl I have ever come across, novel wise.  She has absolutely no common sense.  

I'd have to say my favourite character was Cecelia Tallis, the older sister of Briony, with a close second to Robbie Turner, of whom is like some amazing version of Mr Darcy.  Not that Mr Darcy isn't already amazing, but still, Robbie is awesome.  

This is a great book, saddening, yet great.  I didn't cry reading it, but I know that if I watch the film version, I will.  It's that kind of story.  Not that I didn't cry when Mufasa died in The Lion King, but still.  

Anywho, as I normally say, I know why this is on the list, it deserves to be here, it's amazing, worth reading, and I highly recommend it, especially if you've seen and enjoyed the film, or are interesting in viewing the film.  Read it first. 

:D