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It’s been a while since the last post, so I thought I’d share some thoughts.. You may have already read or seen the movies. The first book is “The Beach” by Alex Garland, and the second book is “Fightclub” by Chuck Palahniuk. If you want to read about these books in depth, you will find all the information you need in a short google-search.

The Beach

A review from amazon.com..

Ready for some excitement and adventure? Pick up The Beach and lose yourself on a tropical island…

Richard, a twentysomething backpacker who spends most of his time searching for bigger and better places to see, finds his way to Thailand for a little R&R. But something is definitely different about this trip and most of it comes in the form of his crazy hostel neighbor, Daffy, who talks incessantly and angrily about a beach. Tucked away in a remote and off-limits part of Thailand, the beach Daffy speaks of is considered a utopia, a perfect world that is unspoiled by tourists, a prize at the end of a tiring quest. Naturally Richard is curious, so he sets out with a French couple, Etienne and Francoise, and a map drawn by Daffy in search of this pristine fantasy land.

The island commune in The Beach would definitely pass for a secret Woodstock hideaway. Richard’s journey is like no other; a riveting and spectacular adventure. Reading this book was the next best thing to swimming in their private lagoon, spearing fish and viewing the underwater corals. Island politics and the obsessive desire to keep the island’s secrecy plays a heavy role in this novel and is also a prime example of how, even in paradise, one can somehow manage to destroy it.

Dark and sinister, as well as sarcastically funny, The Beach is a fast and furious novel that transports readers to another place in the blink of an eye. Alex Garland’s writing is razor-sharp and indicative of his amazing storytelling talent. The movie cannot begin to touch the depth and fascination of this unforgettable novel.

A review from amazon.com..

Like many, I had heard of the book “Fight Club” after seeing the movie. As soon as I found out that it was based on a novel, I remember thinking to myself;

How could this be a book?

Is that even possible?

The movie alone was so unbelievable that if it were done wrong, it would’ve been a horrible mess. But it was done just right, and the results were amazing.

One of my friends had read the book and told me on many occasions, “You’ve got to read the book.” I told him that I’ve already seen the movie, and again, he says to me, “You’ve got to read the book. It’s great, and it’s actually different than the movie in a lot of parts.”

That worried me, because I absolutely LOVED the movie. It’s one of my favorites. I remember trying to read a book that another one of my favorite movies, “The Fan,” was based on, and it was not an enjoyable experience. The book was COMPLETELY different from the movie, and not in a good way. I ended up never finishing it.

So, I was hesitant at first, but about a year or two ago I decided to give it a shot. And am I ever glad that I did. “Fight Club” is an outstanding novel. The writing is so refreshing and shows us the mind of a promising new author, Chuck Palahniuk. This was his very first novel, and I found that so amazing. Because this was one incredible debut. I have read plenty of novels all from different kinds of authors, but I have NEVER read a debut as incredible or impressive as this.

To give you a brief idea of what the book is about without giving away too much is it revolves around the narrator, an insomniac who can’t get a grip on his life. With insomnia everything is a distraction. He can’t focus on his job, he can’t focus on people, and most of all, he can’t focus on his life. Soon enough, he meets a slippery soap salesman, Tyler Durden, who is about to show our narrator a new outlook on life. And this is where they invent “Fight Club.” It doesn’t take long before everything starts to get out of control….WAY out of control, to one shocking climax and finale. (Don’t think you have the answers because you’ve seen the movie. TRUST me on this one.)

This is a humorous novel with some darkness to it. It is both funny and thrilling at the same time. The book is filled with some of the most memorable lines; some that were used in the movie, others that were not. This is dark satire at its finest.

Know this; reading the book and watching the movie are two different experiences. Yes there are similarities, and there are differences. The only thing is that unlike “The Fan,” the differences in the novel “Fight Club” really work and doesn’t take away anything from anyone who was a fan of the film. It still stays true to the idea and story. Chances are you will enjoy the differences. That alone gives you a reason for reading, since you know it’s going to be a different ride.

After reading “Fight Club,” I knew that Chuck Palahniuk had a unique voice and talent. And I have found myself to be right from reading some of his other novels. (So far I have read this, “Choke,” and “Lullaby.”) This is a very easy book to read. Not for people who get grossed out easily, though. If you have seen the movie, read the book. If not, still read the book. I can’t really say which is better, the movie or the book. To me, they were both different experiences, and I found them both just as enjoyable. But one thing for sure, all the credit should be given to Palahniuk. After all, “Fight Club” came from his mind. A terrific read and one of my favorites.

Even if you have seen the movies, take your time to buy & read the books, then see the movies again. This is really a fantastic experience

So go buy Fightclub by Chuck Palahniuk and The Beach by Alex Garland. Paperback versions go for just a few bucks, but if you want something to put in your livingroom bookshelf, buy the more expensive release.