Has anyone read The Shards by Brett Easton Ellis?

[BunnyRuddington]

I’m reading it now and I’ve read just over 100 pages.

It’s ok but so much of it is mentioning songs from 1981 (I was there, I know the music was good), the drinks and the drugs and the sex.

I’m interested in finding out if the protagonist is right about the new pupil at school,

Just wondering if it’s worth persevering as I’m not sure I can cope with another 500 pages as the repetition is beginning to get to me already.

I don't think I dare read it. One of his other books American Psycho just about finished me off. I was so upset I threw the book in the bin.

Oh wow! That is a strong reaction. I don’t think I’ve reacted that strongly to a book since by dear departed MIL foisted a copy of The Contented Little Baby Book on me shortly after I had DC1. Mind you I think I may have burned that particular book…

I’m in the rare club of not reading or seeing American Psycho so unfortunately can’t compare.

It’s on my reading list - purchased it as soon as it was released. However, BEE is one of my favourite authors and I studied him for my masters. This is the only book of his I haven’t read - I’m saving it in case he doesn’t release anymore.

I can understand that. I think he had a 13 year break from publishing?

Place marking. I've had the paperback for about a year now. I've enjoyed his other books, including American Psycho. I just have so many other books that catch my eye, I haven't gotten to it yet.

Well I’ve only read a further 100 pages and I’m not loving the book any more than I was. It’s annoying as I want to know about the new guy at school but I really don’t like all of the repetitive waffle.

Oh no! Maybe I just need to read it and stop saving it ‘for best’

I enjoyed it, although I skimmed / skipped the gruesome parts - his is also the approach I took to American Psycho.

@countdowntonapI get why some people really lile his books but it’s the first one I’ve read of his. The actual story is good but it’s coming over as very “look how clever I am” and try hard. Did I mention the repetition?

@refreshingseahorseI think I might have to skim read a fair but if the book but if I miss out the gruesome bits I don’t think there will be anything left but the tedious descriptions of music, drugs, street names and cars.

DH started it but gave up. He is usually pretty obstinate about finishing a book after starting. He found it irritating.

I think irritating is a very accurate decision. I’ve been in my own for large chunks of today and despite leaving my kindle out I haven’t once picked it up.

Usually I’d read for an hour in the garden in the afternoon.

I was so angry with myself for reading that. Don’t know why I didn’t bin it off halfway through.

*description not decision 🤦‍♀️