Mabuhay/Hello/Hallo

[paperskeletons]

Hello everyone!

I am Angela, a Swiss-Filipino, aged seventeen living in Manila, Philippines. I was never really interested in reading long books as a child, but during the past few years, I've been trying to increase the size of my library, which in turn will enrich my knowledge. Ha!

Currently, I am trying to complete Chuck Palahniuk's books because I think his morbid and beautiful imagination is simply divine, and not to mention, highly entertaining. I just finished 'Rant', and am nearly done with his latest book 'Snuff' I love every word, every punctuation, every page, and would definitely recommend it.

Besides my recent reading addiction, I have always been interested in the arts sector. I enjoy photography, films/filming, fashion, painting, and other hobbies such as enjoying the night life and traveling with my family.

I'd love to read new books-- some that are perhaps books that I would never expect to pick up if I was alone in a bookstore, as well as meet new people around the world. Recommend some titles, or just say hello! I'd love to hear from other people.

- Angela

[Ophelia]

Hello Mabuhay, welcome to Booktalk!

[Theomanic]

Hello Angela!

I'm a big Palahniuk fan as well... I tend to ration out his books and read them very far apart from each other, so I always have more to look forward to. Kind of silly, huh? As I result, I've only read about four of them (the first four he's written). I think of those, my favourite is Survivor.

Did you like Fight Club more as a book or the movie? I tend to like books more than movies, but I found that particular one the reverse. The movie seemed to really streamline the book, and I liked the movie ending better as well.

As to authors you may enjoy if you like Palahniuk, I would recommend:
Irvine Welsh: Not the same style of writer, but the same sort of dark and macabre topics. Suggested book to start: Filth.
John Irving: Not as dark (or nearly as angry), but the way he writes and his observational comments are a little similar. Suggested book to start: A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Iain Banks: Similar to Irving in nature, but also his books are somewhat peculiar at times. Suggested book to start: The Wasp Facatory

Palahniuk is one of my top five favourite authors. The other four you may or may not enjoy, but I'll mention them (and recommended reading in brackets, based on a love for Palahniuk): Haruki Murakami (Hardboiled Wonderland and the End of the World), William Gibson (Neuromancer), Neil Gaiman (American Gods), annnnd... the last one changes a lot. Maybe Peter Watts (Starfish).

I hope that helps, and welcome to Book Talk!

[paperskeletons]

Generally, I'd like to read the books before the movies because as usual, the books ARE so much better. As for Fight Club, I have to admit, I have not read it yet but have seen the movie and I found it quite interesting. Not a favourite, but definitely a good watch!

I just finished 'Snuff' and I've moved on to 'Survivor'. I'm so excited to finish this book! I hear it's one of his best. I'm moving to 'Fight Club' after, but unfortunately, thats all I've got because it's virtually impossible to find his books here. :(

As for Irvine Welsh, I feel he is definitely an interesting author. I first heard from him through Trainspotting, the movie. I loved it and I figured I'd love the book more, but it's very hard to read with all the accents and whatnot! Argh. But I am trying to give him a second chance with other titles.

Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely check them out!

[Chris OConnor]

Welcome to BookTalk.org, Angela.

I never understood the appeal of Fight Club. The movie was decent, but nothing to write home about. Maybe all the talk is about the book.