Stranger than Fiction by Chuck Palahnuik

233 pages (Trade paperback) Non-Fiction Essays

Palahnuik is one of the oddest writers I have ever read. In general his books seem to focus on a person with some mental issues and how they interact with the world. I wouldn't say that his books are depressing, but I wouldn't say they are all that uplifting either. Stranger than Fiction is a collection of true stories. Many are presented as if they are articles you might read in a newspaper. Many of them couldn't be published in a newspaper. The topics range from people that build castles to live in, amateur wrestlers, combine demolition derbies to Marilyn Manson giving himself a tarot reading.

The book has a humorous tone to it. It is a look at the lighter side of people. It demonstrates that ALL of us are a bit strange and maybe that is a good thing. About halfway through the book there is a story about Palahnuik's friends that claim to have super natural powers. One lives with a ghost and one can see the future. He has a party and a couple of psychics start to talk to the dead. At this point the book seems to take a serious tone as Palahnuik reveals some very personal things about his past.

3 Emotional/Intellectual - Looking at the quirky side of people was interesting and more engaging than you might think at first. Palahnuik's ability to reveal more about himself with other's stories shows an unexpected personal side as well.

3 Readability/Style - A few of the stories come off as very generic. Others have the short sentenced, fact filled style that is typical of his writing.

3 Long Term Impact - Palahnuik's already has a strong following. Though this book isn't as well known as  it will be able to ride on the coattails of his other more popular books.

9 out of 13. You might be better off starting with one of his other books like Lullaby, Invisible Monsters or Haunted. If you find you like his writing this book is worthwhile.

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