What readers think of Choke, plus links to write your own review.

FANTASTIC

Only 2 of the participating 4 members of our book club would read this one. They were turned off by the vulgarity of the first part of the book. While I must say I was initially uncomfortable with it, I understand the necessity in the language in describing and making believable an addict's world. I had an even greater understanding for the approach that Palahniuk took when I read the story behind the story on the Choke website!! While the story dealt with the down and dirty, it really ended with hope!

Mr. Palahnuik's novels often examine the pychosis that accompanies everyday people living ordinary lives. Fight Club examined the psychosis of violence in young men who find, not satisfaction, but rather, alienation and rage in conforming to the demands of the modern world. In Choke the psychosis of both altruism and sex is deftly synthesized to make an enjoyable, darkly funny, and disturbing view of adults in America today. Palahnuik is the master of post-modernist writing this era. I must admit that though I enjoyed Invisible Monsters and Fight Club more this is definitely a must read for people who enjoy breaking free from, and satirizing, what it means to be "normal".

Having never read any other works of Palahniuk, I was not what you might call prepared for Choke. Being 15 years of age, I was beginning to grow accustomed to novels that brought up strange, disturbing concepts and images, but in relation to Choke, no book compared. Initially I was not sure how I felt, but as the story went on my opinion became more solid and I can now safely say that Choke is by far the most horrifying but brilliant book I have ever read.
The views and ideas that arise in Choke are some of the bravest to be risen in modern literature; Chuck Palahniuk has adopted an ingenious style of writing in which one simply cannot trust what they read. Like many brilliant writers, he doesn't just tell you a nice story, but forces you to think. Your perception of this book will hugely and apparently reflect your perception of the world, and not since The World According To Garp has any novel made me question myself like this.
Even with a book so thick with graphic sex and disgustingly open looks at just about everything, you have to admire what it is Palahniuk is trying to do. Love or hate Choke, it is a book that you will never forget.

wow--this is one ridiculous book. a sensationalist piece of junk that should make any fan of so-called "modern literature" shake his head with frustration. contrived, silly, unimpostrant, and most decidedly not a satire. well, maybe at best it is a cariacature of the author. maybe i should finish the thing before i spout off. if you want to read something "swiftian," go read swift.

Chuck P has great style and some piercing insights into our culture, but has been dwelling on the morbid side of things for too long. I got tired of it after the last two books I read. Reading this is like picking a scab. Fascinating, but you've got better things to be doing I hope. Read the first page, then take the advice offered there and put it down.