Invisible Monsters Remix [Hardcover]

Let me write a short disclaimer here. I recieved this book in the mail yesterday. I was under the impression that it didn't come out for a few weeks, but hey, pleasant surprise. In the last 24 hours, I've read the book--though I don't think I've hit every single part. See, the book is set up kind of like one of those old "Choose Your Own Adventure" stories (which I loved as a kid), so you skip around in the book to different parts of the story. The difference is that there are random chapters sprinkled about with nothing leading to them--like the "easter eggs" on DVDs, or deleted scenes. It reminded me of books like House of Leaves or Only Revolutions: A Novel, but without the actual manipulations of text. All in all, the style and format of the book is very fun, clever, and enjoyable to read.

As far as the story, well, it is one of my favorites by Mr. Palahniuk. I would put "Invisible Monsters" on par with Fight Club: A Novel and Survivor: A Novel. To read this is a reminder of Mr. P's genius with the written word. Highly recommended for fans, and those new to Chuck Palahniuk as well.

Invisible Monsters: A Novel is perhaps one of my favorite books of all time. It's not that I necessarily think its an objectively "good" novel, but it is a fun, wild ride through sex, drugs, and rock and roll. In fact, since reading Invisible Monsters, I have read every Chuck Palahniuk book to date, hoping for that same thrill of a first experience when reading. Unfortunately, for me, his other works were fine and dandy, but none of them reached the high intensity feeling of reading Invisible Monsters for the first time. That is, until now.

Invisible Monsters Remix is the book form of a movie's directer's cut. This is the way Chuck Palahniuk wanted it to be, totally and absolutely. That means added material, hardcover, a new introduction, etc. The entire experience is a fanboy's dream. Do not pass this up.

The plot of this novel is simple, but made complex via distorted point of view and chronological twisting. A super model gets her jaw blown off in a highway accident and must restructure her entire life. But the genius is in the presentation.

Unlike its predecessor, Invisible Monsters Remix is presented as a choose your own adventure style book. The opening of the old novel (which was chapter one previously) is now found all the way at the end of the book, chapter 41. At the end of each chapter, the reader gets a little note that says "Please Jump to Chapter __".

But note the "please".

Like the characters in his works, Chuck is presenting the readers with a choice. And only by breaking the rules does the fun and shine of this book come out. There are hidden "scenes", and a running commentary that shows of some of Palahniuk's excellent essayist skills throughout the novel. The catch is that no chapters ask you to please go there. You must go on that adventure yourself.

It was a pleasant surprise to receive this book much earlier than anticipated, and now that it is in my hands, I cannot wait to dive immediately back in and do some more searching. Invisible Monsters has undergone the entire Brandy Alexander Witness Reincarnation Project, and come out something new. It has a shiny new look (one of my favorite Palahniuk covers to date), a tough, sturdy spine, and maybe even a little bit of nihilist/romantic philosophy to get you through your day.

As I said earlier, do not pass this up. Even if only to read the added material (an excellent introduction and conclusion, some nice tidbits along the way, too, like an entire chapter ABOUT mirrors that must be read by reflection IN a mirror), this book is worth your 20-odd dollars.

I was excited to read this and pre-ordered it. I think the concept of it (no spoiler) where in it is non-linear in how it is laid out and it sends you all over the place (go to chapter 23 it might tell you) is interesting and worth trying. I love Chuck and this fits him well.

However, this is completely useless on the kindle and I had to return the book. I am stunned that no one thought of this or caught this. Right off the bat (after intro explaining how this is all going to work) it tells me to go to chapter 46. Great - this kindle book has not linked chapters. If you go to table of contents, it is just the first page. As such, it would be impossible to read this as it is supposed to be done.