“Lullaby,” by Chuck Palahniuk

FM’s ratings:

1. Premise 10
2. Prose 8
3. Plot 9
4. Characters 10
5. Overall 9

Comments (optional - but try to keep it under 3000 words!)

Another mind-blower by Mr. Palahniuk! The premise gets a “10” for stark originality, even if it is somewhat hard to grasp. There are several sub-premises that interweave and intersect in a rather kaleidoscopic way that keeps the reader off balance. The characters are not deeply developed; just deeply disturbing and fascinating to watch. The prose has a certain starkness to it that we encounter in some of his other work; but it complements the subject matter so well that, once again, I am reminded of Kurt Vonnegut. The constantly reappearing catchphrases cement the flow in a surrealistic manner. The unusual disjointedness of the plot is offset by well-placed surprises – even shocks – throughout the plot. I just can’t get enough Palahniuk!

Here’s the October line-up!

"Mr. Mercedes," by Stephen King [10-7-17]

"A Skeleton in the Family," by Leigh Perry [10-14-17]

"Black Cat Crossing," by Kay Finch [10-21-17]

"The Executioner's Heart," by George Mann [10-28-17]

(As always, if there are any books you’d like to recommend for next month, please do so. Also, if you have already read a book on our previous lists, you are invited to send your ratings and or comments for that book!)