Invisible Monsters Remix

This is the only time I have ever rated the Overall lower than both the performance and the story because although the performance (especially Anna Fields) is quite good and the story is bizarrely entertaining and somewhat thought-provoking, this is a book that was totally meant to be read. From what I have seen on the Internet, it is not even meant to be read in electronic form (much less heard), but truly read in BOOK form - doesn't really work with Kindle either.

I chose this book based on a recommendation from a friend and did not check out what the differences might be between the Remix and the original and just assumed that the Remix with additional inserts by the author would be better. And, it may be better in book form but it is not great in audio form because this book moves not only back and forth through time, but back and forth through chapters. (Chapter 33 might follow Chapter 2, etc.) There are other "Easter Eggs" hidden in the printed version like a chapter that must be read in a mirror which you simply cannot experience through audio. The story is not presented linearly but you kind of have to piece it together like a jigsaw puzzle. It is a little frustrating in the beginning, but as you get the "border pieces", you start to get the hang of it and it is a very interesting way to get the whole picture. However, because the clues to the heart of the plot/characters come sprinkled through, it would be a lot nicer to have the print form of this to go back and double check on parts you have already read.

Apparently the Remix is Chuck Palahniuk original vision of a book that would not only challenge your thoughts on beauty, family, well-being, but actually challenge your reading ability, dexterity, and sleuthing skills. That might work with a book you hold in your hands, but it is kind of disjointed and unsatisfying in this audio version.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it hilarious in that, "How the heck does he come up with this stuff?" sort of way. I laughed out loud quite often. (The scene with the Christmas stockings springs immediately to mind, so I guess it's also funny in that "Can you just imagine?!" sort of way.)

but...

As other reviewers have mentioned, this book is all mixed up and out of sequence, so one way or another you have to work for it. I listened to about half of the recording just as it is recorded. That was fine. I was able to enjoy each chapter on its own and trust that I would eventually have enough information to be able to figure out what was going on. At about the halfway point, though, I decided to try to follow the jumps and listen to it following the directions.

At the beginning of the recording they give a link to a reader's guide for this book. I got that and printed it. I had also bought the Kindle edition at the same time as the audiobook, just because it seemed like a good idea. Between the three items, I managed to listen to it as the author intended. Even though I was listening to much of it over again, I still enjoyed it very much. But, as I said, there was work involved. You either have to listen to it all mixed up or do the jumping around as called for.

I notice Audible does also have the book as originally published without the jumping around. However, there is interesting stuff added to this book that is not in the original. There are three commentary units mixed up in here along with the story. The reader's guide refers to these as loops, and they are definitely that. If you follow the jumps in the male-voiced portions, the last chapter of each one leads you back to its first chapter. (The guide is very useful.)

So, which version you purchase will depend on how much effort you want to put into it. Either way, it's definitely worth a listen.

Highly recommended. I read the actual book a decade ago, but this was all new. And the remixing and mixing around chapters is both confusing and mindblowing.

The several times I got lost in the chapters. I had to earn this book.

No, but the best narration I've heard so far. Really brings the characters to life.

Brandy Alexander

Listen!