A good 'character story?' could you recommend me one?

[Nouw]

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein. It focuses on Juan Rico, a soldier ('cap'trooper) of the future in which military service is mandatory if you wish to be a citizen instead of a civilian.

Really good book, give it a try!

 

[Cargin]

Well, American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is pretty much focused on the one character. A completely psychotic, hideous, and compelling character. Though I give you fair warning; this is the most violent book I've ever read. Especially the violence against women. At some points, I actually had to stop reading the book for a bit to take in what Patrick just did.

I was considering reading that once, it sounds interesting but very unpleasant at the same time lol. Was it worth reading for the ammount of horrible stuff in it?

It is worth reading because it's fantastic. The characters are delightfully repulsive, the writing is brilliant, and Patrick Bateman's descent into further madness is compelling. But if you're bothered by violence, don't get it because you probably won't manage to get through the book. Some of the acts stay with you. I'll tell you one particularly horrible act, without mentioning names, but I'll still leave it in spoilers in case you want all the horror.

Spoiler: It's quite horrific.

Spoiler: Seriously.

He nails a woman to the floor, sprays he face with mace repeatedly, cut's out her tongue, and then fucks her in the mouth a couple of times. Other stuff happens to her over the next few pages. Aren't you glad you read that?

...and thats not even the worst bit, and im not even finished it yet! definitely a book that requires some kind of mental stamina, but so far, utterly genius.

I know. Tell me, has he gotten to the zoo yet? Because for me, that was the most horrifying part of the whole book. If you've read it, you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm not even going to write it down, because it's just too ... shocking to risk spoiling it. Bateman is easily the most monstrous character from any story I've read, and this may have been his most monstrous moment.

Ok, havent got that far yet, but now im very afraid. im at the bit when he goes to view paul owen's apartment. are u saying the zoo bit is worse than the car battery? because that bit actually made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.
Im in total agreement with u tho on Bateman. possibly the only thing that keeps me reading it is to see just how much further he can spiral into insanity (i mean, how can he go much further?!?!)

The act in itself is not overly horrific, but the thought process behind it is just so ... terrifying. There are more disgusting acts, one involving a hungry rat, but this one disturbed me the most. Maybe you've went past it and it's not bothered you as much, but he only kills one person at a zoo, so it should be noticeable.

OH Sweet Jesus, i just remembered the zoo bit...that was harrowing. I had totally forgotten it. Feels like i just lost the game, only infinitely worse.

 

[Gruchul]

House of Leaves is a pretty good one. Much of the story focuses on the slowly degrading sanity of one of the main characters. It is one of my all time favorites.

It's terrifyingly well done too. That book has basically prevented me from ever doing DIY. I do not need to know the dimensions of my house.

 

[Frozen Donkey Wheel2]

I recommend George RR Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" series. It's technically fantasy, but it's still very grounded in the real world. Well, the world of the books is fictional, but most of it's...you know...grounded. Seriously, I don't really care for fantasy either, but these books are awesome.

 

[RocksW]

House of Leaves is a pretty good one. Much of the story focuses on the slowly degrading sanity of one of the main characters. It is one of my all time favorites.

It's terrifyingly well done too. That book has basically prevented me from ever doing DIY. I do not need to know the dimensions of my house.

I was curious about the blue font and I looked it up on amazon, and my god do I want to read it now :] Im trying to track it down but you have to order it over here. stupid Ireland...

Thank you

 

[debramster123]

one young kid (18yrs) that has been brainwashed by his dad's computer program (dad=56)
after this brainwash he try's to go out into the street and spread the word of what he thinks and believes him. this is all he knows at this point he has disconnected from reality. after being ignored by several people he goes mad with fury.

let the movie begin

 

[P.Tsunami]

While it may have gotten a bit overrated by quasi-intellectuals in coffee shops everywhere, I think The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho may fit your bill. It's a nice, easily read piece of literature. It's very much character oriented, with a philosophical bent to it, and if it's to your tastes, you might enjoy it loads.

Have you tried "The Picture of Dorian Gray" ? I am quite the fan of Wilde and the book is about an amazing character that plunges into hedonism.

Seconded! On the subject of hedonism and depravity, I also heartily recommend Justine by the Marquis de Sade.

 

[TheGreatCoolEnergy]

How about the Hobbit? I mean it's not completely character focussed, but the development is deffinately there

 

[RocksW]

How about the Hobbit? I mean it's not completely character focussed, but the development is deffinately there

Too late, im already a bit of a geek for the LOTR series :]

 

[70R4N]

Neverwinter Nights 2 Mask of the Betrayer

AWESOME STORY

 

[Thespian]

It's a Graphic Novel, so if you think that
COMICS
ARE
WEIRD
(lame MovieBob reference)
you won't like this, but V for Vendetta was a truly brilliant piece, I think. As we learn about V's Past, Evey's present unfolds, and the two meet in the middle in a rather beautiful way. But there is a whole array of interesting side characters, so I'd definitely give it a read.

 

[pumasuit]

Snow in August

 

[Azex]

Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

Or

The Year of Our War by Steph Swainston