Bookclub: The Discussion of Bang: Memoirs of a Relationship Assassin (spoilers)

(16 Apr 2012 02:47 PM)LorraineArndell Wrote:  David, have you ever watched the series "the pretender"? Well I think that's what it's called in English, not seen it for a very long time.... Imdb linkie here http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115320/

(16 Apr 2012 03:39 PM)LorraineArndell Wrote:  I thought it was alright actually, every episode he tries to help someone, and there's all that being someone new every time. Ok The dude was so totally my teenage crush, but nonono that doesn't count lol

(16 Apr 2012 06:57 PM)little kate Wrote:  Hi David,
We've emailed on goodreads about this book and when I heard there was a discussion on it here I thought I'd pop over.
I actually disagree with the perception that this book is an 'easy read', or at least the assumption that it doesn't provoke thoughts. Reading through the posts on here there seem to be people who love it and people who don't, a little 'marmite' like. Well I didn't love the story, I liked your style of writing and found it flowed well. Its possibly this that leads to the assumption its easy reading. My experience of reading it was that it actually challenged my thinking.
Scott had a specific reaction to women, he had the confidence he could win over any woman and make her feel special for a while and was obviously very successful at this. The way in which he altered his identity was fascinating.I was particularly challenged by the concept of 'managing' sexuality, people and relationships in the way David (and Emma) did. Before reading the book I would in no way class myself as a romanticist... after reading it I know I am!

In writing about identities you challenged my perception around relationships and around my self perception. I also found myself thinking about this book long after I'd put it down and written a review. Thats got to be a good thing.

In short () its a well wrtten book I believe is only classed as easy reading because it flows so well. Perhaps the 'marmite' effect is testament to the way in which you challenge perceptions around the 'emotive' arena of relationships.....? Anyway,

(17 Apr 2012 05:51 PM)davidwailing Wrote:  Susanne 'disliked Scott intensely from the first page' - quite a strong and swift reaction! A few others have said something similar to me. And yet, I wonder if those readers have that reaction when reading a horror, thriller or suspense story which starts from the point of view of a killer/murderer/rapist. Oddly, reading about someone who ends other people's lives doesn't seem to be so much of a problem as someone who ends other people's relationships!