Discover books similar to "The Rules of Attraction"

The Rules of Attraction cover

Bret Easton Ellis

The Rules of Attraction

3.69

"The Rules of Attraction" by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that explores the lives of a group of students at a New England college during the early 1980s. The story is told from the perspectives of several characters, including Sean Bateman, the younger brother of Patrick Bateman from Ellis's previous novel "American Psycho"; Paul Denton, a bisexual student; and Lauren Hynde, a virgin who is infatuated with Paul. The novel delves into the themes of love, sex, and relationships, as the characters navigate their way through a world of drugs, alcohol, and casual encounters. Ellis's writing is known for its sharp, witty dialogue and its unflinching portrayal of the excesses of the 1980s. "The Rules of Attraction" is a darkly comedic and often disturbing novel that challenges the reader to confront the complexities of human desire. The characters are complex and flawed, and their actions and motivations are not always easy to understand. However, their struggles with identity, love, and connection are universal, making the novel relatable despite its often shocking content. Ellis's use of multiple perspectives allows the reader to see the story from different angles, and to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships. The novel is also notable for its exploration of sexuality, as the characters explore their own desires and navigate the complexities of attraction. Overall, "The Rules of Attraction" is a thought-provoking and compelling novel that will appeal to fans of Ellis's previous work, as well as to readers who enjoy dark, complex stories about the human condition. It is a novel that is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and to challenge the reader's perceptions, making it a standout addition to Ellis's body of work...

List of books similar to "The Rules of Attraction":

American Psycho cover

Bret Easton Ellis

American Psycho

If you enjoyed the dark, satirical style of 'The Rules of Attraction', you'll likely appreciate Ellis's 'American Psycho'. This novel follows the life of a wealthy New York City investment banking professional and his increasingly violent and deranged alter ego. The book is a scathing critique of consumerism and the darker aspects of human nature.

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Less Than Zero cover

Bret Easton Ellis

Less Than Zero

Another great choice for fans of 'The Rules of Attraction' is Ellis's debut novel, 'Less Than Zero'. This book follows the life of a wealthy, disaffected college student returning home to Los Angeles for the winter break. The novel explores themes of privilege, disconnection, and moral decay in the 1980s.

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The Secret History cover

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

If you enjoyed the intense, character-driven narrative of 'The Rules of Attraction', you'll likely appreciate Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History'. This novel follows a group of classics students at a small, elite college as they become increasingly obsessed with the occult and the darker aspects of human nature.

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Bright Lights, Big City cover

Jay McInerney

Bright Lights, Big City

Fans of 'The Rules of Attraction' may also enjoy Jay McInerney's 'Bright Lights, Big City'. This novel follows a young man in New York City as he struggles with addiction, heartbreak, and the pressures of modern life. The book is known for its fast-paced, stream-of-consciousness style.

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The Sun Also Rises cover

Ernest Hemingway

The Sun Also Rises

For readers who enjoyed the exploration of relationships and identity in 'The Rules of Attraction', Ernest Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises' is a great choice. This novel follows a group of expatriates in Europe as they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of modern life.

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The Virgin Suicides cover

Jeffrey Eugenides

The Virgin Suicides

If you enjoyed the dark, introspective tone of 'The Rules of Attraction', you may also enjoy Jeffrey Eugenides's 'The Virgin Suicides'. This novel follows the lives of five sisters in a suburban town as they struggle with the pressures of growing up and the expectations placed upon them by society.

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Infinite Jest cover

David Foster Wallace

Infinite Jest

For readers who enjoyed the complex, multi-layered narrative of 'The Rules of Attraction', David Foster Wallace's 'Infinite Jest' is a must-read. This novel follows a group of characters at a tennis academy and a rehab center as they navigate addiction, love, and the search for meaning in a postmodern world.

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The Bell Jar cover

Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar

If you enjoyed the exploration of mental health and identity in 'The Rules of Attraction', Sylvia Plath's 'The Bell Jar' is a great choice. This novel follows a young woman as she struggles with depression, identity, and the pressures of modern life.

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The Catcher in the Rye cover

J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

For readers who enjoyed the coming-of-age themes in 'The Rules of Attraction', J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a classic choice. This novel follows a young man as he grapples with the complexities of growing up and the loss of innocence.

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