Happy Birthday Bret Easton Ellis: 5 Of The Best ‘Shock-Lit’ Books

Do you have to return some videotapes? We’re only asking because Bret Easton Ellis, the author of American Psycho, turns 49 today.

Bret burst onto the literary scene in 1985 at the age of 21 with his bestseller Less Than Zero, a novel that followed the lives of a group of morally questionable young people in LA. However, he’s known for his masterpiece American Psycho.

Provocative, transgressive and downright insane, Bret is known for bringing ‘shock’ literature into focus. Given that it’s his birthday we thought it was only fitting to celebrate Brett and have a look at some of the best ‘shock-lit' novels out there.

If you’re ready to be brought on an intense reading experience, read on...

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1. Bret Easton Ellis - "American Psycho"

Bret gains the top spot for two reasons, the first one being that it’s his birthday. Secondly, he’s the man who brought us the horrific (yet genius) novel American Psycho. When American Psycho was released, people didn’t know what to think. In fact, their first reaction (after they had recovered sufficiently from reading it) was to make thousands of petitions to have it banned. The book had such an effect on the public that publishers Simon & Schuster actually dropped Bret, however the book was released again later that year.

Following the story of Patrick Bateman (a very successful psychopath who murders people in his spare time) the book was deemed overly violent, sick and completely misogynistic. We’re not going to lie, it’s stomach churning - if you’ve seen the film, we can assure you that the book is far, far worse. Two Her.ie staffers who read it are still completely traumatised.

2. Chuck Palahniuk - "Haunted"

Chuck is probably most famous for his novel Fight Club (which was later turned into a major movie starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton) however, in terms of shock, it’s his novel Haunted that impacts readers the most.

Originally released in 2005, Haunted is a novel that consists of 23 short stories told by the main characters in the novel. The book is most famous for its first short story ‘Guts.’ The short story is so shocking that it has spawned it’s own ‘effect.’ Every time Chuck reads it for an audience at least two people faint. It’s THAT intense. Be warned: it’s vulgar, stomach-churning and not for the weak of heart.

3. Irvine Welsh - "Trainspotting"

Irvine is the man who brought us Trainspotting a brutally graphic novel about heroin addiction. The book, although shocking, has been called “the voice of punk” and has achieved a cult status. It was made into a film in 1996 by acclaimed director Danny Boyle.

Showing the horrible reality of what life is like for an addict, the book features violence, strong language, a few stomach-churning moments and that infamous scene with a toilet (if you’ve seen the film you’ll know what we’re talking about).

4. Hunter S. Thompson - "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas"

Hunter S. is a writer who is synonymous with ‘shock’ fiction. All his works are a white-knuckle-ride through excessive drug use and crazy situations, however his most famous is Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.

Originally published in 1971, the book is about journalist Raoul Duke (based on Thompson himself) and his attorney, Dr Gonzo, who decide to fill up their car with drugs and head to Las Vegas. The novel itself is completely mental, from heavy drug use to surreal hallucinogenic trips, it leaves the reader completely on edge.

5. Anthony Burgess - "A Clockwork Orange"

Anthony brought us the disturbing, dystopian novel A Clockwork Orange. This is a seriously disturbing read that follows the exploits of an incredibly violent and evil teenager named Alex.

When it was first released, it was harshly criticised for its graphic content – there are some pretty brutal scenes, we’re not going to lie. However, over time the book became recognised as one of the best English-language novels ever written.

It’s completely unhinged and desperately chilling. Consider yourself warned.