Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial 1991 novel American Psycho shocked readers with its graphic depictions of violence and narcissism in 1980s Wall Street culture. The story follows wealthy investment banker Patrick Bateman, whose violent urges and detached worldview lead him to commit brutal murders. While highly divisive upon its release, American Psycho has since become a cult classic.
For readers who enjoyed the social satire and psychological thrills of American Psycho, there are several other books that explore similar themes in provocative ways. Like Ellis’ novel, these books offer scathing critiques of society, examining the dark side of human nature through the lens of unreliable narrators and moral ambiguity.
See also: Books Similar to The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
Books Like American Psycho
Chuck Palahniuk
Fight Club
In this book, the first in the Fight Club series by Chuck Palahniuk, the main character is bored with his job and becomes fascinated with a mysterious man named Tyler Durden. Tyler organizes secret boxing matches in the basements of bars, where two men fight for as long as necessary.
Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange
In this book by Anthony Burgess, set in the future, criminals rule the night. The story is narrated by Alex, a teenage gang leader, who uses unique and creative slang to describe his rebellious actions against society. A Clockwork Orange is a thrilling and thought-provoking tale that explores the concepts of good and evil and the importance of human freedom. T
Hunter S. Thompson
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson is an exciting and wild book about a crazy road trip filled with drugs and unforgettable adventures. It has become a legendary story in American pop culture.
Vladimir Nabokov
Lolita
"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov is a captivating and unforgettable story about Humbert Humbert, a scholar who becomes infatuated with Dolores Haze, a twelve-year-old girl. Humbert agrees to marry Dolores' mother in order to be closer to her, but his pursuit of romance is filled with hardship. When Dolores starts seeking attention from others, Humbert takes her on a wild cross-country adventure in the name of love. This book is both hilarious and heart-breaking, with clever wordplay throughout.
Irvine Welsh
Trainspotting
"Trainspotting" is a book in the Mark Renton Book Series by Irvine Welsh. It is a story about making choices in life. It explores the mundane aspects of life such as mortgage payments, washing machines, and cars. It also delves into the negative effects of mindless entertainment and unhealthy eating habits. The book challenges the idea of settling for a mediocre existence and encourages readers to choose a more fulfilling life.
Nick Tyrone
Politics is Murder
"Politics is Murder" is a thrilling political thriller by Nick Tyrone. The story follows Charlotte Heard, a quick-witted and resourceful woman working in a male-dominated Westminster think tank. Charlotte is determined to become an MP and her dream seems within reach until she becomes entangled in a shocking murder investigation. Someone is trying to frame her and she must uncover the truth to protect her ambitions. Set in the heart of Westminster, this gripping novel is perfect for fans of State Secrets and Killer Intent.
Jeffrey Eugenides
The Virgin Suicides
This book is part of a series called "The Virgin Suicides" written by Jeffrey Eugenides. It tells the story of a group of girls who appeared to be normal, but had a mysterious and enigmatic aura. The boys who admired them during their teenage years remember their shared experiences, such as Lux's provocative behavior and the sisters' stunning appearance at a dance.
Iain Banks
The Wasp Factory
"The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks is a gripping and unsettling novel about a unique sixteen-year-old named Frank. Living with his eccentric father in a remote Scottish village, Frank's life is far from ordinary. His mother left them years ago, his brother is in a psychiatric hospital, and his father has his own peculiarities. To cope with his frustrations, Frank turns to violent acts. However, when his brother escapes from the hospital, Frank must confront the secrets of their past and undergo a transformative experience. This book delves into the mind of a character whose beliefs and actions are unfamiliar to our society, yet it manages to captivate readers with its dark humor and compassion.
Agustina Bazterrica
Tender is the Flesh
In the book "Tender is the Flesh" by Agustina Bazterrica, Marcos works at a local processing plant where he slaughters humans, although they are no longer referred to as such. Marcos is dealing with personal struggles, including his wife leaving him and his father's declining mental health. He tries not to dwell on the morality of his job, as the world has changed due to an infectious virus making animal meat poisonous. Now, eating human meat, known as "special meat," is legal. Marcos focuses on the logistics of his work, until he is given a live specimen of exceptional quality. Despite the strict rules against personal contact, Marcos begins to see her as a human and is haunted by what has been lost and what could still be saved.
Osamu Dazai
No Longer Human
"No Longer Human" is a touching and captivating novel by Osamu Dazai. It follows the story of a young man who struggles with the clash between his traditional Japanese family and the influence of Western ideas. This conflict leads him to feel like he doesn't belong and is not truly human.
Bret Easton Ellis
Less Than Zero
"Less Than Zero" by Bret Easton Ellis is a book that takes place in a world where money and privilege reign supreme. Clay, a college student, returns home for Christmas vacation and is confronted with a society that is devoid of emotion and hope. As he tries to reconnect with his girlfriend and best friend, he is pulled into a world of excess, drugs, and desperation.
Chelsea G. Summers
A Certain Hunger
"A Certain Hunger" by Chelsea G. Summers is a captivating book that follows the life of food critic Dorothy Daniels. Dorothy is not only a talented and meticulous food critic, but she also has a strong passion for sex. Despite struggling to find a long-term partner, she embraces her single life and indulges in both food and pleasure during her travels. However, there is something unique and terrifying about Dorothy that sets her apart from others. As she recounts her life, from her idyllic childhood to her successful career, we witness her journey of embracing her true self, culminating in a shocking act of violence. A Certain Hunger is a satirical take on the early foodie movement, a thought-provoking exploration of gender norms, and a masterful display of storytelling.
Bret Easton Ellis
Glamorama
"Glamorama" by Bret Easton Ellis is a book set in 90s Manhattan. The story follows Victor Ward, a model who is constantly seen and photographed in various places, even ones he hasn't been to and with people he doesn't know. He is living with one beautiful model and having an affair with another, all while preparing to open the trendiest nightclub in New York City. However, the future he envisioned takes an unexpected turn.
Poppy Z. Brite
Exquisite Corpse
"Exquisite Corpse" is a gripping thriller by Poppy Z. Brite that follows the twisted mind of serial killer Andrew Compton. After escaping from prison, Compton is determined to take his murderous "art" to new levels. He teams up with Jay Byrne, a reckless playboy, and together they target a young Vietnamese-American runaway named Tran. The story takes us from the gritty streets of London to the decadent French Quarter of New Orleans, delving into the dark world of torture.
Chuck Palahniuk
Choke
"Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk is a captivating book about Victor Mancini, a dropout from medical school who finds himself in a desperate situation. To pay for his mother's elder care, Victor comes up with a clever scheme. He fakes choking on food at fancy restaurants and allows kind-hearted strangers to save him. These individuals then feel obligated to send him money to support him. In addition to his scam, Victor attends sexual addiction recovery workshops, takes care of his confused mother, and works at a historical theme park.
Bret Easton Ellis
White
"White" is the first nonfiction book by Bret Easton Ellis, known for his controversial novels like Less Than Zero and American Psycho. In this book, Ellis criticizes the left-leaning ideologies that dominate society today. He challenges the anti-Trump sentiment, coastal elites, corporate censorship, Hollywood, identity politics, and the "woke" cultural watchdogs. Ellis argues for the importance of freedom of speech and artistic freedom in a society that has become overly politically correct.
Mr Matthew Stokoe
Cows
"Cows" by Mr. Matthew Stokoe is an incredibly shocking and thought-provoking book that explores themes of isolation and societal decline. It tells the story of Steven, who finds himself in a nightmarish world filled with violence and gore. This scatological tale delves into love, self-empowerment, and pushes the boundaries of what is considered extreme in a novel.
Franz Kafka
The Metamorphosis
"The Metamorphosis" is a novella by Franz Kafka. It tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect-like creature. The book explores Gregor's struggles to adapt to his new form and the challenges he faces as his family is repulsed by his appearance.
Chuck Palahniuk
Haunted
Haunted is a book in a series written by Chuck Palahniuk. It is a collection of twenty-three scary, funny, and disgusting stories. The stories are told by people who have joined a writer's retreat, but soon realize they are part of a survival game where the host deprives them of basic necessities. As the storytellers become more desperate, their tales become more extreme, and they start plotting to become the hero of a reality show that will be based on their situation. This book is incredibly disturbing and outrageous, and it showcases the unique imagination of Chuck Palahniuk.
Albert Camus
The Stranger
"The Stranger" is a novel by Albert Camus, the first in a series. The story is about Meursault, a man living in French Algeria, who is indifferent to his surroundings. After his mother's funeral, he unexpectedly kills an Arab man in Algiers. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part narrated by Meursault before the killing, and the second part after the incident.
