American Narcissus

By Chandler Morrison

"It's very difficult to describe a Chandler Morrison novel--you kind of have to experience them for yourself to get what he's doing--but it is quite easy to say that this is one of the most entertaining, thoughtful, and just plain weird novels you're likely to read this year."--Booklist The American dream is dead, and Los Angeles is burning. Stoned and porn-addicted surfer Baxter Kent is terrified of women and anxious to make things work with a sex robot. Acid junkie Arden Coover has a useless philosophy degree and a doomed relationship he believes might save him. His younger sister Tess is considering, or resisting, a convenient but loveless marriage to a wealthy, narcissistic novelist. Ryland Richter, an alcoholic insurance executive with too much money and too few scruples, is seeking toxic solace in the arms of a dangerously unhinged subordinate. As wildfires rage, this lost and hopeless cast makes their way through the embers of Los Angeles and beyond in a desperate search for meaning and connection in a world without a future. Chandler Morrison's latest satire explores our search for love in all the wrong places, and what happens when we think we find it.

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Published May 14, 2024

280 pages

Average rating: 8

1 RATING

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Community Reviews

Cantina Book Club
Cantina Book Club
8/10 stars
Morrison delivers the story in a way that readers feel like they’re experiencing the blackouts with the characters. And even though they are all horrible and have no redeeming qualities, that drives the point home – no amount of drugs, sex, or alcohol can cure the hollowness that one might feel within themselves.

Even though some of the dialogue was certainly off-putting and offensive, it was equally thought-provoking. The commentary challenges readers to find the deeper meaning while not losing sight of the big picture. I could see early on that these losers wouldn’t get their happy endings – but I couldn’t stop reading until I learned just how badly things would end. Nor could I predict that I would finish the book with my jaw dropped.

In-depth book review: https://cantinabookclub.com/review/american-narcissus-by-chandler-morrison

Podcast interview with Chandler Morrison:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-61-chandler-morrison-american-narcissus/id1716042267?i=1000680135215
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bITzu7xObLOVnNZ41n3gB?si=446e708acc994890
YouTube: https://youtu.be/y1zpOm3eJxg?si=yQdXGpJWqcHT8B0L

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