American Psycho

A controversial 1991 novel written by American author Bret Easton Ellis. Set in the boom and bust 1980's, the book centres around 26 year old Wall Street businessman Patrick Bateman and his dark psychotic journey of mental unstability as he tries to solve the conflict between his need to fit in and his battle against anonymity. The novel features some exceptionally graphic violence, often of a sexual nature, and leaves the reader unsure of whether the violence is only in Bateman's head or is in fact happening. An excellent book and movie but one that should maybe be avoided on first dates....unless you want your date to know you plan to smash their head in with a well polished axe. The book was made into a Holywood film in 2000 and starred Christian Bale.