The Contortionist's Handbook

That is just how I would categorize this book. The character elements are astonishing. Clevenger can really get inside your brain and make you think that he is writing about you personally. No I am not a contortionist. But we all are in a way just looking for happiness and trying to squeeze into our niche. No I am not a practicing forger. I don't even have good handwriting.What I enjoy most about this book is that even though I am nothing like the main character and I do not agree with what the character does, I can't help but empathize and feel close to the character, like he is a brother or a best-friend. That is good writing, and that is what I look for when I read a book.The whole book is just wonderfully thought-out. I recommend this to anybody that is looking for a great fiction novel that has a great deal of whit and humor. I have purchased this book 3 times; my own hard cover, my brother-in-law's Christmas gift, and a soft cover so that I can loan it to friends without the risk of losing my copy. I am waiting anxiously for Craig's second book. Respects, Kabol.

I can count the number of stars this book deserves on one hand. If I were like Clevenger's narrator I'd give it six stars. This book was so well constructed that without even realizing it I found myself taking notes throughout my reading. When the marginalia exceeded the space allotted, another notebook was brought out. It's rare when a novel engages you in such an embracive manner. Clevenger has a way with language that is not seen much in modern fiction. He combines succinct statements with sensual details so effortlessly that the reader becomes utterly immersed in the story being told. It's also evident that the man has done his research. Clevenger makes damn sure that his characters are multi-faceted and erudite. John Vincent not only makes us care about his predicament, but he also makes us willing accomplices to his endeavors. Stylistically, the techniques employed in this novel may not be original, but Clevenger's voice certainly is. His prose is extremely visual, and it's easy to see why this book has already been optioned for a movie. There are also minute details and a distinct sardonic humor woven throughout the text, making a second or third reading a must, and if possible, even more enjoyable. Johnny's argus-eyed observations and the underlying romantic theme of this story kept me enthralled throughout every reading.Clevenger is a luminary; an underground modern day noir legend in the literary world. The Contortionist Handbook is a rara avis and I look forward to seeing on what journey Dermaphoria takes us.

This is a read! If you like to think and immerse yourself in a character and great story then this is your book. The dialogue is compelling and moves the story forward without turgid details. The monologues are honest, moving and interesting albeit dark in some sections. The characters are well developed, introduced well and true to their nature. I'm not an avid reader of modern fiction ... find the stories to be the same old regurgitated soup with the same old bread and stale crackers ... THIS BOOK IS GOOD. If you've come this far, don't cheat yourself, buy the damn thing. You will not be disappointed. Fantastic book Craig ... I can't wait for the next installment!!

It has been a long time since I've gotten so excited about a book. While I was just pages into this novel, I knew that I had discovered something rare and wonderful - a gem among books - which now ranks in my top three favorite novels of all time. It was a short excerpt that originally inspired me to buy this book. Clevenger's style is crisp and clever, while still managing to remain sincere. It's hip without being cold. There's a highly appealing rhythmic quality to his prose and he manages a series of technical descriptions without ever making the reader feel bogged down. The Publisher's Weekly comment about this book being "underplotted" is one of the most ludicrous judgments I've seen in print, surely written by an aging woman with a fondness for Emily Dickenson and The Bronte sisters, a writer who obviously did not "get" Clevenger. In fact, his prose is so full of tension that reading a single paragraph is like racing downward on a roller coaster ride.Kudos to Clevenger! I only wish I had written this book.

Great read. Had the pleasure of doing it in 3 sessions. A well constructed and suspense-filled plot. Hangs together while challenging you to pay attention. (And yes, you have to; it's worth it!)Without giving away the plot or the ending, think "Memento" or "The Usual Suspects". No thow-away trash novel, this is a thinking person's book. It tends to stick with you after you put it down.The detail adds dimension. The main character is a trip. (note to self: never hire him as a babysitter.) Layers of stuff going on throughout.What's amazing is that this is Clevenger's first novel. Notes say he's working on second and I for one can't wait. When's the movie coming out?