The Dice Man

[TheRapingDragon]

Finally got this (for my birthday) after wanting it for ages but never getting around to buying it.

Halfway through the book and I have to say I'm really enjoying it. The style of writing reminds me of Chuck Paluchnik but geared towards a more psychoanalytical vein of course.

The story feels like it should be unoriginal (even though this was written in 1971) yet it seems to fly along with a huge emphasis on witty dialogue and almost "set-pieces" style scenarios.

Anyway, quick synopsis for those who don't know about this book:

"The Dice Man is a semi-comedic novel published in 1971 by George Cockcroft under the pen name Luke Rhinehart and tells the story of a psychiatrist who begins making life decisions based on the casting of dice"

Anyone else enjoy this book?

[Quigly]

I have not heard of the Dice Man but it sounds interesting. I will check it out when I have the time.

[TheRapingDragon]

45 views and only a single reply. I was sort of expecting more people to have read this (or at least heard of it / Chuck Paluchnik) to have replies about either.

[Netjet!]

Sounds something like that guy on Futurama that invented dungeons and dragons.

[TheRapingDragon]

What? I don't really get how it sounds like that.

Also, here have an extract (from chapter 23):

National Habit-Breaking Month must have been dictated by the die in a fit of pique over my easy enjoyment of my dicelife; the month provided a hundred little blasts toward the breaking up of Lucius Rhinehart, MD. Habit breaking had won out over (1) dedicated-psychiatrist month, (2) begin-writing-a-novel month, (3) vacation-in-Italy month, (4) be-kind-to-everybody month, and (5) help-Arturo-X month. The command was, to be precise, 'I will attempt at every moment of every day of this month to alter my habitual behavior patterns.'

First of all it meant that when I rolled over to cuddle Lil at dawn I had to roll back again and stare at the wall. After staring a few minutes I then began to doze off. I realized that I never rose at dawn, so with effort and resentment, I got out of bed. Both feet were in my slippers and I was plodding toward the bathroom before I realized habit had me in his fist. I kicked off my slippers and plodded, then jogged into the living room. I still, however, felt like urinating. Triumphantly, I did so in a vase of artificial gladioli. (Three days later Dr Felloni remarked on how well they seemed to be doing.) A few minutes later I woke up in the same standing position, conscious that I still had a silly proud smile on my face. Careful examination of my conscience revealed that I did not make a habit of falling asleep on my feet after urinating in the living room so I let myself doze off again.

[igotrhythm]

Sounds like a jackpot of lulz. Never heard of it, though.

[cC@Zz]

I've read some of his novels like Fight Club and Choke. I enjoyed both of them(Choke being my favorite) so perhaps I should check this one out.

[TheRapingDragon]

That's Chuck Paluchniuk yes. He's not the same guy who wrote "The Dice Man", though Chuck is an awesome author and all of his books should be read. His most recent book (Chuck) was released this year and is called Snuff, if you're interested.

[cC@Zz]

Well now I'm intrigued enough to go out and read some more of his books. I've been looking for more books to read lately anyways.