So, I'm retarded.

Like even more so then the time I lit my armpit on fire retarded.

Thanks in advance to those of you who are nodding in agreement saying to yourselves that you already knew this. However in the hope of not ruining people’s futures, if you have any desire to read Chuck Palahniuk’s Survivor, avoid this rant.

I’ve just read Survivor for a second time and for a second time, I still can’t figure out exactly what it is he “survived.” I can recognize all the other themes, like the ever-present notion that commercialism has eroded individuality and identity and the Fertility concept that we can’t escape our own fate and things laid in motion will happen. But this whole surviving business has me thoroughly stumped.

Is surviving simply breaking out of the Creedish indoctrination? Or is the surviving the legacy he leaves behind in the tape recorder? Or is it simply because he was the last survivor? I refuse to believe it could be something as simple as that, I like my double meanings and hidden-in-plain-sight agendas that Palahniuk is notorious for leaving. He’s the satirical king of presenting the darker grander shadow that casts itself over this globe.

People might try to say leave my hands clean of looking for a resolved ending. I know I can’t expect some Hollywood movie cookie cutter ending or happily ever after, but I don’t want to keep scratching my head to the balding point over this.

So come on brain trust, I need some shout outs and insight. While you’re at it, I could use some literary suggestions. All I’ve got left to read is Pygmy and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

As a last side note, what’s you’re favorite Palahniuk book? Personally mine’s Choke. The twists and dementia are top-notch.