The rules of attraction — Reader discussion

I found The Rules of Attraction to be a fascinating exploration of disaffected youth, capturing the aimlessness and emotional turmoil of college life in a way that feels both raw and exaggerated. Bret Easton Ellis uses multiple perspectives to reveal the characters’ inner conflicts, which creates a layered narrative that’s as unsettling as it is engaging. The book’s tone is darkly humorous but also quite bleak, which might not be for everyone. Did anyone else find the shifting viewpoints helped deepen your understanding of the characters, or was it confusing at times?

What struck me most about The Rules of Attraction is how it portrays the emptiness behind the characters’ glamorous lifestyles. The novel doesn't shy away from exposing their flaws and toxic behaviors, making it a critique of superficiality and self-destruction. Despite the often cold and detached narrative style, there are moments of genuine vulnerability that add emotional weight. I’m curious—how did you interpret the book’s ending? Did it feel like a resolution or just more of the same chaos?