Customer Reviews

Choke Hold

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The story is pretty interesting, but I'm guessing this is the author's first novel. Throughout the book, the voice sounded either weak, borrowed or forced. Readable, but barely.

Growing up in Alberta, I was quite excited when I was told of this book by a friend. After reading Choke Hold, I was disappointed. The story is not very reflective of life on the prairies and I think this came from the authors attempt to mimic other writers (Bret Easton Ellis) instead of finding his own voice. Being a native Albertan, I'll pick up Babiak's second effort when it is released (gotta support local writers) but hopefully the style will be more original.

I found this book to be a bit smug and too cute for it's own good. The author tries to place importance on the most trivial things and in the end, the reader is left bored.

I didn't think I'd like a book about a martial arts instructor, but I quite loved Choke Hold. The voice was tranquil and intelligent yet, at times, quite fierce. It really stayed with me.

The voice of Jeremy, the hero of Choke Hold, is subdued and funny and sad. I heard this book was going to be made into a movie, and it will make a good movie. I just don't know how it will convey all the inner thoughts of Jeremy - my favourite parts.

This book doesn't try to solve the mysteries of the human race. It's a sweet, clever story about a young man with a tough past trying to reconcile himself to the future. The characters and the places are believable and resonant. The women are strong. I loved it. i will read it again. I don't know what some of these reviewers are thinking.

Having lived in Alberta many years ago, I'm always looking for some great prairie writing, but I have to agree with the review below. Choke Hold sounded interesting from the descriptions I've read, but the novel rings hollow and without heart. The book comes across as more of an exercise from a creative writing class as opposed to a solid novel. With a wealth of other canuck writers, perhaps I'll look elsewhere for a slice of Canadian life.

The simple language in Choke Hold and the flatness of the descriptions and confrontations make it an odd but pleasing read. With each new chapter I was drawn in more. The narrator, Jeremy, is not exactly a lovable young man. His decisions and even his thinking process is frustrating, but as you get to know him you are glad to see the world through his eyes. It's a strange and sexy little book with a martial arts focus. Martial arts? Why would I read about martial arts? That's what I thought in the beginning, but I was fascinated. This is a terrific novel.

This tale of small town coming-of-age mixed with coming-to-terms is a must for anyone who knows the angst associated with growing up

Todd Babiak writes for the Edmonton Journal so we included his novel in our book club. We weren't disappointed. It's full of keen insights into masculinity and is also, well, quite a bracing and beautiful read.