The Contortionist's Handbook [Import] [Paperback]

Craig Clevenger (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: HarperPerennial (2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007194153
• ISBN-13: 978-0007194155
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,072,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Texas and grew up in Southern California. After years of dead-end jobs and publishers' rejections, I stumbled into the pre-dot.com tech world where I spent the next decade paying my rent on time, eating regularly and not putting pen to paper for anything creative. In 2000, I pulled the plug on my techno-rat race to resume writing. Currently living in San Francisco, at work on a third novel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clevenger Twists a Winner - but not for grandma, September 12, 2002

By 

Marty in Southern California - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contortionist's Handbook (Hardcover)

The title and cover art grabbed my attention over the numerous new releases on the front table. Picked it up, read only half of the first page before I closed the book - and walked to counter to slap down the cash (...).

Hooked via our main man and leading character "Johnny"- a brilliant bit of work by the author, I sprinted through this one in two sittings. That's fast for me and my A.D.D. Granted, the plot deserved a bit more attention but The Contortionist is really about the maneuverings of character. And the ways in which Johnny twists, and manipulates and suffers in his longing for love and connection will not be forgotten.

Buy it or borrow it, but definitely read it.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On my top 5 list now, September 26, 2003

By 

Geoffrey Golliher (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contortionist's Handbook (Paperback)

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!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars whoa! great first novel., September 12, 2002

By 

"jetcityorange" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contortionist's Handbook (Hardcover)

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?