Top 12 Bret Easton Ellis Books

Maria Martin
11 min readJul 13, 2024

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Dive into the twisted and intriguing world of Bret Easton Ellis with our latest book roundup! This critically acclaimed author is known for his provocative and dark narratives that leave readers on the edge of their seats. From the infamous “American Psycho” to his latest novel, “White, “ we’ve compiled a list of must-read books by Bret Easton Ellis. Get ready to explore the depths of human nature through his captivating stories.

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1. Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho

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A Reader’s Guide

Discover the captivating world of Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho with this comprehensive reader’s guide. Part of a new series of guides to contemporary novels, this publication offers an accessible and insightful introduction to Ellis’s groundbreaking work. Delving into the intricacies of the novel, scholar Julian Murphet provides a thorough analysis, exploring the novel’s themes, characters, and cultural significance.

As a guide to one of the most influential works of recent years, this book is essential for readers seeking to gain a deeper understanding of American Psycho. Whether new to the novel or a devoted fan, this publication promises to enhance your appreciation and engagement with the world of this literary masterpiece.

Explore, learn, and delve into the fascinating world of American Psycho with this invaluable reader’s guide.

  • Authors: Julian Murphet
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published Date: January 11, 2002
  • Page Count: 96
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Criticism
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Lunar Park

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Crafted by the bestselling writer, Bret Easton Ellis, Lunar Park is a spine-chilling exploration of reality, memoir, and fantasy. When Bret Ellis, an acclaimed author, faces a sudden shift into a world of opulence, drugs, and hedonism following the demise of his father, he is given an opportunity for redemption.

Reunited with a former paramour and her offspring, Bret strives to create a fresh start distanced from the torments of his own inner turmoil. However, a strange string of homicides and uncanny events, rooted in his history, threaten to dismantle his newfound life.

As Bret battles to protect his newfound sanctuary, Lunar Park transforms into a suspenseful saga of love and loss, parenthood and offspring, concluding in the powerful message of absolution.

A mandatory read for enthusiasts of Bret Easton Ellis, Lunar Park will keep you on tenterhooks with its enthralling narrative and unforgettable personalities.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: August 16, 2005
  • Page Count: 320
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 3.5
  • Ratings Count: 21.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. Frisk

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A Novel

Frisk, the stunning second novel in the legendary George Miles Cycle, captures the power and mystery of human relationships and obsession. Our young protagonist, Dennis, is traumatized when he sees chilling photographs of a boy who appears to have suffered unspeakable mutilations.

Driven by curiosity and shock, Dennis’s life is irrevocably altered when he encounters the hauntingly familiar boy himself. As the boy reveals the dark purpose behind the pictures, Dennis is led on a harrowing journey into the depths of fear, desire, and the horrifying allure of violence. Set against the unnerving backdrop of Europe’s infamous windmill, Frisk delves into the darkest aspects of human nature, challenging the lines between body and spirit.

This masterful tale of power, fantasy, and the unimaginable, written by the inimitable Dennis Cooper, is a must-read for fans of suspense and psychological thrills.

  • Authors: Dennis Cooper
  • Publisher: Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
  • Published Date: December 01, 2007
  • Page Count: 144
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Glamorama

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In Glamorama, New York Times bestselling author Bret Easton Ellis takes readers on a captivating journey through 90s Manhattan, offering a chilling exploration of fame and glamour. The novel revolves around Victor Ward, a model who finds himself at the center of celebrity culture, surrounded by friends, affairs, and a thriving nightlife scene. As Victor prepares to open the trendiest nightclub in New York City history, he is propelled into a future he does not expect.

Bret Easton Ellis masterfully exposes the facade of this glamorous world, revealing the darkness beneath. Glamorama presents a shadowy looking-glass reality where fame, fashion, terror, and mayhem intertwine, creating an eerie reflection of our own lives. This gripping and brilliant dissection of our celebrity-obsessed culture is a must-read for fans of Ellis’s previous works, American Psycho and Less Than Zero.

With a page count of 562, Glamorama is a compelling exploration of the darker side of fame. It offers a hauntingly accurate portrayal of the fear and ambition that drive those who pursue success and stardom in the entertainment industry. Don’t miss out on this captivating look into the heart of our celebrity-obsessed society.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: June 09, 2010
  • Page Count: 562
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 3.5
  • Ratings Count: 3.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. The Informers

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Delve into the dark and mesmerizing world of The Informers by New York Times bestselling author Bret Easton Ellis, whose talent in capturing the essence of L. A. ‘s moral badlands is unparalleled. Set in the early ’80s, this chilling tale of deception and nihilism unravels the complex connections and twisted desires of its characters. Featuring a star-studded cast in the major motion picture adaptation, The Informers is an unforgettable journey into the abyss beneath the surface of glamorous, sun-soaked L. A.

From the mastermind behind American Psycho and Less Than Zero, expect a gripping narrative that challenges your perceptions of humanity and morality. Follow the lives of characters who go to the same schools, eat at the same restaurants, and fall into the same vices as the world around them. Dive into the secrets they keep, the relationships they forge, and the downward spiral that ensues as they become intertwined in the city’s grim underbelly.

This thrilling, seductive, and nihilistic novel is a must-read for fans of Bret Easton Ellis and for anyone seeking a tantalizing glimpse into the dark heart of L. A. Experience the visceral storytelling prowess of a true literary mastermind in The Informers.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: June 09, 2010
  • Page Count: 242
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 3.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. Less Than Zero

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Delve into the haunting world of “Less Than Zero” by Bret Easton Ellis, a New York Times bestseller that masterfully captures the disillusionment and moral decay of 1980s Los Angeles. Follow Clay as he returns home for Christmas vacation, navigating a landscape of excess and disaffection among his privileged peers. As the holiday unfolds, Clay grapples with loneliness, drugs, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood’s glitter, all while struggling with his relationships with Blair and Julian.

This timeless novel, now adapted into a cult-classic film, exposes the chilling reality of a generation lost in the pursuit of pleasure and belonging. Experience the raw, evocative power of Ellis’s prose and prepare for a haunting journey into the shadowy landscape of privilege and despair.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: June 09, 2010
  • Page Count: 209
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 3.0
  • Ratings Count: 9.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. The Rules of Attraction

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Less Than Zero and American Psycho comes a wickedly funny, kaleidoscopic novel that captures the lives and loves of three students at a small, affluent liberal-arts college in New England. Set in the bohemian world of Camden College, the story follows Lauren, an indecisive student who changes boyfriends with every major she explores; Victor, the mysterious lover who has left for Europe; Sean, a hard-drinking romantic struggling to choose between Lauren and the countless other women on campus; and Paul, Lauren’s ex-boyfriend who embraces both his bisexuality and his pragmatism. As these characters navigate their college years filled with Thirsty Thursday Happy Hours, Dressed To Get Screwed parties, and late nights at The Edge of the World or The Graveyard, the novel offers a poignant and hilarious glimpse into the death of romance.

The Rules of Attraction was later adapted into a major motion picture starring James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon, Jessica Biel, and Kate Bosworth, and is the perfect introduction to Bret Easton Ellis’s masterful storytelling.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: June 09, 2010
  • Page Count: 289
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.5
  • Ratings Count: 4.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Glamorama

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Immerse yourself in the dark, glamorous world of Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis. Set in 1990s Manhattan, the story revolves around Victor Ward, a model with the perfect physique and a life brimming with connections and affluence. As he prepares to open the most talked-about nightclub in New York, the young man navigates his relationships with beautiful models and enjoys the luxuries that come with fame.

However, as the plot thickens, Victor’s future takes a drastic turn, steering him away from the glittering life he once knew. With a gripping narrative and an in-depth exploration of the blurred lines between reality and illusion, Glamorama is a must-read for fans of dark fiction.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published Date: December 10, 2010
  • Page Count: 656
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. The Secret History

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“The Secret History” by Pulitzer Prize winner Donna Tartt is a compelling contemporary literary classic and psychological thriller that blends intrigue and mystery with deep human emotion. Set at a prestigious New England college, it follows a group of intelligent yet misfit students under the spell of their charismatic classics professor, who opens their eyes to a world beyond their ordinary lives.

As they delve into alternative ways of thought, they begin to blur the lines between right and wrong, embarking on a dangerous journey that tests their moral compass. Praised for its powerful prose, “The Secret History” is an unforgettable read that will leave you questioning the boundaries of human nature.

  • Authors: Donna Tartt
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: October 19, 2011
  • Page Count: 537
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 3.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. White

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“White” is Bret Easton Ellis’s first foray into non-fiction literature and an unapologetic assault on the “moral correctness” that has become the norm in modern American society. In his signature provocative style, Ellis challenges the current cultural consensus, taking aim at the relentless anti-Trump fixation, the coastal elites, corporate censorship, Hollywood, identity politics, and other socio-political issues that dominate today’s discourse. This book is a rallying cry for freedom of speech and artistic expression in the face of a volatile cultural climate.

Don’t be a snowflake, get ready to be aggravated, and own up to what you’ve lost along the way.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: April 16, 2019
  • Page Count: 273
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Collections
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. The Respondent

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Exposing the Cartel of Family Law

Emmy-winning actor and Hollywood veteran Greg Ellis brings to light an alarming issue in his searing new book, The Respondent: Exposing the Cartel of Family Law. This poignant and gut-wrenching work offers a deeply personal look at the heartbreaking consequences of our archaic and inhumane family court system.

As a devoted father navigating the complex world of family law, Ellis exposes the gender bias that permeates the legal system. Through raw and unapologetic storytelling, he delves into the social, political, and legal forces that perpetuate this national health emergency, with its devastating effects on thousands of families.

The Respondent isn’t just a manifesto on the failure of our legal system — it’s a candid and powerful exploration of the human cost of a broken system. This book confronts the harsh realities faced by fathers in the United States, exposing the cartel driving the nation’s family law crisis and shedding critical light on a subject that has long remained shrouded in darkness.

Ellis’s timely and heartrending account is a must-read not only for parents personally experiencing the agony of child separation, but for anyone seeking answers to the urgent questions surrounding the crisis of family breakdown in America. Embrace this essential work on the complexities and injustices of family law and join the movement to demand reform and create a brighter future for everyone. Join Greg Ellis’s eye-opening journey and become a part of the solution — The Respondent.

  • Authors: Greg Ellis
  • Published Date: June 22, 2021
  • Page Count: 240
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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12. American Psycho

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Dive into the twisted world of Patrick Bateman, a seemingly charming and successful Wall Street banker with a hidden dark side. In American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis, readers are whisked away into a terrifying and eerily humorous exploration of human nature’s darkness. This black comedy has gripped millions of readers, becoming a modern classic that captures the attention of even the most jaded literary critics.

With an intriguing introduction by Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting, this novel will leave you questioning the sanity of our everyday lives. Part of the Picador Collection, showcasing the best of modern literature, American Psycho is a spellbinding read that blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, leaving a lasting impression on both the reader and the modern literary landscape.

  • Authors: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Publisher: Picador
  • Published Date: July 05, 2022
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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