Ah yet again, time for a book review. It’s not all the time that I get the chance to review a book so let me enjoy it while it lasts, hopefully you will too. More importantly after reading this review you better be on your way to the closest book store to pick this one up. Let me tell you, the book I am talking about certainly isn’t the newest release from author Chuck Palahniuk but man is it one of his best. The book I am referring to is Lullaby. It’s a satire novel much like a lot of his work but interestingly enough, it was written in conjunction with a time when Palahniuk himself was faced with an extremely big decision. Specifically, to decide whether or not the man who murdered his Father should be sentenced to the death penalty. So, as you would imagine, it is laced with a dark, looming tone and horror elements galore. Before I get too deep into this, I would like to say that although this may not have been one of my favorite works by Palahniuk in the beginning, by the time I was closing in on the final chapters, I truly didn’t want it to end. That’s not to say that the start wasn’t enjoyable or gripping but it more so added to the complexity of the final outcome resulting in a much richer and satisfying read.

The story follows a reporter named Carl Streator. He begins by explaining his current situation but then spends most of the novel expelling the events that led up to it. Occasionally the story would take me to a different point in time, using only an italicized addition to reveal a bit more about Carl’s present day self. As a reporter he is assigned to investigate a series of infant crib deaths. No apparent piece of information links them together, well except for one. At each crime scene there happens to be a book titled Poems and Rhymes Around the World. Opened to a specific page: a culling song, past down from the ages. Once Streator realizes the power the lullaby has he sets off on a quest to destroy the remaining copies. The story quickly picks up speed as he is joined by a family of new characters. Their adventure throughout the book is full of laughs, memorable moments and events scary enough to make you not want to leave your house.

Lullaby is not only a great read but one that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story moves along at a great pace and keeps the mystery looming. Just when you think the story is starting to slow down it picks right back up again, although this time at an even faster speed. The characters are great, the satire is fantastic, and the outcome of the novel threw me in a lovable twist I was not expecting at all. For anyone who claims to be a fan of Chuck Palahniuk this book is a must read. Even if you have not read any of Chuck’s other books, his unique writing style will draw you in and leave you begging for more. Anyone who enjoys a little satire with their breakfast in the morning or a little horror at night should definitely pick this one up. It’s short, enjoyable, and when its over, you’ll be wanting to start back on page one, so you can read it again, and again.