Palanik Chak: biography, works, quotes, reviews

Palanik Chuck is one of the modern scandal writers. He was widely known for his film "Fight Club", based on the novel of the same name in 1999. Chuck himself was nicknamed the "king of the counterculture" for his candid, sometimes cruel and very naturalistic works.

Chuck Palahniuk: biography

Full name is Charles Michael Palahniuk. He was born in the American town of Pasco, Washington, in February 1962. The writer's family has an unusual origin. His grandfather was a Ukrainian, who emigrated first to Canada, and then to the US, and eventually settled in 1907 in New York.

In 1986 he graduated from the journalism faculty of the University of Oregon, Palanik himself. Chuck spent all his studies at National Public Radio's KLCC trainee. The institution was located in Eugene, Oregon.

After graduation, the writer went to Portland, where he worked as a journalist in a local newspaper. At the same time, he joined the mechanic for repairing diesel engines and combined it with the preparation of instructions for repairing trucks.

Finding Yourself

Palanik Chuck wanted to find for himself not just a job, but something more. Therefore, I got a job as a volunteer for a homeless shelter. Then I worked in the hospice, but not for long. He transported seriously ill patients to meetings in support groups. The writer left this work after one of these patients died, who became his friend.

Later he joined the Cacophony Society. It is believed that it was the prototype of the groups described by the author in his novels.

Origin of the surname

Palanik Chak is the real name of the writer, but it is somewhat unusual. This incident happened to the writer as a child. Parents took him with them to the cemetery to visit their relatives. There he saw the graves of his grandparents. On the plates their names were knocked out: Paula, Nick. Having combined both names, the author received a combination of "Polanik", which was whimsically combined with the family name. Therefore, the surname of the writer is read as "Palanik", and not according to the rules of pronunciation - "Palanik". The name Chuck is short for Charles.

Beginning of creativity

Only in 30 years began the career of writer Chuck Palanik. The works, however, did not appear immediately. At first Chuck attended Tom Spoonbauer's writing skills courses. Although the author went on them with one purpose - to make new friends. Despite this, Spoonbauer managed to greatly influence the style of Palanika, which then differed in excessive minimalism. In the same period, the author wrote his first novel, but did not publish it. After I re-read the finished version, I was very disappointed in the story line. However, a small piece of the work was used in the Fight Club.

The next novel called "Invisible" was refused to publish by the publisher, saying that it was too outrageous. The next work, to spite the publisher, was written in a more outrageous form by Chuck Palanik. Quotations from this creation are familiar to many, because it was "Fight Club".

Over the "Invisible" Palanik worked for a very long time, paying special attention to the artistic style. As for the plot, it fascinates, although it is not the main one in the book. Despite this Palanik already in this debut work was able to show the features of his style, which manifested itself in the unconventional plot moves and unexpected surprises for the reader. In addition, in the novel there are scenes of cruelty, many medical details and blood.

In our country Palanik gained wide popularity only after the release of the film "Fight Club".

In 1999, in the life of Chuck, there were significant changes, which were reflected in his work. His father Fred began to meet with a woman named Donna Fontaine. She sent Dale, her former roommate, to prison, accusing him of rape. The guy swore he would kill her when he left. A few years later, Dale freed himself and killed Donna and Fred. They carried their bodies into a house, which was then set on fire. In 2001, Dale was found guilty and sentenced to death.

These events spurred Palanika to write a book that was published under the title "Lullaby". The writer himself said in an interview that in this way he tried to cope with the tragedy he had experienced.

"Fight club"

Initially, "Fight Club" was a small story, which was included in the collection of Pursuit of Hapiness. This work later became the 6th chapter of the novel. Then Chuck decided to make a story from the story. To the surprise of the writer himself, the publisher decided to publish it.

The publication of the book was very successful. Not only the readers liked the story of the split personality and rebellion against public opinion, but critics highly appreciated it. The book was even awarded a number of awards. Not for nothing, even Hollywood showed interest in it. And in 1999 the same film was released, shot by David Finch. It is believed that the movie failed at the box office, as the box office was very modest. However, after the release in the DVD format, the film not only paid off, but also acquired the status of a cult.

The release of the film contributed to the interest of the book. "Fight Club" was reprinted in 1999, 2004 and 2005.

This book really can be proud of Chuck Palanik. Quotations from the book have become very popular. The most famous: "Only losing everything, we gain freedom to do anything", "Generations of people work on jobs that they hate to buy things they do not need", "Self-destruction is more important than self-improvement."

"Suffocation"

Chuck Palahnik wrote in 2001 the book "Choking", which according to the "New York Times" became the number one bestseller in the country.

She tells the story of a young rascal who goes to the richest restaurants every day, where he plays the attacks of suffocation. For this he manages to get good money.

In addition, problems of alcoholism, sex, worship of things, etc., are also touched upon. Palanik himself comments on his creation as follows: "Are you going to read?" In vain! ".

In 2008 the book was filmed. The film was directed by Clark Gregg, a little-known in our country. In Russia, the premiere took place in 2009. However, the film could not repeat the success of the Fight Club.

Quotations from the book: "To make life better, it must first become worse", "Art is born only from grief. And never for joy. "

Chuck Palahnik: Readers' Comments

Creativity Palanica perceive radically opposite. Some call him a cult writer and perceive his novels as a real discovery and a call to action. Others, on the contrary, say that the author is too naturalistic, and only in the aggressive narrative all his success, and not in some ideas that reflect modern reality.

Thus, for some, Palanik is a master of the pen, for others - just a naturalist. However, neither one nor the other do not remain indifferent. It becomes familiar with the work of this original author, if only because he really had a great influence on literature and the generation of youth of the turn of the 21st century.