Carl Streator, a 40-something widower and newspaper reporter, has lived a reclusive life since the death of his wife. His latest assignment is to write a series of articles on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In doing so, he discovers that there is an underlying commonality in the deaths. A children's book, Poems and Rhymes Around the World, containing an African Death chant, is found at the scene of the cases he investigates. Having read the chant aloud, he quickly realizes the lethal power of the words. As he fights against its powerful grip, which has turned him into a serial killer, he enlists the aid of some eccentric compatriots who vow to rid every library and bookstore of the deadly text before further lives are jeopardized. But what begins as a crusade to save lives soon becomes the ultimate game of cat and mouse, as they uncover the truth about the rhyme and are hunted by the force holding Streator captive.
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"So, I really like this book because it's gross and the premise is absurd, but I know some people who hate the book for these reasons. Which is strange, because I don't think the book tries to be something that it's not. Anyway, I found it to be quite entertaining. "
— Amanda (4 out of 5 stars)
" Must read this one again "
— Dominic, 2/7/2014" My son is a big fan of Palahniuk so I thought I'd finally give this author a try. This is one bizarre book, but it certainly does present a lot of questions about human nature, and how power can effect choices. The main character in this book is a journalist who is investigating a series of deaths, only to discover a culling song, which, when recited to a person, will cause he or she to drop dead. He learns that this women who has discovered this power of the culling song, for one, has been hired by her government to kill terrorists and the like. She also uses it for her own personal grudges and for anyone who pisses her off. They call it "constructive destruction." So would you use the culling song to kill someone who is truly evil? Puts road rage into perspective. It does present some interesting questions. The book itself was a short one and easy to read. "
— Ceciliahill55, 12/30/2013" Great book, will definetly keep you guessing and creep you out "
— Ryan, 12/8/2013" This is such a quirky and bizarre book. However, it kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the way he pushed the limits of conventional fiction. I'll try to read more of him, but his books are never on the library shelves. "
— Sherhazade, 12/2/2013" So bad... I tried to read it twice, and I failed both times. I respect dark humor, but the main character is hard to follow and the general feel is pretentious. "
— Natalie, 10/21/2013" Not his best work but even not-great Palahniuk is better than most writers. "
— Christine, 7/20/2013" a mystery that grabs you by the boostraps. "
— liz, 7/20/2013" not the best palahniuk there is, pretty predictable. I still enjoyed Rant a lot more. "
— C., 6/18/2013" This is probably my favorite Chuck Palahniuk book thus far. Nuff' said. "
— Catherine, 12/4/2012" Just imagine John Cusack as the lead "
— Neill, 9/24/2012" it was my first Palanuik. and i found it by chance in London. "
— Tera, 8/3/2012" Lullaby is one of those books that make you feel slightly uncomfortable a couple of days after having finished reading it, without quite knowing why. "
— Carla, 7/18/2012" Was my favorite of Chuck's- loved the lore associated with it, and the melding of dark magic and modern environment. "
— Allyson, 5/13/2012" One of my favorite Palahniuk books! "
— Sara, 3/3/2012" Unique, well-written, but oddly unmemorable. This could vanish from Palahniuk's resume and nobody would notice. "
— Cory, 2/7/2012" Ripper of a read. Good fun. "
— Jess, 7/6/2011" Least favorite Palahniuk novel because of the early inclusion of fantasy elements. "
— Kelli, 6/30/2011" This book left me sickened, astonished, amazed, confused, and above all - compulsively wanting more. "
— Julija, 6/26/2011" I remember this book being a lot of fun. The way the tempo picks up at the end is amazing. It's a shame the movie didn't come close to recreating it. "
— Shenanitims, 6/25/2011" Excellent! Too bad the movie stunk! "
— Raul, 6/25/2011" Pointless, repetitive and angry for not good reason. A book that reads like a cheap Fight Club knock off. "
— Falice, 6/20/2011" Salaciously riveting: Palahniuk’s writing is raw and honest. He took me on a roller coaster of sex addiction, insanity and showed me a side of humanity that I hadn’t considered before. Incredibly interesting read. "
— Leanne, 6/19/2011" It's not really possible to describe this author's style and plot lines. This is totally unlike what I normally read. "
— Kristi, 6/16/2011" Palahniuk writes a bizarre story with flawed characters. Typical for Palahniuk and I liked it well enough. "
— Kevin, 6/16/2011" This is probably the worst of Palahniuks work. I definetly don't recommend it. If you're used to reading terrible stuff you might enjoy this, but if you have read his other stuff this will be dissapointing to you! "
— Emily, 6/16/2011" I am sure the movie is better than the book. I didn't mesh well with the writing style and I wanted to give up on finishing it but I don't like to start something and then quit. "
— Kourtney, 6/13/2011" Pretty good book. What did I walk away with? I loved the mother's view on life. :) "
— Kimberley, 6/12/2011" amazing story of the length a man will go to be loved<br/> "
— Stephanie, 6/7/2011Chuck Palahniuk has been a nationally bestselling author since his first novel, 1996’s Fight Club, was made into the acclaimed David Fincher film of the same name. Twelve of his works have made the New York Times bestsellers list, and his work has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Richard Poe, a professional actor for more than thirty years, has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including 1776 and M. Butterfly. On television he has had recurring roles on Star Trek and Frasier. His films include Born on the Fourth of July and Presumed Innocent. Poe is a well-known and prolific audiobook performer and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.