Grotesquely funny and replete with bizarre symbolism, this story truly captivates. The scene where Nailles drinks rainwater scooped out of an urn at the cemetery to swallow the pill he's just purchased from his pusher is, without a doubt, my favorite image. It's a moment of such absurdity and yet, it holds a certain charm. How could one not be intrigued by this? It's pure genius! I can't help but wonder why on earth I haven't read Cheever before. His writing is so unique and engaging, filled with these strange and wonderful moments that stay with you long after you've finished reading. I'm definitely going to explore more of his work and see what other treasures I can discover.

I've been a goodreads delinquent for some time now. I'll admit that without hesitation.

Then, as fate would have it, I read Bullet Park. Oh, what a revelation it was! It instantly reminded me of how truly wonderful Cheever's novels could be.

I just had to share this gem with the world, and that's precisely why I'm here now. I've returned, a prodigal soul, feeling creatively refreshed by the twin geniuses of Paul Hammer and Elliot Nailles.

Some might argue that this book is merely about a murder, but they couldn't be more wrong. It's so much more than that. It's about two people and the complex web of individuals that inhabit their lives.

With one hand firmly placed in the NY suburbs and the other in a kind of poignant psychosis, this novel stands as character fiction at its absolute best. It's a masterful blend of humor, sadness, fright, and truth.

If you were a fan of Falconer, then I simply can't recommend this one highly enough. It's truly amazing. And now, I'm off to embark on yet another reading journey through its pages.

I find Cheever's works to be endlessly fascinating and readable. Although I may not fully identify with his central theme of suburban malaise, there is something about his writing that keeps drawing me in.

One aspect that stands out is his treatment of certain social issues. In many of his pieces, he seems to be loudly calling out the presence and experiences of homosexuals, which was a topic that was not widely discussed or understood at the time.

Specifically, I am a particular fan of this one book. What makes it truly great for me is the way it concludes. The ending, which involves a chainsaw and a church, is both unexpected and powerful. It leaves a lasting impression and makes me reflect on the various themes and ideas that Cheever has presented throughout the story.

Overall, while I may not always agree with Cheever's perspective or relate directly to his subject matter, I cannot deny the skill and artistry with which he writes. His works continue to engage and challenge readers, making them an important part of the literary canon.

Pura poesía (macabro) suburbial.

This phrase seems to encapsulate a world that is both beautiful and macabre, a world that exists on the fringes of the ordinary.

After experiencing this, I am determined to adore Cheever for always. His work has left a truly profound and lasting impression on me.

The way he weaves together the seemingly mundane details of suburban life with elements of the macabre is simply masterful.

It is as if he is able to unearth the hidden undercurrents of darkness that lurk beneath the surface of our everyday existence.

Through his words, he creates a vivid and haunting image of a world that is both familiar and yet so disturbingly陌生.

I am truly in awe of his talent and will continue to explore his works, eager to discover more of the hidden gems that lie within.

Cheever's prose is impressively precise. There are long passages with a Jamesian air, and the characters are defined by their actions. There are also large stains of guaro on every page.

When I finished it, I felt like having a drink of gin to end Tony's attempted murder and Hammer's desperate cries for attention.

Cheever's writing style is truly unique. His ability to create vivid characters and detailed scenes is remarkable. The use of long passages adds a sense of depth and complexity to the story.

The mention of the guaro stains gives the reader a sense of the seedy and decadent world in which the characters live. It also adds a touch of mystery and intrigue.

Overall, Cheever's work is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature. His prose is both beautiful and engaging, and his stories will leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page.

Tellement bizarre. Hammer and Nailles. I mean, it's truly strange. These two words seem to come out of nowhere and yet, they hold a certain mystery.

Jesus Christ. But not. This addition further complicates the picture. Is it a reference to something religious? Or perhaps a play on words?

We can't help but wonder what the author is trying to convey with these cryptic phrases. Maybe it's a message hidden within the simplicity of the words.

Could it be that Hammer and Nailles represent two opposing forces? Or maybe they are symbols of something more profound.

The use of "Jesus Christ" and then "But not" adds an element of doubt and uncertainty. It makes us question our own assumptions and interpretations.

Overall, this short passage leaves us with more questions than answers, but that's what makes it so intriguing.

I think this was the very first John Cheever book that I had the opportunity to read. Even now, whenever I catch a glimpse of it sitting there in my room, I still feel a sense of daze and confusion.

It truly must be the oddest novel I've come across that delves into the seemingly ordinary, everyday life and the world of suburbia. I've now read several books by Cheever, and just by reading his works, one can tell that he was an extraordinary man. This is evident from the kind of unique things he presents in his writings.

No other writer that I can think of has the ability to suddenly transform an everyday event into a beguiling, mystical, and head-scratching riddle, simply by adding some peculiar detail that throws the reader off course.

I believe all of this is wonderful and is one of the reasons why he is such a remarkable writer. However, with this particular book, he almost takes oddness to an extreme and breaks through the weird barrier once and for all. It's not as if you're suddenly plunged into reading Burroughs and one of his cut-up-technique books or anything of that sort. But I vividly remember sitting there on multiple occasions, wondering what on earth was happening.

Despite all this, it is still a rather good book and contains many interesting little scenes. However, unfortunately, the randomness does start to overtake things a bit after a while. I still don't think I fully understand the ending of the book, and I'm certain it will baffle a few others who give this strange novel a try.

Weirdly enough, it is still definitely worth reading because although it is by no means perfect, it is certainly not predictable and keeps you both bemused and intrigued throughout. Maybe one day I'll pick it up and read it again!

I have a deep love for this book.

It has become an essential part of my life.

Every time I pick it up, I am immediately drawn into its captivating world.

The characters are so vivid and real that I feel as if I know them personally.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps me on the edge of my seat, eager to turn the next page.

The author's writing style is truly remarkable, painting a detailed and beautiful picture with words.

This book has not only entertained me but also taught me valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship.

It has touched my heart and left a lasting impression.

I will always cherish this book and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great read.

So much was said about Cheever influencing Mad Men that, once the series was over, I felt compelled to read something of his.

'Bullet Park’ was chosen at random. In the first few pages, I could vividly envision each scene being filmed exactly as per Matthew Weiner's script.

However, while Mad Men is known for its subtlety, Cheever's work is more out in the open. It's as if one is reading between the lines of Mad Men's inherent cruelty, violence, sexuality, and awkwardness.

Moreover, where Mad Men is always flawless in its form and style, Cheever is like a bull set free. He is magnificent, dramatic, and impatient to follow his own creative leads.

Nevertheless, it is an absolute thrill to watch or read his work. Cheever's missteps actually allow us a peek into his writing process, and they are always of a higher caliber than the average.

His unique approach and willingness to take risks make his writing both engaging and captivating.

Bullet Park by John Cheever is a novel that can be described as "incandescently charming," just like the arrival at a final party in the book.

John Cheever is one of my favorite writers, and Bullet Park may be the last of his works that I have completed. There are still journals, letters, and perhaps an odd short story that I missed, along with the determination to reread The Wapshot Chronicle, some of the short stories, and Falconer.

The writing of this genius is superb and flawless. However, this does not mean that I understand or admire all of it. In this novel, I did not get the jest of the story once it veered into Hammer territory. Hammer is the name of the second most important character, at least from what I gather, although I am somewhat confused.

The other characters are not what you would call "normal" or well-adjusted. Even though the relationship between Eliot Nailles and his wife Nelly is enviable, especially at this moment when I wish I had the same understanding with my spouse. Nelly and Eliot make love very often and not just enjoy each other's company, but Eliot's attraction to his wife sets him apart.

There is a well-studied honeymoon effect, which shows that after about two years, the initial infatuation diminishes drastically. Most couples do not feel the same attraction as they had at the start of their marriage, or any relationship for that matter, but I may be wrong. Nevertheless, when Eliot stumbles upon Nellie, who is naked and about to get ready for a party, he has the urge to make love to her, and he does, as happens almost anytime, anywhere, under various circumstances.

What a lucky couple, we may say! But alas, there always seems to be something that causes trouble in paradise, and it is the case here too. Tony is the son, and at various stages, he presents his parents with an intriguing panel of problems, ranging from watching television for hours on end without any care for homework to bad grades in French. When confronted by the French teacher - admittedly another strange character - and told that he would be off the football practice due to his lamentable performance in French, the teenager explodes.

I could kill you! Here I am not even sure that he did not actually say "I will." So he has to spend time at the police station, which is not a pleasant setting to have to take your child from. To make things worse, at one point, Tony decides not to get out of bed for weeks on end, in spite of the doctors brought in to cure him.

It sounds somewhat funny in recollection to say that his mother brought in a swami, a guy with a bad eye and a good character. Come to think of it, he may be among the very few - was he the only one actually? - rounded-up, decent characters. Even Eliot is not really such a nice guy when we think of his reaction to his son's "binge watching" - which by the way is the word of 2015 - when he just threw the TV out. I also hated that bastard for the shooting of a snapping turtle, even if I understand that she can be dangerous and could even kill a dog, if we are to believe Eliot.

The impression is that almost all the people in this novel are more or less nuts, and if that is too strong a word, then they all have psychological issues and challenges, which is today's word for what we used to call a handicap. Hammer is off completely, but I will not go into that because the justification of this assessment might compromise and spoil the reading of the work.

My feeling was that I was reading a surreal story for long parts of it, with the impression that the atmosphere was so bizarre and the characters so alien that a ship with extraterrestrials might land and then they would explain that this fascinating at times behavior is something pretty lame on the planet beta 3345, which is where they all come from. In conclusion, this is not one of my favorite Cheever books.

Paint me a small railroad station then, ten minutes before dark. As you read the first sentence, boom! Something within you just knows that this is going to be truly remarkable. You find yourself in the capable hands of a master. If you haven't read this yet, I envy you. Just take your time and savour every word. Every single sentence in this work is exceptional. It's like poetry in motion. It's the perfect length for a book, not too long and not too short. It's funny, it's scathing, it's angry, and it's truly beautiful. It's similar to famous American classics like Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby in its attention to detail, but in my opinion, it's even better. I think it's miles better than Catcher and I prefer it to The Great Gatsby. There's also a lot of Twain in it, both in its structure and in its general cadence. It's the kind of book that only a hard-working, alcoholic genius could write. I love it with all my heart and I wholeheartedly advise you to read it.

What an intensely odd novel indeed!

The old adage that each novel teaches you how to read as you progress doesn't truly hold water here. Bullet Park shifts modes at least twice, resulting in an uncomfortable reading experience. Overall, it's a book that merits re-reading once you've deciphered its game.

The novel commences with an odd, lyrical, tense-shifting passage that gradually fades into a typical past-tense third-person narrative. Early on, it becomes evident that this is highly satirical, yet this poses a bit of a problem at times when you realize it's not particularly humorous. There are also instances when Cheever succumbs to the same overly lyrical, narrative-choking prose that he (and I, in my own mind) have criticized Updike for, but fortunately, it isn't flagrant or sustained.

Anyway, perhaps around the halfway mark, there's an abrupt shift to the first-person POV of a character who has hitherto been somewhat minor. By the time you're nearly done with this novella-like interlude, you realize it's been a wonderful Ford/Harrison-like meditation, but by then it's too late, as we shift again to the third person for a quick summation of the story. The ending, too, is truly strange. Granted, it's a satire, but the final sentence is so saturated with irony that it almost seems amateurish.

Despite all this, the novel is replete with great sentences and language, and it was a relatively quick read, although structurally it's rather thin and messy. Even within the parts, things seem quite disconnected and episodic. For example, what was the significance of Tony's being sick, other than to add a bit of suspense and move things along? Still, this is the first of Cheever's novels that I've read and not completely loathed. I'll read it again sometime, now that I know what to anticipate. It has that old-world charm that's evident in his stories, though, again, his stories are far superior. Cheever was not a novelist. I've said it before. Nevertheless, this was interesting and worth reading.