Bright Lights, Big City

By: Jay McInerney

Narrated by: Daniel Passer

With this publication in 1984, Jay McInerney became a literary sensation, heralded as the voice of a generation. This remarkable novel of youth and New York remains one of the most beloved, imitated, and iconic novels in America.

"A brilliant and moving work—unique, refreshing, imaginatively powerful and authentically conceived."—The New York Times

The novel follows a young man, living in Manhattan as if he owned it, through nightclubs, fashion shows, editorial offices, and loft parties as he attempts to outstrip mortality and the recurring approach of dawn. With nothing but goodwill, controlled substances, and wit to sustain him in this anti-quest, he runs until he reaches his reckoning point, where he is forced to acknowledge loss and, possibly, to rediscover his better instincts.

"Bright Lights, Big City defined, and even determined, the mood of this whole town."—Vanity Fair©1984 Jay McInerney; ©2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Bright Lights, Big City is a brilliant and moving work—unique, refreshing, imaginatively powerful and authentically conceived."
—The New York Times

"Bright Lights, Big City defined, and even determined, the mood of this whole town."
—Vanity Fair

"Short, sleek and very funny.... Beneath it's surface, though, a heart's cry for a saner, sweeter, more thoughtful and restrained existence."
—Chicago Tribune

"Each generation needs its Manhattan novel, and many ache to write it. But it was McInerney who succeeded."
—The New York Times Book Review

Flawed people

...make such interesting characters. I think I fell a little bit in love with this dude although he's got a bit if a Coke habit and can't seem to find people who will truly be his friend. I like that he has a person he can call in the middle of the night, I hope he keeps her. Also, this book was second person all the way through...what the heck?!

Exquisite!

I hear tell this thing is a movie – whatever. Maybe I'll watch it someday. But I seriously doubt it can rival this audiobook. Both the writing and the narration are absolutely perfect.

If you like this novel you might enjoy "Going Postal" by Stephen Jaramillo. Thematically, it's sort of a West Coast slacker version of Bright Lights, but without the dazzling symmetry or 2nd person POV. It's hella funny though.

Great Book, not for everyone

If you could sum up Bright Lights, Big City in three words, what would they be?

Provocative, bratty, brilliant.

What did you like best about this story?

This story follows a broken man who refuses to acknowledge he is broken. It is written in such a way that the reader also refuses to acknowledge this brokenness. This story is also written in second person which is interesting and atypical.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I didn't, but it was short enough that I could. It was very drawing.

Any additional comments?

Great for those who liked anything by Bret Easton Ellis or Catcher in the Rye.
Some may become uncomfortable with the story line, the frequent use of drugs, and the treatment of women.

Still Great

I read this in one night in college when it came out in 1984. It was the coolest thing.

It stands up these years later.

You are on a drug trip

The perspective is novel, but there is nothing profound to the pure spectacle. The story doesn't feel like it progresses anywhere.