Party Monster

by James St. James
Party Monster cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 10937
  • Added: 2026-02-09
  • Updated: 2026-02-16
  • ISBN: 9780743259828
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2003-09-01
  • Reviews: 3

Party Monster, originally published as Disco Bloodbath, is a raw and unflinching memoir by James St. James. It offers a vivid portrayal of the author's experiences in the late 1980s and early 1990s New York City club scene, where he becomes entangled with the infamous Michael Alig and the Club Kids. The memoir explores themes of identity, excess, and the consequences of a life lived on the edge./n/nThe book is not just a tale of wild parties and underground culture; it also delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil that comes with such a lifestyle. St. James's narrative provides a unique perspective on the intersection of art, fame, and self-destruction, making it a compelling read for those interested in the darker side of nightlife and the human condition.

Reviews
Libby Reads A Latte · 2026-02-16
entertaining 4.50

The book is surprisingly funny despite its dark subject matter, with moments that are laugh-out-loud hilarious. The author's unique writing style makes the story both entertaining and engaging.

The reviewer is pleasantly surprised by the humor in the book, which they didn't expect given the grim topic. They find the author's writing style to be exceptionally funny and engaging, making the book a joy to read. The narrative is filled with witty observations and dark humor, which balance the serious themes of the story. The reviewer appreciates how the author manages to keep the tone light-hearted even when dealing with heavy subjects.

Quick quotes

    I would not have expected this book to be funny, with it being about murder and all.

    However, it was very funny.

    Laugh out loud funny, at times.

Rococo Theory Books · 2017-12-15
engaging 4.25

The book is surprisingly cheerful despite its grim subject matter, with the author's writing style making it an engaging read. The narrative is both fantastical and grounded in reality.

The reviewer finds the book to be surprisingly cheerful despite its dark themes, attributing this to the author's engaging writing style. They appreciate how the narrative balances the fantastical elements of the club scene with the harsh realities of drug addiction and murder. The reviewer is drawn into the story, finding it to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. They highlight the author's ability to make even the most gruesome aspects of the story palatable through their unique perspective.

Quick quotes

    In theory this should not be a cheerful book – it is a true story about drug addicts and a gruesome murder after all.

    But St. James' writing style makes it an engaging read.

    The narrative is both fantastical and grounded in reality.

The Literary Omnivore · 2016-03-30
captivating 4.00

The book provides a gripping account of the Club Kids' downfall, focusing on the murder of Angel Melendez. The narrative is both captivating and unsettling, offering a raw look into the excesses of the club scene.

The reviewer delves into the dark and glamorous world of the Club Kids, highlighting the tragic story of Michael Alig and the murder of Angel Melendez. They appreciate the book's ability to balance the horrific with the humorous, making it a compelling read. The narrative is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into the chaotic lifestyle of the early 90s club scene. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of fame, addiction, and the consequences of excess.

Quick quotes

    The story of the downfall of the Club Kids.

    Namely, the murder of drug dealer Angel Melendez by the undisputed leader of the scene, Michael Alig.

    A gripping account of the Club Kids' downfall.

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