I am halfway through the book and have already found it to be a great example of how a journalist can become completely absorbed into the world of their subject. Basically, 'The Game' details Strauss' investigation of online 'seduction communities' for a Rolling Stone article which then leads to his participation in the community to assist his own failing love life.
Strauss is dragged deeper and deeper into the world of pickup artist 'Mystery' , who holds 'workshops' all over the world and eventually becomes a celebrated member of the seduction community.
Strauss moves into a Hollywood mansion with Mystery and his followers and embarks on a complete lifestyle program called 'Project Hollywood' before bitter rivalry between members causes their world to come crashing down.
'The Game' is a fantastic ( though at times shocking) read which has exposed me to a section of society which I previously had no idea existed ( one of the aims of literar journalism). Some of the literary devices that are used throughout the book and which I would like to emulate in my own work include:
* The use of quotes to separate chapters and provide an overview of what is to come. For example Gloria Steinem's " the first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn" is used before Strauss' introduction to the 'Mystery Method' of seduction.
* The metaphor of 'The Game' and use of computer jargon to describe the seduction community. This technique, seen through references to 'top score' ( number of sexual conquests) and 'kiss close-level' ( when a meeting ends with a kiss) demonstrates the shocking fact that members of the community see women as little more than characters in a computer game.
*The inclusion of pages from online posts. This device mixes up the structure of the novel, keeping the reader interested while also allowing characters such as Mystery to explain their theories in their own words.
*The use of dialogue, rather than narration to show the personalities and motives of the characters involved. For example, Mystery's quote "These are my personal development goals. I want to raise money for a touring illusion show. I want to live in posh hotels. I want a limo to and from shows. I want specials on TV with big illusions. I want to levitate over Niagara Falls. I want to travel to England and Australia. I want jewelery, games, a model airplane, a personal assistant, a stylist. And I want to act in Jesus Christ Superstar- As Jesus," perfectly sums up his character. He is ridiculous, self-centred, nerdy, child-like, self-obsessed and driven to achieve his goals to the point of insanity. I love how Strauss communicates this to his readers through this quote without once including his own personal observations.
Have a look at Strauss trying to pick up Jessica Alba below:
