Less than zero

"Disappear Here" is the phrase that is initially seen on a billboard by Clay, our narrator in Less than Zero. Seeing this billboard frightens him, contributes to his paranoia, and constantly remains in the back of his mind as he is spending his Christmas vacation at home in Los Angeles. Having been away at college out east for his first fall semester, Clay returns home to a world that he feels indifferent about, and eventually realizes he despises. His ultra-rich friends are as shallow as can be - and so is L.A.

Outwardly, Clay is a passive person that behaves in a voyeuristic manner, often going along "just to see what happens." Despite his feelings of indifference toward the excess surrounding him (excess that was so prevalent in the 1980s) he still aimlessly follows his friends along, going to clubs and getting high. More inwardly, however, Clay is struggling with depression, matters of integrity, and holding on to what matters most. He has memories of his grandmother before she died and often fantasizes about the past. He watches his friends become more sick and more shallow - all being sucked into the hellhole that is Los Angeles. Will Clay disappear along with them?

Bret Easton Ellis has never disappointed me and Less than Zero was no exception. A great read.