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The "Supreme Gentleman" Killer: The True Story of an Incel Mass Murderer
This is the story of Elliot Rodger, and how he turned from a nice, quiet polite young man to the first self-identified incel (involuntarily celibate) killer . . .
Elliot Rodger considered himself to be intelligent, refined, handsome, fashionable and charming. He spent years trying to be cool so women would like him. He thought if he just wore expensive and fashionable clothing, had a better car, or if he were rich, then women would throw themselves at him. In fact, he thought himself to be "The Supreme Gentleman."
Yet, women paid no attention to him. His only conclusion was that they were genetically flawed, and because of this they ignored him and threw themselves at men who were ignorant, savage brutes. In his mind, his lack of success with women had ruined his life. He began to psychologically deteriorate.
Rodger decided to get revenge. He spent months planning his "Day of Retribution," an act where he would kill as many attractive women, and the type of men that they were drawn to, as he could in a savage attack. Then he acted on his plan, killing 6 people and wounding numerous others in what became known as the Isla Vista Massacre. The story does not end with Rodger however, as numerous other incels have since committed copycat attacks.
Elliot Rodger considered himself to be intelligent, refined, handsome, fashionable and charming. He spent years trying to be cool so women would like him. He thought if he just wore expensive and fashionable clothing, had a better car, or if he were rich, then women would throw themselves at him. In fact, he thought himself to be "The Supreme Gentleman."
Yet, women paid no attention to him. His only conclusion was that they were genetically flawed, and because of this they ignored him and threw themselves at men who were ignorant, savage brutes. In his mind, his lack of success with women had ruined his life. He began to psychologically deteriorate.
Rodger decided to get revenge. He spent months planning his "Day of Retribution," an act where he would kill as many attractive women, and the type of men that they were drawn to, as he could in a savage attack. Then he acted on his plan, killing 6 people and wounding numerous others in what became known as the Isla Vista Massacre. The story does not end with Rodger however, as numerous other incels have since committed copycat attacks.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2020
33 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Brian Whitney
30 books42 followersI am the author or co-author of numerous books, three of which have been optioned for film. I ghostwrite for Kevin Anderson and Associates.
I live on the coast of Maine.
I live on the coast of Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 33 reviews
September 12, 2021
What a seriously frightening story this is. Elliot Rodger, was a 22 year old man who suffered from mental illness from the age of 8. He fancied himself the supreme gentleman compared to others he felt beneath him. His thinking becomes so disordered while he’s in college in Santa Barbara that he begins plotting his revenge for months. This is my first encounter with the term “incel” or involuntarily celibate. Rodger gets retribution by killing 6 people and wounding 14 others by shooting, stabbing and ramming with his vehicle. The book posits that there have been other incel shooters following in his footsteps since his spree.
December 28, 2022
I read this for a True Crime group and I would recommend it for those wanting to know more about this incel hero who advocated violence - while not having to delve too deeply into the horrific misogyny behind it all.
I know going directly to the source (Elliot Rodger's 100+ page manifesto) provides the clearest snapshot of how a young male spiraled into violent madness but sometimes . . . reading about the torture porn and fantasies this type direct towards women and others can be more devastating? harmful? to the reader and I don't always feel comfortable giving a murderer more notice or clicks.
Attention needs to be given to the rise in misogyny and violence against women and I found delving into Elliot Rodger's pathology useful to address this issue but I appreciated having Whitney provide highlights of the manifesto and social posts. One can always search for the posts themselves as the author gives sources.
The author tells us about the mass killings committed by Elliot Rodgers as a story. It does a decent job of summarizing the short life Elliot Rodgers who dreamed of mass violence against "blonde sluts" and the "Chads" who dated them for making his life miserable by existing. Also provides accurate facts about the incident by using police reports and interviews given. At the end, the author is more subjective in his approach to the "Incel Movement" by comparing Rodgers to others. He also stresses that violence among incels is a small minority and perhaps over emphasized? I think not.
I closed this book with questions. How does a young man think he deserves a hot female to be used as a sexual slave because he's superior to other men (based first on race - then by looks - then money - and intelligence) for YEARS without raising more flags!? Or that women are unintelligent beasts that do not deserve a say in their fate? and this speaks to thousands of other men?! Forget if they act upon these beliefs or not, the fact it exists to such an extent concerns me.
I know going directly to the source (Elliot Rodger's 100+ page manifesto) provides the clearest snapshot of how a young male spiraled into violent madness but sometimes . . . reading about the torture porn and fantasies this type direct towards women and others can be more devastating? harmful? to the reader and I don't always feel comfortable giving a murderer more notice or clicks.
Attention needs to be given to the rise in misogyny and violence against women and I found delving into Elliot Rodger's pathology useful to address this issue but I appreciated having Whitney provide highlights of the manifesto and social posts. One can always search for the posts themselves as the author gives sources.
The author tells us about the mass killings committed by Elliot Rodgers as a story. It does a decent job of summarizing the short life Elliot Rodgers who dreamed of mass violence against "blonde sluts" and the "Chads" who dated them for making his life miserable by existing. Also provides accurate facts about the incident by using police reports and interviews given. At the end, the author is more subjective in his approach to the "Incel Movement" by comparing Rodgers to others. He also stresses that violence among incels is a small minority and perhaps over emphasized? I think not.
I closed this book with questions. How does a young man think he deserves a hot female to be used as a sexual slave because he's superior to other men (based first on race - then by looks - then money - and intelligence) for YEARS without raising more flags!? Or that women are unintelligent beasts that do not deserve a say in their fate? and this speaks to thousands of other men?! Forget if they act upon these beliefs or not, the fact it exists to such an extent concerns me.
April 29, 2020
[This book was provided free of charge by BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
At the heart of this book is a question that the author struggles with and does not really consistently deal with, and that is the question of whether or not Elliot Rodger was in fact an incel. As a volcel myself [1], I looked at this book and the contempt that the author showed from the incel community towards volcels and realized that the incels themselves were hating volcels because they did not realize that they too were voluntarily celibate on top of all of their other self-loathing. Reading this book was deeply unpleasant, and while it would have been no less unpleasant in the hands of another writer, it is to be regretted that the author here views the coping mechanisms of mmo games from the point of view of an outsider rather than a more sympathetic insider. In reading this book I get the feeling that it does not serve to reduce the stigma already faced by socially awkward young men, and thus is part of the problem of our contemporary culture's anti-male attitude rather than part of the solution.
This book is about 150 pages long or so, and it begins with an author's note and foreword that frame the interest the author had in the subject, a virginal mass murderer who apparently wrote and recorded various misogynistic manifestos. The book begins with the day of retribution that added Elliott Rodger to the list of American mass murderers before taking a look at the life that went wrong. It looks at how things went awry in a broken family, the struggle to be cool, as well as the problem that Rodger had with girls, being intensely attracted to them but unable to even converse with them. And if all of this is relatable enough, if unpleasant, the author then discusses incel subculture with a look at the language of self-loathing men who both want to be and be with those they hold in contempt, which is a toxic sort of ambivalence. This then leads to a discussion of events, including an attempt to win the lottery to become rich and a disastrous experience at a party, that led immediately to Elliott's plans for mass murder.
Despite my qualms with the author's approach and his apparent lack of empathy with the subject material, this book and its material is deeply disturbing even more for the attitude of the subject himself. Elliot Rodger does not come off particularly well here, and certainly someone who was a "perfect gentlemen" would expect to appreciate women in conversation and not expect them to give themselves up because a male with low self-esteem happens to be around. The tension between the desire of the subject and other young men like him to see themselves as victims of an unjust and unfair society and their clear envy and desire to avenge themselves on that society while simultaneously trying to present themselves as morally just is deep and I don't know that we as a society have any good means of addressing that tension. This is a book that certainly draws attention to a problem but it does not even come close to discussing how that problem can be solved, not least when there are at least quite a few people who view a mass-murderer as a hero and we live in a society--that includes the author--which views playing games and not being sexually active as being a sign of mental instability and being worthy of stigma as misfits.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2019...
At the heart of this book is a question that the author struggles with and does not really consistently deal with, and that is the question of whether or not Elliot Rodger was in fact an incel. As a volcel myself [1], I looked at this book and the contempt that the author showed from the incel community towards volcels and realized that the incels themselves were hating volcels because they did not realize that they too were voluntarily celibate on top of all of their other self-loathing. Reading this book was deeply unpleasant, and while it would have been no less unpleasant in the hands of another writer, it is to be regretted that the author here views the coping mechanisms of mmo games from the point of view of an outsider rather than a more sympathetic insider. In reading this book I get the feeling that it does not serve to reduce the stigma already faced by socially awkward young men, and thus is part of the problem of our contemporary culture's anti-male attitude rather than part of the solution.
This book is about 150 pages long or so, and it begins with an author's note and foreword that frame the interest the author had in the subject, a virginal mass murderer who apparently wrote and recorded various misogynistic manifestos. The book begins with the day of retribution that added Elliott Rodger to the list of American mass murderers before taking a look at the life that went wrong. It looks at how things went awry in a broken family, the struggle to be cool, as well as the problem that Rodger had with girls, being intensely attracted to them but unable to even converse with them. And if all of this is relatable enough, if unpleasant, the author then discusses incel subculture with a look at the language of self-loathing men who both want to be and be with those they hold in contempt, which is a toxic sort of ambivalence. This then leads to a discussion of events, including an attempt to win the lottery to become rich and a disastrous experience at a party, that led immediately to Elliott's plans for mass murder.
Despite my qualms with the author's approach and his apparent lack of empathy with the subject material, this book and its material is deeply disturbing even more for the attitude of the subject himself. Elliot Rodger does not come off particularly well here, and certainly someone who was a "perfect gentlemen" would expect to appreciate women in conversation and not expect them to give themselves up because a male with low self-esteem happens to be around. The tension between the desire of the subject and other young men like him to see themselves as victims of an unjust and unfair society and their clear envy and desire to avenge themselves on that society while simultaneously trying to present themselves as morally just is deep and I don't know that we as a society have any good means of addressing that tension. This is a book that certainly draws attention to a problem but it does not even come close to discussing how that problem can be solved, not least when there are at least quite a few people who view a mass-murderer as a hero and we live in a society--that includes the author--which views playing games and not being sexually active as being a sign of mental instability and being worthy of stigma as misfits.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2019...
October 9, 2020
This book is about Elliot Roger. He was born in England, but moved to LA at the age of five. Even then his classmates and his teacher taught him to be weird. He was emotionally neglected by both his parents AN his neglect came out as a strangeness everyone around him could feel. He wore And could easily afford the best clothes, drove the Nice cars and wrongly thought himself to be the best, the smartest and the greatest looking. Unfortunately his strangeness wouldn’t let whatever good qualities he Head shine through. He was so focused on the fact that he was great and didn’t have a girlfriend and I also didn’t have friends that it all culminated to him writing 100 page manifesto and going out in his car and mowing down people and the ones he didn’t mow down he shot. What makes this such an interesting story is that it’s true. Elliot Roger was the first person to say he was an Incel Which means involuntarily celibate and now it’s a real thing. I highly recommend this book if you want your true crime mind blown when it’s totally interesting his manifesto alone is worth the read. I truly enjoyed this book I received it from an author on Books sirens and involuntarily leaving this review.
July 19, 2020
A very well-written book about an incident that I did not know about, but I found shocking even though it happened on the other side of the planet from me. What’s even more harrowing is that there are more people like Elliot Rodger, with similar ideologies towards women.
The book is well-written, and at around 170 pages is a quick enough read. However, it takes a linear approach towards the story of this real-life mass murderer rather than a holistic one—interviews with psychologists, people who knew Elliot, or some of his surviving victims would have added another dimension to the story. As a result, the writing does get repetitive as we are told again and again how Elliot never made an effort and how he felt betrayed all the time.
Nevertheless, the book is a compelling read, especially for readers who like true crime novels.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is well-written, and at around 170 pages is a quick enough read. However, it takes a linear approach towards the story of this real-life mass murderer rather than a holistic one—interviews with psychologists, people who knew Elliot, or some of his surviving victims would have added another dimension to the story. As a result, the writing does get repetitive as we are told again and again how Elliot never made an effort and how he felt betrayed all the time.
Nevertheless, the book is a compelling read, especially for readers who like true crime novels.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2024
VERY DETAILED AND INTERESTING BUT A LITTLE BORING AT TIMES. DIFFICULT SUBJECT HARD TO BELIEVE IT SEEMS SIMPLE BUT ITS VERY COMPLEX, IT LEFT ME FEELING PRETTY MUCH THE WAY I FELT WHEN I STARTED READING. WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE MENTAL PROBLEMS AND THERE'S NO FIXING THEM. HOW CAN YOU FIX ANYTHING WHEN THERE ARE PIECES MISSING IN THEM. AND NO ONE KNOWS EXACTELY WHERE OR HOW TO FIND THAT PIECE OR PIECES. THATS A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW FOR THE REST OF US. WE CAN ONLY PRAY THAT WE OR OUR LOVED ONES NEVER COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE MISSING PIECES.
WE'RE IN BIG TROUBLE. ;D
WE'RE IN BIG TROUBLE. ;D
June 15, 2020
After reading this book for a bit I began to think maybe I should read Elliot´s own words, thinking the author had copied everything from there but I must be fair after a while I began to enjoy reading this book..
I remember the day I was on youtube which I am all day while awake listening to my playlists I created. Guess what, me the lover of depressive books and true crime loves happy music.
My Playlist
Did I use to enjoy depressive music like Joy Division (still like) and punk and Smashing Pumpkins now I need to hear happy sounds.
Anyways. back to my story I was visiting youtube when on top of my screen I saw a video of a guy sitting in a car with the sun in his face, not a bad looking guy and it said he had killed people.
So of course I listened to him talking. Not for long because he bored me quickly but I immediately was fascinated because the way he spoke and looked out of his eyes was the same way Richard Ramirez did. Very fake in away and not sure how to describe but it was obvious they were not real but thinking while speaking, faking being normal perhaps?
Reading this book it was obvious there was something very wrong with this guy and that his dad did not notice that is crazy really but I alas know from experience with people in my own life who do not want to see certain things (only when they are the ones being bothered).Avoidance personality perhaps?
Elliot whined and cried and nearly always got his way.His parents were divorced.It is also so weird to me that he hated Asians and everyone was beneath him while his mum is not Caucasian.
I enjoyed reading because it is fascinating how he turned killer.
I remember the day I was on youtube which I am all day while awake listening to my playlists I created. Guess what, me the lover of depressive books and true crime loves happy music.
My Playlist
Did I use to enjoy depressive music like Joy Division (still like) and punk and Smashing Pumpkins now I need to hear happy sounds.
Anyways. back to my story I was visiting youtube when on top of my screen I saw a video of a guy sitting in a car with the sun in his face, not a bad looking guy and it said he had killed people.
So of course I listened to him talking. Not for long because he bored me quickly but I immediately was fascinated because the way he spoke and looked out of his eyes was the same way Richard Ramirez did. Very fake in away and not sure how to describe but it was obvious they were not real but thinking while speaking, faking being normal perhaps?
Reading this book it was obvious there was something very wrong with this guy and that his dad did not notice that is crazy really but I alas know from experience with people in my own life who do not want to see certain things (only when they are the ones being bothered).Avoidance personality perhaps?
Elliot whined and cried and nearly always got his way.His parents were divorced.It is also so weird to me that he hated Asians and everyone was beneath him while his mum is not Caucasian.
I enjoyed reading because it is fascinating how he turned killer.
May 21, 2020
This was a very difficult book to read. I thought it might be, based on the subject matter and the opinion Elliot comes to hold regarding women, but I tried very hard to be objective while reading it.
While I found Elliot to be moody, mean, and unlikeable, the author did a good job of making him seem somewhat sympathetic. It was obvious that from a very early time in his life he had emotional problems. We will never know for sure exactly what his problems were and if they were treatable because he was apparently a very skilled liar and never really seemed to have any consistent therapy. But aside from his obvious mental health issues, he was EXTREMELY entitled. I lost count of the number of times he referred to an event in his life as the “most devastating” or having left him “traumatized.” Those words may have been used repeatedly by Elliot himself in his manifesto, but I don’t think the overuse helped. It just felt too repetitive to me.
The biggest problem I had with this book is that Elliot is a completely unreliable narrator. I think the book would have benefitted from more input from people who knew him. The author mentions early on that no one wanted to talk about Elliot, but I find it difficult to believe that. I think it would have broken up the narrative a bit and made it easier to read, not to mention offering an alternate perspective. Was life really as hard for him as he claimed? Was everyone really that mean to him? How much can we rely on the word of this very disturbed young man?
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an advance copy for an honest review.
While I found Elliot to be moody, mean, and unlikeable, the author did a good job of making him seem somewhat sympathetic. It was obvious that from a very early time in his life he had emotional problems. We will never know for sure exactly what his problems were and if they were treatable because he was apparently a very skilled liar and never really seemed to have any consistent therapy. But aside from his obvious mental health issues, he was EXTREMELY entitled. I lost count of the number of times he referred to an event in his life as the “most devastating” or having left him “traumatized.” Those words may have been used repeatedly by Elliot himself in his manifesto, but I don’t think the overuse helped. It just felt too repetitive to me.
The biggest problem I had with this book is that Elliot is a completely unreliable narrator. I think the book would have benefitted from more input from people who knew him. The author mentions early on that no one wanted to talk about Elliot, but I find it difficult to believe that. I think it would have broken up the narrative a bit and made it easier to read, not to mention offering an alternate perspective. Was life really as hard for him as he claimed? Was everyone really that mean to him? How much can we rely on the word of this very disturbed young man?
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an advance copy for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
This is an interesting read. An account of the life of Elliot Rodger, hailed as the "supreme gentleman" killer, Rodger's existence is comprised of many paradoxes -- he claims to be an attractive young man, expecting girls to fall all over him, yet won't even gather enough courage to ask a girl out. He has an extreme disdain for guys who are gorgeous and athletic -- albeit arrogant or cocky -- and whom he considers "way up there" in the social totem pole, yet he won't even reach out to make friends with nicer ones who might be willing to hang out with him. He dreams of being obscenely rich, yet has neglected academics and even self-improvement outside the classroom.
He considers playing World of Warcraft as his refuge. Apparently exhibiting symptoms of an undiagnosed mental illness, Rodger's all-consuming desire is to project an image of coolness and sophistication, and his entitled upbringing coupled with problems in his family led to an inability to self-reflect and grasp reality.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
He considers playing World of Warcraft as his refuge. Apparently exhibiting symptoms of an undiagnosed mental illness, Rodger's all-consuming desire is to project an image of coolness and sophistication, and his entitled upbringing coupled with problems in his family led to an inability to self-reflect and grasp reality.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2021
The actual content of this book is fascinating and I appreciate that books on this topic are somewhat hard to find. However, this was so poorly written. I love non-fiction and have been spoiled with amazing authors who write in a way that allows the readers to immerse themselves in a character's mindset; even if that character is pretty clearly a horrible person. This book, however, felt like it was written by a high school student. If I really had too much time on my hands, I would go back and count how many times the author used the phrase "He was seething." It was probably dozens of times. Can we let the audience know he was angry in another way without saying it outright ooooor.....? Even just a little creativity would have gone a long way. Again, it is very informative, but I frankly really wish another author would cover the topic. Read it if you are interested in it, but it's not a work of art or anything.
August 18, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book.
I wanted to like this book but there are so many redundant areas it was difficult to finish. I get that Elliot Rodger was obsessed with playing World of Warcraft (WoW) but seriously....it is mentioned like on every page just about until you get in about 30% into the book and it moves on from his adolescence years.
There is also a lot of information from forums, lingo, and more redundant information that Rodger read that are included and it just feels like a filler for the story.
Overall this book in a sense did tell the life of Elliot Rodger but this book really could have been halved with all the filler and redundancy.
I give this book a solid 2 stars because it was very hard to stay interested in this book.
I wanted to like this book but there are so many redundant areas it was difficult to finish. I get that Elliot Rodger was obsessed with playing World of Warcraft (WoW) but seriously....it is mentioned like on every page just about until you get in about 30% into the book and it moves on from his adolescence years.
There is also a lot of information from forums, lingo, and more redundant information that Rodger read that are included and it just feels like a filler for the story.
Overall this book in a sense did tell the life of Elliot Rodger but this book really could have been halved with all the filler and redundancy.
I give this book a solid 2 stars because it was very hard to stay interested in this book.
May 26, 2020
This is one intense, twisted, dark, addictive, insane, jaw-dropping novel! Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Compulsive, gripping and horrifying! Will have you on the edge of your seat and gasping with shock at the depths of self-gratification and human depravity on unapologetic display! Everything you could want in a true crime novel!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 25, 2024
If you've read the investigative police report about the shooting as well as Elliot's own writings, then you basically have the contents of this book. Was hoping for more information about what happened after, especially with the parents and how police handled that aspect of the investigation.
September 20, 2023
Elliot Rodger thought of himself as the supreme gentleman and left a manifesto stating this. The Unabomber also left a diary filled with musings on his disgust with society. Ted K used bombs to accomplish revenge but Elliot hacked up three college roommates with a long hunting knife. The three Asian young men were left scattered in their apartment.
My Twisted World was the title of Rodger's final diatribe and he mailed it to his parents.
He also uploaded his Day of Retribution video to YouTube. The spoiled BMW driving brat then went on a shooting spree, killing six and wounding fourteen others with three 9MM semi-automatic handguns. The event lasted eight minutes and the madmen left this planet with a self-inflicted bullet through his brain.
At his apartment the police found his hand written journal with, "this is it. In one hour I will have my revenge on this cruel world. I HATE YOU ALLLL! DIE.” Not exactly the striking prose of Kaczynski. Further rants are well written screeds filled with rage. Women were to be ruled by superior intelligent men like himself and not allowed to breed with beast-like men they were in the habit of choosing and creating stupid, degenerate offspring. The kid had some real comedy chops.
Born in Britain to a wealthy family, they moved to America when he was five and the diminutive boy was bullied throughout his childhood. Even a Catholic high school proved as cruel as the later public schools.
Dad was in the film industry and lived with his second wife in a large house while Elliot's divorced mother rented a small apartment. The boy ventured back and forth from dad's place to mom's place before his hunt.
The book is good and the incel world is a very strange one. The Internet is a modern day wild, wild west.
My Twisted World was the title of Rodger's final diatribe and he mailed it to his parents.
He also uploaded his Day of Retribution video to YouTube. The spoiled BMW driving brat then went on a shooting spree, killing six and wounding fourteen others with three 9MM semi-automatic handguns. The event lasted eight minutes and the madmen left this planet with a self-inflicted bullet through his brain.
At his apartment the police found his hand written journal with, "this is it. In one hour I will have my revenge on this cruel world. I HATE YOU ALLLL! DIE.” Not exactly the striking prose of Kaczynski. Further rants are well written screeds filled with rage. Women were to be ruled by superior intelligent men like himself and not allowed to breed with beast-like men they were in the habit of choosing and creating stupid, degenerate offspring. The kid had some real comedy chops.
Born in Britain to a wealthy family, they moved to America when he was five and the diminutive boy was bullied throughout his childhood. Even a Catholic high school proved as cruel as the later public schools.
Dad was in the film industry and lived with his second wife in a large house while Elliot's divorced mother rented a small apartment. The boy ventured back and forth from dad's place to mom's place before his hunt.
The book is good and the incel world is a very strange one. The Internet is a modern day wild, wild west.
March 12, 2021
This was an interesting read, especially given the current social climate about a subject I did not know much about having only heard of incels on a few TV shows. This was a fairly short book that I felt outlined well the events that took place, however I did find it got a little repetitive in places.
Its always tricky to know how to rate true crime books as you never want to glorify a killer especially one which such a high opinion of himself as Eliot Rodgers but overall I felt this was a good recounting of events. I probably would have rated it higher if there was more focus on the victims but considering the nature of the killer I can see how this may not fit with his story and presentation as a "Supreme Gentleman" . I personally found the information regarding the forums and terminology Eliot used and was exposed to very useful as I was unfamiliar with the incel culture.
I received an advance review copy for free, via Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily .
Its always tricky to know how to rate true crime books as you never want to glorify a killer especially one which such a high opinion of himself as Eliot Rodgers but overall I felt this was a good recounting of events. I probably would have rated it higher if there was more focus on the victims but considering the nature of the killer I can see how this may not fit with his story and presentation as a "Supreme Gentleman" . I personally found the information regarding the forums and terminology Eliot used and was exposed to very useful as I was unfamiliar with the incel culture.
I received an advance review copy for free, via Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily .
November 30, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am mildly obsessed with True Crime stories and Serial killers.
Or, in this case, Wanna-be Serial killers. I had not heard of "The Supreme Gentlemen Killer" until I read this book, but it was an interesting book. The shocking thing, for me at least, was that I could identify with Eliott for the first half of the book. The shyness and not wanting to go to party, the retreat into another world - this could have been me, so I felt a lot of sympathy and pity for him at the beginning. However, eventually, his attitude began to shift and he became indredibly unsympathetic and his ideas and views started to gross me out. I am not a fan of humanity myself, but at some point, this became absurd, since his hated was only directed towards women.
It was an interesting read, however. Especially for someone - like me - who enjoys reading about serial killers.
I am mildly obsessed with True Crime stories and Serial killers.
Or, in this case, Wanna-be Serial killers. I had not heard of "The Supreme Gentlemen Killer" until I read this book, but it was an interesting book. The shocking thing, for me at least, was that I could identify with Eliott for the first half of the book. The shyness and not wanting to go to party, the retreat into another world - this could have been me, so I felt a lot of sympathy and pity for him at the beginning. However, eventually, his attitude began to shift and he became indredibly unsympathetic and his ideas and views started to gross me out. I am not a fan of humanity myself, but at some point, this became absurd, since his hated was only directed towards women.
It was an interesting read, however. Especially for someone - like me - who enjoys reading about serial killers.
May 4, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy from the author
An interesting but shoddily written summation of one of the OG Incels. The book sections that intrigued but it is redundant. There is constant mention of WoW and at times it read like an undergrad student's book report. The author desperately needed to add more varied language.
"He was, he was, he was..."
An editor really should take a look at this. Even in the foreword, the word "I" appeared more than in an Optometrist's office. As a rough draft this can be accepted but revision is desperately needed to fix this robotic writing.
However the story on Elliot Rodger is a good primer for anyone interested on the subject. It's filled with twisted hilarity and many moments of "cringe" humor. If you're interested in the subject this is a good read. But I'd recommend skimming it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An interesting but shoddily written summation of one of the OG Incels. The book sections that intrigued but it is redundant. There is constant mention of WoW and at times it read like an undergrad student's book report. The author desperately needed to add more varied language.
"He was, he was, he was..."
An editor really should take a look at this. Even in the foreword, the word "I" appeared more than in an Optometrist's office. As a rough draft this can be accepted but revision is desperately needed to fix this robotic writing.
However the story on Elliot Rodger is a good primer for anyone interested on the subject. It's filled with twisted hilarity and many moments of "cringe" humor. If you're interested in the subject this is a good read. But I'd recommend skimming it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book made me angry and disgusted at what happened and everything that leads up to that point but it did put some context into Elliott Rodger's motives and the Incel movement. That being said the guy clearly needed psychiatric help and yet was able to get people to ignore all of that. I have no sympathy for this guy he
This was a quick read because it's a short read but it isn't what I'd think of as an easy read.
This book made me angry and disgusted at what happened and everything that leads up to that point but it did put some context into Elliott Rodger's motives and the Incel movement. That being said the guy clearly needed psychiatric help and yet was able to get people to ignore all of that. I have no sympathy for this guy he
This was a quick read because it's a short read but it isn't what I'd think of as an easy read.
September 4, 2025
I was really excited to see someone finally write a book about Elliot Rodger as I have always been fascinated by his case. However, I was really disappointed.
There’s so much to work with when it comes to analyzing Rodger’s case and the eventual fallout, but this just felt like a rehash of his manifesto and information from the documents around this case; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but aside from a chapter and a few paragraphs, there wasn’t a lot of analysis or sociological commentary like I was hoping for. The writing style also felt quite bland.
I would say this is a decent introduction to Rodger and his case, but if you already know the facts and the history of his life, reading it is pretty pointless.
There’s so much to work with when it comes to analyzing Rodger’s case and the eventual fallout, but this just felt like a rehash of his manifesto and information from the documents around this case; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but aside from a chapter and a few paragraphs, there wasn’t a lot of analysis or sociological commentary like I was hoping for. The writing style also felt quite bland.
I would say this is a decent introduction to Rodger and his case, but if you already know the facts and the history of his life, reading it is pretty pointless.
October 26, 2021
I received this from BookSirens for a fair and honest review.
The story of Elliot Rodger is a sad one. This mentally ill and poorly treated young man turned angry, bitter and violent.
I’ve been into true crime for a long time and love true crime. This one left me a little cold. The writing was choppy and repetitive. I am assuming that the information came mostly from the manifesto.
I felt that this story would have been better with more insight from his family and “friends” and less about his crying jags.
The story of Elliot Rodger is a sad one. This mentally ill and poorly treated young man turned angry, bitter and violent.
I’ve been into true crime for a long time and love true crime. This one left me a little cold. The writing was choppy and repetitive. I am assuming that the information came mostly from the manifesto.
I felt that this story would have been better with more insight from his family and “friends” and less about his crying jags.
November 22, 2021
Not a huge fan of Brian Whitney’s other books, but this was a surprisingly good read and was informative in terms of exploring “incel culture.” However, only 3-4 sources listed when discussing Elliot Rodger, and they’re mostly governmental sites such as the police department’s releases. I would have liked to see some more sources listed, or know who else the author spoke to when gathering specific information about him, because a lot of the information on the case in Whitney’s book isn’t published by the sources he listed. A few grammatical errors.
January 3, 2024
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer is based on the true-to-life story of Elliot Rodger. Rodger made headlines in May 2014 when he massacred people in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, California. In this book, the author tells of the struggle of the mentally ill Rodger.
The story of The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer begins on May 24, 2014, the “day of retribution”. Elliot Rodger lays in wait for his roommates. On this day, he decides to kill them. It’s part of his plan to turn his apartment into a torture chamber. His primary motive to kill people is fueled by extreme hatred. He hates women because they neither give him attention nor love him. Elliot also despises other men for being attractive and loveable than he.
Elliot’s first victims are his two roommates and a friend of the latter. He stabs them to death. Then, he proceeds to a sorority house with the aim of shooting all of the residents there. Unable to get into the house, he decides to kill just anyone he finds in the street.
Who is Elliot Rodger?
Elliot Rodger is the son of Peter Rodger, a British filmmaker and photographer. His mother is Li Chen, a Malaysian-born nurse. The Rodger family is wealthy and have a good connection, especially in the show business industry.
Elliot is a special child. He’s diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified. It’s a certain condition that does not readily qualify as autism. Although he’s prescribed with a medication for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or irritable behavior associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Elliot’s behavior consists of delays in the development of socialization and communication. He remains quiet and shy most of the time. He finds it difficult, even hate, to interact with other people. In short, Elliot does not have any real friend, other than James.
The Worsening Condition
Despite his several visits to the psychiatrist’s office, Elliot is never put in a mental institution. As he grows up, his mental state gradually worsens. Some serious family situations even trigger his condition. His parents’ divorce, the remarriage of his father, and his trip to Morocco add up to his trauma. His parents never fully understand Elliot’s condition.
Moreover, puberty heightens Elliot’s anxiety. From this point onwards, his desire to be loved and experience sex with girls escalates. But, he doesn’t get any of it, let alone getting noticed by the opposite sex. Added to his frustration is the fact that the girls are attracted to other boys than him. Elliot feels everyone ignores and rejects him.
Elliot tries hard to “display” himself before girls. But, he never attempts to initiate communication with them in the first place. That’s why his hatred and anger continue to soar. He then decided that if he doesn’t get to have sex with blonde girls, then no other boy should. The idea of being a virgin for life loathes him. He cannot accept living in involuntary celibacy (Incel). This is his line of thinking until he reaches the point to resort to violence.
About the Book and the Author
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer is a disturbing story and a sensitive matter to handle. Honestly, I found it difficult to review this book. Primarily because there are real people involved in it. The killer’s parents as well as the victims’ families and relatives hold their personal sentiments over the incident. And, they may still be hurting even up to the present. No one can fathom their pain and suffering.
Secondly, the Incel issue is another sensitive matter. Incel is a hate group. These men are unable to find a sexual partner despite their desire to get involved with women. They are attracted to women who don’t want them.
Nevertheless, I commend the author for writing The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer. This book somehow gives light as to why Elliot resorted to violence. By presenting Elliot’s mental health, Brian Whitney allows the reader to see another perspective of the killer. But, this should not be taken as a reason to condone his act.
I also like Whitney’s idea of basing his story on the manifesto that Elliot wrote. However, I would have liked it more if he did in-depth interviews on Elliot’s mental condition. It’s not for personal reason. Rather, it’s important to educate the community at large on the impact of mental illness in relation to violence. It’s not fair to categorically label Elliot, with all his mental condition, as just the deranged gunman.
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer Rating
Moreover, on the technical side, I found some typographical and grammatical errors in The Supreme Gentleman Killer. Although these errors don’t ruin the reading flow, the author might want to consider it for future reproduction of the book.
Because of the abovementioned flaws, I cannot give the book a perfect score. Instead, I give The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. But, I still recommend it to people 18 years old and above. And, just a word of precaution to the readers: please read it with an open mind, especially in dealing with the major character’s story.
NOTE: The above review is also found in Books for All Seasons.
The story of The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer begins on May 24, 2014, the “day of retribution”. Elliot Rodger lays in wait for his roommates. On this day, he decides to kill them. It’s part of his plan to turn his apartment into a torture chamber. His primary motive to kill people is fueled by extreme hatred. He hates women because they neither give him attention nor love him. Elliot also despises other men for being attractive and loveable than he.
Elliot’s first victims are his two roommates and a friend of the latter. He stabs them to death. Then, he proceeds to a sorority house with the aim of shooting all of the residents there. Unable to get into the house, he decides to kill just anyone he finds in the street.
Who is Elliot Rodger?
Elliot Rodger is the son of Peter Rodger, a British filmmaker and photographer. His mother is Li Chen, a Malaysian-born nurse. The Rodger family is wealthy and have a good connection, especially in the show business industry.
Elliot is a special child. He’s diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified. It’s a certain condition that does not readily qualify as autism. Although he’s prescribed with a medication for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or irritable behavior associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Elliot’s behavior consists of delays in the development of socialization and communication. He remains quiet and shy most of the time. He finds it difficult, even hate, to interact with other people. In short, Elliot does not have any real friend, other than James.
The Worsening Condition
Despite his several visits to the psychiatrist’s office, Elliot is never put in a mental institution. As he grows up, his mental state gradually worsens. Some serious family situations even trigger his condition. His parents’ divorce, the remarriage of his father, and his trip to Morocco add up to his trauma. His parents never fully understand Elliot’s condition.
Moreover, puberty heightens Elliot’s anxiety. From this point onwards, his desire to be loved and experience sex with girls escalates. But, he doesn’t get any of it, let alone getting noticed by the opposite sex. Added to his frustration is the fact that the girls are attracted to other boys than him. Elliot feels everyone ignores and rejects him.
Elliot tries hard to “display” himself before girls. But, he never attempts to initiate communication with them in the first place. That’s why his hatred and anger continue to soar. He then decided that if he doesn’t get to have sex with blonde girls, then no other boy should. The idea of being a virgin for life loathes him. He cannot accept living in involuntary celibacy (Incel). This is his line of thinking until he reaches the point to resort to violence.
About the Book and the Author
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer is a disturbing story and a sensitive matter to handle. Honestly, I found it difficult to review this book. Primarily because there are real people involved in it. The killer’s parents as well as the victims’ families and relatives hold their personal sentiments over the incident. And, they may still be hurting even up to the present. No one can fathom their pain and suffering.
Secondly, the Incel issue is another sensitive matter. Incel is a hate group. These men are unable to find a sexual partner despite their desire to get involved with women. They are attracted to women who don’t want them.
Nevertheless, I commend the author for writing The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer. This book somehow gives light as to why Elliot resorted to violence. By presenting Elliot’s mental health, Brian Whitney allows the reader to see another perspective of the killer. But, this should not be taken as a reason to condone his act.
I also like Whitney’s idea of basing his story on the manifesto that Elliot wrote. However, I would have liked it more if he did in-depth interviews on Elliot’s mental condition. It’s not for personal reason. Rather, it’s important to educate the community at large on the impact of mental illness in relation to violence. It’s not fair to categorically label Elliot, with all his mental condition, as just the deranged gunman.
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer Rating
Moreover, on the technical side, I found some typographical and grammatical errors in The Supreme Gentleman Killer. Although these errors don’t ruin the reading flow, the author might want to consider it for future reproduction of the book.
Because of the abovementioned flaws, I cannot give the book a perfect score. Instead, I give The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. But, I still recommend it to people 18 years old and above. And, just a word of precaution to the readers: please read it with an open mind, especially in dealing with the major character’s story.
NOTE: The above review is also found in Books for All Seasons.
May 18, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from VRO and this is my voluntary honest review.
A compelling true crime read! Wow! A very emotional, on the edge of your seat read. Wow! Dark! Disturbing! Horrific! Intense! Sad!! Jaw dropping!
Read and see for your self!
A compelling true crime read! Wow! A very emotional, on the edge of your seat read. Wow! Dark! Disturbing! Horrific! Intense! Sad!! Jaw dropping!
Read and see for your self!
August 7, 2020
A Chillingly Disturbed Young Man
The book was professionally written, and the author did a good job, although the
number of injured and killed where not mentioned at the end so I had to go back
through the book to get the correct amount
You get so involved in Elliot’s persona as you read about his twisted views on his
life as Elliot grows up from a young boy whose family simply saw him as a goodlooking but shy boy, completely unaware of his growing anger and resentment
toward people who had what he could not get.
It was obvious that Elliot had emotional problems. from an incredibly early time
in his life he was apparently a very skilled liar. Elliot egotism led him to label
himself a "supreme gentleman.
Elliot from an exceedingly early age, considered himself above others, and
entitled to more in life. In Elliot’s mind the desire to be popular and rich, no
matter what he does never happens, and Elliot genuinely believes it is everybody
else’s fault. His biggest complaint is that he is not able to get a girlfriend, or at
the very least, lose his virginity. His hatred for women, especially blondes who
look like models leaves him seething for what he cannot get due to his
arrogance and egotistical ways.
The only way out is to go on the rampage with a gun and let everyone else
suffer. So, at age 22, Elliot. opened fire on pedestrians in Isla Vista, California,
and then killed himself. His parents were horrified to finally get the full story of
their son online, in the form of a 107-page "manifesto but by then it was far too
late.
Elliot was an Extremely disturb young man whom I think nothing, or nobody
could get through to.
The book was professionally written, and the author did a good job, although the
number of injured and killed where not mentioned at the end so I had to go back
through the book to get the correct amount
You get so involved in Elliot’s persona as you read about his twisted views on his
life as Elliot grows up from a young boy whose family simply saw him as a goodlooking but shy boy, completely unaware of his growing anger and resentment
toward people who had what he could not get.
It was obvious that Elliot had emotional problems. from an incredibly early time
in his life he was apparently a very skilled liar. Elliot egotism led him to label
himself a "supreme gentleman.
Elliot from an exceedingly early age, considered himself above others, and
entitled to more in life. In Elliot’s mind the desire to be popular and rich, no
matter what he does never happens, and Elliot genuinely believes it is everybody
else’s fault. His biggest complaint is that he is not able to get a girlfriend, or at
the very least, lose his virginity. His hatred for women, especially blondes who
look like models leaves him seething for what he cannot get due to his
arrogance and egotistical ways.
The only way out is to go on the rampage with a gun and let everyone else
suffer. So, at age 22, Elliot. opened fire on pedestrians in Isla Vista, California,
and then killed himself. His parents were horrified to finally get the full story of
their son online, in the form of a 107-page "manifesto but by then it was far too
late.
Elliot was an Extremely disturb young man whom I think nothing, or nobody
could get through to.
April 7, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My last umpfteen books have been middle grade fluffs, so Booksirens decided to suggest I read a nonfiction book about murder. Guess they figured I must have a dark side somewhere. Well, lucky guess. xD
One has to be careful when reviewing nonfiction books, especially ones written as a story of a person's life. You cannot judge the facts so much as the way in which they are told. That said, Whitney's writing flowed nicely. I found it repetitive at parts, but other than that it was a well written account. At the end of the book I was left not sure what happened, or what should have happened to prevent it, which I'm sure while do in part to the nature of Elliot was also a result of the way the story was framed. I'd definitely read more nonfiction stories by this author, though only if they were about the same length of this one.
Four cows for you!
My last umpfteen books have been middle grade fluffs, so Booksirens decided to suggest I read a nonfiction book about murder. Guess they figured I must have a dark side somewhere. Well, lucky guess. xD
One has to be careful when reviewing nonfiction books, especially ones written as a story of a person's life. You cannot judge the facts so much as the way in which they are told. That said, Whitney's writing flowed nicely. I found it repetitive at parts, but other than that it was a well written account. At the end of the book I was left not sure what happened, or what should have happened to prevent it, which I'm sure while do in part to the nature of Elliot was also a result of the way the story was framed. I'd definitely read more nonfiction stories by this author, though only if they were about the same length of this one.
Four cows for you!
May 9, 2020
True crime is my genre and this story did not disappoint. Elliott Rodger thought himself quite the gentleman. He had a fancy car and bought expensive clothes and yet girls ignored him. He could not understand how females were attracted to unattractive males when he was there ready to be noticed. He got into online sites that he played for hours on end, but really never had any close friends. His parents tried to take him on vacations and send him to camps, but nothing helped him get the thing he wanted most - a woman to love him, someone he could lose his virginity to. He got irritated when he saw couples together and slowly planned his revenge. He would show them all. This book explains his twisted mind and the online sites he followed that eventually led up to his day of retribution.
A good read which takes you through the mind of a killer.
A good read which takes you through the mind of a killer.
April 25, 2020
Omg what a whiny little bitch this dude was. He cried every day of his short, miserable, pathetic life. This is not an exaggeration. I also didn’t know that when he finally learned how to drive and got his beemer, bc of course he did, he would throw drinks on people he thought were attractive. Like hot coffee. Dude was a piece of shiiittt. And so many obvious untreated mental problems. Jesus.
This was a fast-paced read and only a couple hundred pages so I got through it easily. It’s aggravating af tho.
This was a fast-paced read and only a couple hundred pages so I got through it easily. It’s aggravating af tho.
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