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Predator: A Memoir, a Movie, an Obsession
A searching memoir of a life lived in the flicker of an action film, by the author of I Will Take the Answer
In his first memoir, Ander Monson guides readers through a scene-by-scene exploration of the 1987 film Predator, which he has watched 146 times. Some fighters might not have time to bleed, but Monson has the patience to consider their adventure, one frame at a time. He turns his obsession into a lens through which he poignantly examines his own life, formed by mainstream, white, male American culture. Between scenes, Monson delves deeply into his adolescence in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Riyadh, his role as a father and the loss of his own mother, and his friendships with men bound by the troubled camaraderie depicted in action and sci-fi blockbusters. Along with excursions into the conflicted pleasures of cosplay and first-person shooters, he imagines himself beside the poet and memoirist Paul Monette, who wrote the novelization of the movie while his partner was dying of AIDS.
A sincere and playful book that lovingly dissects the film, Predator also offers questions and critiques of masculinity, fandom, and their interrelation with acts of mass violence. In a stirring reversal, one chapter exposes Monson through the Predator’s heat-seeking vision, asking him, “What do you know about the workings of the hidden world?” As Monson brings us into the brilliant depths of the film and its universe, the hunt begins.
In his first memoir, Ander Monson guides readers through a scene-by-scene exploration of the 1987 film Predator, which he has watched 146 times. Some fighters might not have time to bleed, but Monson has the patience to consider their adventure, one frame at a time. He turns his obsession into a lens through which he poignantly examines his own life, formed by mainstream, white, male American culture. Between scenes, Monson delves deeply into his adolescence in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Riyadh, his role as a father and the loss of his own mother, and his friendships with men bound by the troubled camaraderie depicted in action and sci-fi blockbusters. Along with excursions into the conflicted pleasures of cosplay and first-person shooters, he imagines himself beside the poet and memoirist Paul Monette, who wrote the novelization of the movie while his partner was dying of AIDS.
A sincere and playful book that lovingly dissects the film, Predator also offers questions and critiques of masculinity, fandom, and their interrelation with acts of mass violence. In a stirring reversal, one chapter exposes Monson through the Predator’s heat-seeking vision, asking him, “What do you know about the workings of the hidden world?” As Monson brings us into the brilliant depths of the film and its universe, the hunt begins.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2022
20 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Ander Monson
29 books67 followersAnder Monson is the author of Vanishing Point; Neck Deep and Other Predicaments, winner of the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize; the novel Other Electricities; and the poetry collections Vacationland and The Available World. He lives and teaches in Arizona and edits the magazine DIAGRAM.
Although Ander is a proud graduate of Knox College, he also received advanced degrees from Iowa State and the University of Alabama.
More info is available here.
http://poetry.arizona.edu/presenter-a...
Although Ander is a proud graduate of Knox College, he also received advanced degrees from Iowa State and the University of Alabama.
More info is available here.
http://poetry.arizona.edu/presenter-a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 14, 2022
I liked this book, and liked spending time engaging with its ideas, so I hesitate to mention this one minor criticism, because it's an admirable book:
There was a cyclical/repetitive aspect to it which sometimes stood in the way of me fully engaging with its ideas: Stories — or at least fragments of stories — resurface again and again throughout the book.
While I have to assume this is deliberate (after all this is a book about rewatching), at times it felt like poor editing and I found myself thinking "Yes, we know, you already told us this 10 pages ago" rather than these stories feeling like a motif (which I imagine was the intention).
At times this causes the book to feel more like 31 essays rather than a single work where each chapter builds on, or at least acknowledges, that there were chapters before it.
I did stop noticing this repetitive tic about halfway through the book, which allowed me to actually dig into the text more, but it is a bit of a shame, since some of the most interesting ideas are in the first half.
As I said at the top, I liked the project of the book though.
There was a cyclical/repetitive aspect to it which sometimes stood in the way of me fully engaging with its ideas: Stories — or at least fragments of stories — resurface again and again throughout the book.
While I have to assume this is deliberate (after all this is a book about rewatching), at times it felt like poor editing and I found myself thinking "Yes, we know, you already told us this 10 pages ago" rather than these stories feeling like a motif (which I imagine was the intention).
At times this causes the book to feel more like 31 essays rather than a single work where each chapter builds on, or at least acknowledges, that there were chapters before it.
I did stop noticing this repetitive tic about halfway through the book, which allowed me to actually dig into the text more, but it is a bit of a shame, since some of the most interesting ideas are in the first half.
As I said at the top, I liked the project of the book though.
November 19, 2022
I never thought you could get so much insight out of a movie like Predator, but Monson turns muscle men and gun fights in the jungle into profound statements and perspectives on current issues and the human condition. Fascinating read. I thought I'd finish and want to watch the movie but honestly I feel like I don't need to with how in depth of a description and analysis we get from Monson. But I suppose if I could enjoy it never having watched the movie, then this book is doing something right.
February 8, 2024
I mean the movie was pretty good I guess
February 12, 2023
I’m not sure what I expected from this book, but the idea was intriguing when I learned about it: a serious consideration of the movie, Predator, perhaps the height of action films from the 1980’s. This is a movie that holds a special place in the hearts of men of a certain age… perhaps for reasons unknown to all.
Is it even possible to take Predator seriously: as art, as commentary, as cinema? The book proves it is possible. That critique of the movie is not simple the stuff of a million late weekend night dorm bull sessions. But we should acknowledge that this is true only by happy accident. Had anyone set out to tell this story with pretensions of serious themes, it would undoubtedly be an abject failure.
But because the writers, director, actors, and other artists worked solely to produce a genuinely entertaining film, we are left with an honest view that reveals more than was intended. Art is a funny thing, but by most definitions works best when the creator releases the creation to an audience who reacts. This book is about Munson’s personal reaction.
And — surprise — his reaction is not the same as my reaction; although there are overlaps. We share the conviction that this movie is about masculinity, and both healthy and unhealthy attitudes about masculinity. Attitudes which include reactions to gender roles, homosexuality, male relationships, male-female relationships, etc. This is the bulk of the book. And it allows him to touch on subjects I think could be more fully developed, but he — wisely? — chooses to pick up, admire briefly, and leave for others while he sticks to his personal reflections.
Thus, we are left with the notion that there is much more serious critique that can be made about the original Predator. Questions linger after reading the book: What is the true nature of Mac and Blaine’s relationship? Is there subtext about post-traumatic stress in Vietnam veterans in this story in which soldiers briefly reminisce on past experiences as they wander deeper and deeper into a jungle that “comes alive and takes them”? What are we to make of the fact the main characters are firmly in control of the situation until the moment a woman enters their world and they find themselves stalked by a monster revealed to be a vagina dentatus?
I was disappointed by the lack of connection to mythic antecedents. This is a movie that turns suddenly from a techno-thriller based in current events into an irrational nightmare world; it slips from reality into myth. Is this story not simply a retelling of Beowulf? Is it a version of Heart of Darkness? Is there something of Achilles and Patroclus in Mac and Blaine? How is the Campbellian Hero’s Journey supported and subverted?
When the book is finished, the question is no longer, is this film worthy of serious study, but rather who will take up the challenge to say more about it?
Is it even possible to take Predator seriously: as art, as commentary, as cinema? The book proves it is possible. That critique of the movie is not simple the stuff of a million late weekend night dorm bull sessions. But we should acknowledge that this is true only by happy accident. Had anyone set out to tell this story with pretensions of serious themes, it would undoubtedly be an abject failure.
But because the writers, director, actors, and other artists worked solely to produce a genuinely entertaining film, we are left with an honest view that reveals more than was intended. Art is a funny thing, but by most definitions works best when the creator releases the creation to an audience who reacts. This book is about Munson’s personal reaction.
And — surprise — his reaction is not the same as my reaction; although there are overlaps. We share the conviction that this movie is about masculinity, and both healthy and unhealthy attitudes about masculinity. Attitudes which include reactions to gender roles, homosexuality, male relationships, male-female relationships, etc. This is the bulk of the book. And it allows him to touch on subjects I think could be more fully developed, but he — wisely? — chooses to pick up, admire briefly, and leave for others while he sticks to his personal reflections.
Thus, we are left with the notion that there is much more serious critique that can be made about the original Predator. Questions linger after reading the book: What is the true nature of Mac and Blaine’s relationship? Is there subtext about post-traumatic stress in Vietnam veterans in this story in which soldiers briefly reminisce on past experiences as they wander deeper and deeper into a jungle that “comes alive and takes them”? What are we to make of the fact the main characters are firmly in control of the situation until the moment a woman enters their world and they find themselves stalked by a monster revealed to be a vagina dentatus?
I was disappointed by the lack of connection to mythic antecedents. This is a movie that turns suddenly from a techno-thriller based in current events into an irrational nightmare world; it slips from reality into myth. Is this story not simply a retelling of Beowulf? Is it a version of Heart of Darkness? Is there something of Achilles and Patroclus in Mac and Blaine? How is the Campbellian Hero’s Journey supported and subverted?
When the book is finished, the question is no longer, is this film worthy of serious study, but rather who will take up the challenge to say more about it?
October 8, 2022
I've seen Predator less than 146 times (probably about 10 or 15), but I made sure to watch it again the night before I started this very entertaining book by Ander Monson. If you haven't seen the movie, see it! Then read this book straight after. Each one - movie and book - enhances the other.
I loved Monson's insights that stripped back the film, the voice of his narrative, thoughts on masculinity, guns and violence, glimpses into his childhood and his obsessions (the man loves infrared!). While his thoughts don't exactly mirror my own, I identified a great deal with much of what is detailed in his passionate thought process. More than that, I just enjoyed myself while reading this book, almost feeling like for the five or six days I read it I had a friend to hangout with, someone to high-five, a dude in the room to be together with, someone with whom to be an impassioned nerd.
If Monson ever does the same thing with Home Alone, I'd probably die of joy. In the meantime, I will be certain to explore his other works.
I loved Monson's insights that stripped back the film, the voice of his narrative, thoughts on masculinity, guns and violence, glimpses into his childhood and his obsessions (the man loves infrared!). While his thoughts don't exactly mirror my own, I identified a great deal with much of what is detailed in his passionate thought process. More than that, I just enjoyed myself while reading this book, almost feeling like for the five or six days I read it I had a friend to hangout with, someone to high-five, a dude in the room to be together with, someone with whom to be an impassioned nerd.
If Monson ever does the same thing with Home Alone, I'd probably die of joy. In the meantime, I will be certain to explore his other works.
July 20, 2023
"Everyone's armed, so everyone's a predator, so everyone can count as prey."
I really want to do this book justice but I am worried I will mess it up. I expected to have a fun time, naturally, but this book exceeded any expectation, and I dare say you should read it even it if you don't care about the movie "Predator". I mean yes, that movie is in here (a lot, really, it's a lot) and it would help to have seen it, or at least have an interest in film analysis in general, but I think there is so much in this book that goes beyond the movie that a lot of people could/ should/ would find fascinating. Or maybe it was just me and this book found its perfect audience!
Also, to get all the negatives out right at the start: he repeats himself, he goes on tangents and tangents to tangents and there were passages where he lost me, where I was wondering what Monson was smoking and if I need some of that to follow that specific train of thought. I occasionally wanted him to stay longer with a subject. But, BUT, the rest is so good. I read this slowly, annoyed my husband with details, soaked it in, all the the thoughts, the commentary, the tidbits, the insights, the questions.
This is a book about a movie, "Predator", famous for its action, alien Horror and testosterone driven protagonists, but it's more so about Monson's obsession with it (he has seen it 147 times). And with that it's also a memoir, through the lens of this film and this obsession, yes, but also lot of reflecting on his past and his life. And all of that comes full circle with the true focus here, the observations on masculinity. At its core, that is what this book is analyzing, dissecting, questioning, commenting, elaborating on. The so often toxic sides and why it has to be that way (or does it?), the violence that comes from men and is such a strong part of (American) culture, a look at society and recent troublesome trends. Monson might have more questions than answers, he does go full in though. He does not shy from uncomfortable corners, personal admittances: I love that in biographical writings.
So it's not really a book about a movie but it's also a book about that movie. A bunch of fun facts on shooting and production, plot details I never noticed, interpretations that made me see the film in a different light, a film that for me personally is very mid (in parts because of its manliness, yes). To give some context: I did a through-watch of the whole franchise last summer, most of these films were a first for me. I loved some, hated some, some where in between with mixed thoughts from me. I noticed that despite its reputation these movies actually have quite the diversity to their cast members over the course of 6 films (personally I am incl. the "Alien vs Predator" films, the why is too long for this review, it also seems Monson regards them as a different kind of beast) and while mostly fun action-horror flicks they all have some things going on underneath (sometimes you have to dig harder but none of these are without substance). I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this journey. And after, last fall, I heard about this book, found it this summer in an Indie Bookstore and it seems like my mothership called me home. Would not have expected that, neither from this franchise nor this book which seems to be by all means for and about men. I can't help but wonder what he thinks about the most recent film addition, "Prey", which features a female lead and is so topical and so brilliant (my opinion of course). How I would love to have an essay of him reflecting on that because it ties in so well with what this book is diving into but was completed before that film's release.
I know some people would never be able to look past the "Predator" aspects, if they don't care about that movie, they would be bored by this book because they would not be able to get on with the film parts. But again, this book does so much more than movie review but you need the movie details to get at some of Monson's point. I personally loved to read this account on masculinity, this is so the book for our times. But I am also a movie buff that adored taking a film that I know and use it as this segue way into societal and cultural analysis and also a bit of a personal reckoning. Maybe not the best book I read this year but perhaps the most intriguing and surprising.
PS. And man, this cover!!
I really want to do this book justice but I am worried I will mess it up. I expected to have a fun time, naturally, but this book exceeded any expectation, and I dare say you should read it even it if you don't care about the movie "Predator". I mean yes, that movie is in here (a lot, really, it's a lot) and it would help to have seen it, or at least have an interest in film analysis in general, but I think there is so much in this book that goes beyond the movie that a lot of people could/ should/ would find fascinating. Or maybe it was just me and this book found its perfect audience!
Also, to get all the negatives out right at the start: he repeats himself, he goes on tangents and tangents to tangents and there were passages where he lost me, where I was wondering what Monson was smoking and if I need some of that to follow that specific train of thought. I occasionally wanted him to stay longer with a subject. But, BUT, the rest is so good. I read this slowly, annoyed my husband with details, soaked it in, all the the thoughts, the commentary, the tidbits, the insights, the questions.
This is a book about a movie, "Predator", famous for its action, alien Horror and testosterone driven protagonists, but it's more so about Monson's obsession with it (he has seen it 147 times). And with that it's also a memoir, through the lens of this film and this obsession, yes, but also lot of reflecting on his past and his life. And all of that comes full circle with the true focus here, the observations on masculinity. At its core, that is what this book is analyzing, dissecting, questioning, commenting, elaborating on. The so often toxic sides and why it has to be that way (or does it?), the violence that comes from men and is such a strong part of (American) culture, a look at society and recent troublesome trends. Monson might have more questions than answers, he does go full in though. He does not shy from uncomfortable corners, personal admittances: I love that in biographical writings.
So it's not really a book about a movie but it's also a book about that movie. A bunch of fun facts on shooting and production, plot details I never noticed, interpretations that made me see the film in a different light, a film that for me personally is very mid (in parts because of its manliness, yes). To give some context: I did a through-watch of the whole franchise last summer, most of these films were a first for me. I loved some, hated some, some where in between with mixed thoughts from me. I noticed that despite its reputation these movies actually have quite the diversity to their cast members over the course of 6 films (personally I am incl. the "Alien vs Predator" films, the why is too long for this review, it also seems Monson regards them as a different kind of beast) and while mostly fun action-horror flicks they all have some things going on underneath (sometimes you have to dig harder but none of these are without substance). I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this journey. And after, last fall, I heard about this book, found it this summer in an Indie Bookstore and it seems like my mothership called me home. Would not have expected that, neither from this franchise nor this book which seems to be by all means for and about men. I can't help but wonder what he thinks about the most recent film addition, "Prey", which features a female lead and is so topical and so brilliant (my opinion of course). How I would love to have an essay of him reflecting on that because it ties in so well with what this book is diving into but was completed before that film's release.
I know some people would never be able to look past the "Predator" aspects, if they don't care about that movie, they would be bored by this book because they would not be able to get on with the film parts. But again, this book does so much more than movie review but you need the movie details to get at some of Monson's point. I personally loved to read this account on masculinity, this is so the book for our times. But I am also a movie buff that adored taking a film that I know and use it as this segue way into societal and cultural analysis and also a bit of a personal reckoning. Maybe not the best book I read this year but perhaps the most intriguing and surprising.
PS. And man, this cover!!
March 27, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the narration on this book was spot on! He did a fantastic job and was really easy to listen to for hours. The story was really interesting and made connections to many aspects of Predator that I had never even given a second thought to. The author is able to break down the film, scene by scene, and relate it in detail to his life as a whole. I would definitely recommend to fans of the movie or memoirs, as this does a really good job covering both genres!
I thought the narration on this book was spot on! He did a fantastic job and was really easy to listen to for hours. The story was really interesting and made connections to many aspects of Predator that I had never even given a second thought to. The author is able to break down the film, scene by scene, and relate it in detail to his life as a whole. I would definitely recommend to fans of the movie or memoirs, as this does a really good job covering both genres!
July 26, 2023
I have so much to say about this book but for now I'll just say that this didn't receive a 3-star rating from me out of ambivalence or any sort of "meh" reaction; I loved and hated this book in equal parts, sometimes simultaneously. I'd say it's definitely worth a read for action movie diehards and Predator superfans, but I'd have a hard time recommending it to anyone else. As a memoir or essay collection, it's middling at best and infuriating at worst. I think I'm mostly mad at the editor rather than the writer, because this could have been an absolute jewel of a book and instead it's just mud. Not to say that mud is all bad; it can conceal you from the Predator's thermal vision, for one.
April 27, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really liked this!
November 2, 2023
Monson made some incredible stylistic choices, but I did not enjoy this book- mostly because I am just not a nonfiction girly
October 17, 2022
In Predator 2: Electric Boogaloo at 00:40:23 the author fails to mention the 3 Red Mustangs moving in unison.He spent a lot of time on minutiae like this, so how could he miss these 3 giant metaphors. He missed it like he missed the part where Woody Allen was exonerated by 3 independent police agencies and determined that the mother is nuts. No soup for you. So instead feeling rage toward great American filmmakers why don’t you read their books. I read yours and experienced rage only when I realized how much time I just spent reading a book written by intolerant writer of books. Too bad. I was having a good time with it until you started talking about something you clearly know nothing about. I give 5 stars to every book because I’m polite. Hence the 4 stars. 23
October 8, 2022
Guy’s has watched “Predator” 144 times over the years and uses that as a basis for a 249 page critique of “masculinity.” I dunno either.
October 24, 2023
An expose and love letter to a rewatch of one of the greatest action films of all time…
Predator: A Memoir, a Movie, an Obsession by Ander Monson is a deeply personal story about a fan’s love for the movie Predator, while also torn between its influence (good and bad) on modern society…
To be clear, the author does a full rewatch of the movie from beginning to end…with many chapters covering pivotal scenes (and even minor lines) that will likely be familiar to readers. Often times, he offers his own analysis along with some behind the scenes anecdotes related to particular characters, actors, and scenes. This may intrigue fans of the film, though the missives are spread throughout the book with some parts getting more focus than others.
A third of the book (which doesn’t directly reference the film) handles the influence of the Predator as a film on pop culture and regular human (mostly American) culture and what it says about our society both back then and today. Some light coverage is given to various Predator spinoff films, books; and comics (though oddly not video games even though the author is clearly a video game fan). There are even details on Predator fan communities and a story about the designer of Dutch’s knife from the film.
However, roughly a third of the novel is dedicated to various stream of consciousness thoughts that watching the film engenders. All of these are only tangentially linked to the film, but you can’t help but acknowledge their relevance considering our present day. Assorted anecdotes about politics, gun culture, the AIDs pandemic, other action movies of the 80s and 90s, even what the term “predator” has come to mean in the last thirty years.
It’s a bit of a mind crash…but for those interested in film making commentary of philosophical analysis, then I recommend checking this out…there’s also some light LGTQ themes that some fans might find interesting…
Honorable mention goes to the writer of the Predator novelization who died of AIDs and serves as a partial foil to the author at various times…
Predator: A Memoir, a Movie, an Obsession by Ander Monson is a deeply personal story about a fan’s love for the movie Predator, while also torn between its influence (good and bad) on modern society…
To be clear, the author does a full rewatch of the movie from beginning to end…with many chapters covering pivotal scenes (and even minor lines) that will likely be familiar to readers. Often times, he offers his own analysis along with some behind the scenes anecdotes related to particular characters, actors, and scenes. This may intrigue fans of the film, though the missives are spread throughout the book with some parts getting more focus than others.
A third of the book (which doesn’t directly reference the film) handles the influence of the Predator as a film on pop culture and regular human (mostly American) culture and what it says about our society both back then and today. Some light coverage is given to various Predator spinoff films, books; and comics (though oddly not video games even though the author is clearly a video game fan). There are even details on Predator fan communities and a story about the designer of Dutch’s knife from the film.
However, roughly a third of the novel is dedicated to various stream of consciousness thoughts that watching the film engenders. All of these are only tangentially linked to the film, but you can’t help but acknowledge their relevance considering our present day. Assorted anecdotes about politics, gun culture, the AIDs pandemic, other action movies of the 80s and 90s, even what the term “predator” has come to mean in the last thirty years.
It’s a bit of a mind crash…but for those interested in film making commentary of philosophical analysis, then I recommend checking this out…there’s also some light LGTQ themes that some fans might find interesting…
Honorable mention goes to the writer of the Predator novelization who died of AIDs and serves as a partial foil to the author at various times…
March 29, 2023
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the AudioARC in return for an honest review:
One of my guilty pleasures is 80s and 90s horror including some action horror. Predator both the 1987 original and Predators (2010) are two of my go to favorites. There is a campy wink wink nod nod to these movies that lets the viewer know they are providing an entertaining experience and providing a little subtle social commentary. Plus, who doesn’t love to laugh at the ridiculousness of early Arnold.
I requested this ARC because of the connection to a movie that has been at the back of my mind for years. I didn’t know what to expect and if I’m being honest had pretty low expectations. Luckily for me (and maybe for you) this book is so much more than a love letter to the Predator franchise.
Monson weaves an impressively in-depth (he has watched the movie 146 times including multiple frame by frame viewings) analysis of the movie, the context, the connections beyond the movie and how this movie is a lens into toxic masculinity.
Monson goes beyond the movie, analyzing multiple versions of the script and the novelization of the movie written by poet Paul Monette as his life partner was dying of AIDS. The connections to acceptance of violence, homophobia in a movie that is visually homoerotic, comments on trophy hunting, gun violence, gaming culture, to name a few threads, are well defined and thoughtful.
Monson is very honest about who he is, and how he is reckoning with his past choices. Does he need to use the F-slur for LGBTQ+ as much as he does when discussing his own assholery as a tween and teen. Probably not, but I get what he is attempting to do.
This is a fun audiobook for those that know the movie or that want to witness a man (white/CIS/straight) turn a critical eye to the media that helped to shape his early definitions of masculinity.
One of my guilty pleasures is 80s and 90s horror including some action horror. Predator both the 1987 original and Predators (2010) are two of my go to favorites. There is a campy wink wink nod nod to these movies that lets the viewer know they are providing an entertaining experience and providing a little subtle social commentary. Plus, who doesn’t love to laugh at the ridiculousness of early Arnold.
I requested this ARC because of the connection to a movie that has been at the back of my mind for years. I didn’t know what to expect and if I’m being honest had pretty low expectations. Luckily for me (and maybe for you) this book is so much more than a love letter to the Predator franchise.
Monson weaves an impressively in-depth (he has watched the movie 146 times including multiple frame by frame viewings) analysis of the movie, the context, the connections beyond the movie and how this movie is a lens into toxic masculinity.
Monson goes beyond the movie, analyzing multiple versions of the script and the novelization of the movie written by poet Paul Monette as his life partner was dying of AIDS. The connections to acceptance of violence, homophobia in a movie that is visually homoerotic, comments on trophy hunting, gun violence, gaming culture, to name a few threads, are well defined and thoughtful.
Monson is very honest about who he is, and how he is reckoning with his past choices. Does he need to use the F-slur for LGBTQ+ as much as he does when discussing his own assholery as a tween and teen. Probably not, but I get what he is attempting to do.
This is a fun audiobook for those that know the movie or that want to witness a man (white/CIS/straight) turn a critical eye to the media that helped to shape his early definitions of masculinity.
January 16, 2025
I started to give this book one star. Overall, I did not really like it.
However, I usually reserve one star for books that I cannot finish because they are so bad or I have no real desire to keep reading them, but do so anyway just to complete the book. But neither of those apply.
I did find myself eagerly wanting to return to the book (I finished it fairly quickly by my standards) and I found certain parts of the book quite interesting. But that was usually when the author was actually talking about the movie Predator or making a connection between real life events, even vaguely, and the movie. A lot of this book is not really about the movie though.
Yes, the author will continually return to the movie, it is the central idea that the book is based on, but the book is a lot heavier on the "memoir" than I expected. So to be fair, the book may not be terrible if you like reading personal memoirs, but it was not what I was expecting or really wanting.
I also did not care for the writing style, which may be common in memoirs, but was confusing and frustrating to read. It seemed disorganized and often repetitive.
Finally, it was stuffed with self-deprecation and and a loathing not only for the author himself but for men in general. To be honest, many of his complaints are not entirely wrong. And I have no problem with a critical examination of masculinity, but the author just spent a lot of time asking rhetorical questions and complaining about the world's problems.. Again, not to say that it was all wrong. These parts were just tiresome to read.
Overall, again I liked the insights into the movie and even into other real life events. If you like memoirs AND the predator (which seems like a rare combination, but who knows?), this may be an excellent book for you.
However, I usually reserve one star for books that I cannot finish because they are so bad or I have no real desire to keep reading them, but do so anyway just to complete the book. But neither of those apply.
I did find myself eagerly wanting to return to the book (I finished it fairly quickly by my standards) and I found certain parts of the book quite interesting. But that was usually when the author was actually talking about the movie Predator or making a connection between real life events, even vaguely, and the movie. A lot of this book is not really about the movie though.
Yes, the author will continually return to the movie, it is the central idea that the book is based on, but the book is a lot heavier on the "memoir" than I expected. So to be fair, the book may not be terrible if you like reading personal memoirs, but it was not what I was expecting or really wanting.
I also did not care for the writing style, which may be common in memoirs, but was confusing and frustrating to read. It seemed disorganized and often repetitive.
Finally, it was stuffed with self-deprecation and and a loathing not only for the author himself but for men in general. To be honest, many of his complaints are not entirely wrong. And I have no problem with a critical examination of masculinity, but the author just spent a lot of time asking rhetorical questions and complaining about the world's problems.. Again, not to say that it was all wrong. These parts were just tiresome to read.
Overall, again I liked the insights into the movie and even into other real life events. If you like memoirs AND the predator (which seems like a rare combination, but who knows?), this may be an excellent book for you.
April 18, 2023
I devoured this book in just under 24 hrs, and that is incredibly uncommon for me. Monson’s Predator is truly what the title says it is: a memoir -in part- of the author’s life thus far, and his obsession with the movie, “Predator,” itself. I cannot imagine watching a movie over 140 times and still love it. I’d get sick and tired of it well before that number. However, this book was well written (and narrated!) and it kept my attention from page 1.
Besides the memoir part of the book, the author also attempts to break down masculinity and what it is to be a man. Although I am not of the male species, I thoroughly enjoyed how much info and research Monson put into the helicopters, guns, and actors in this movie. Also, did you know that “Predator” was originally a book authored by LGBT+ activist, Paul Monette? I had no idea, and LOVED that Monson included Monette multiple times in this book. Without Monette, there is no Predator. Full stop.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has seen “Predator” more than twice and enjoyed the film, anyone who likes Schwarzenegger, guns and ammo, and masculine subjects. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book to someone who solely enjoys memoirs because the memoir part of this book is somewhat minor. Overall, great work by Ander Monson. Two thumbs up.
And that cover art though!!
(I received this audiobook ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!)
Besides the memoir part of the book, the author also attempts to break down masculinity and what it is to be a man. Although I am not of the male species, I thoroughly enjoyed how much info and research Monson put into the helicopters, guns, and actors in this movie. Also, did you know that “Predator” was originally a book authored by LGBT+ activist, Paul Monette? I had no idea, and LOVED that Monson included Monette multiple times in this book. Without Monette, there is no Predator. Full stop.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has seen “Predator” more than twice and enjoyed the film, anyone who likes Schwarzenegger, guns and ammo, and masculine subjects. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book to someone who solely enjoys memoirs because the memoir part of this book is somewhat minor. Overall, great work by Ander Monson. Two thumbs up.
And that cover art though!!
(I received this audiobook ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!)
September 27, 2023
I would like to take this space to personally thank Ander Monson for writing this book. We are about the same age, and I too have seen Predator dozens of times (tho not as many as him (146)) and the film meant and means so much to me.
Movies like Predator rarely get any kind of serious critical treatment, but here Monson digs deeper into this action classic than anyone I think probably has or will in history. Alongside that, interspersed into a close (close) watching of the film, you get a memoir about Monson's growing up as a red blooded, white skinned, male child of the 80s in rural America. I didn't know Monson, but I KNOW him. I am him.
Monson gets really post-modern in this book, which is a lot of fun. At one point he writes a chapter as though it's written by the actual predator himself. In another passage, he writes a letter on behalf of the guerrillas killed in the beginning of the film. In the process he elucidates some really astonishing facts about the film, namely that the novelization (which I once found at a used bookstore and tried to read, but didn't get far) was written by a then somewhat renowned American poet, and -- unbelievably -- manages to make a strong, strong case that Predator is an AIDS film.
This book will necessarily have a limited audience. And you know who you are. And you've probably already ordered a copy and/or are already watching Predator again, right now.
Movies like Predator rarely get any kind of serious critical treatment, but here Monson digs deeper into this action classic than anyone I think probably has or will in history. Alongside that, interspersed into a close (close) watching of the film, you get a memoir about Monson's growing up as a red blooded, white skinned, male child of the 80s in rural America. I didn't know Monson, but I KNOW him. I am him.
Monson gets really post-modern in this book, which is a lot of fun. At one point he writes a chapter as though it's written by the actual predator himself. In another passage, he writes a letter on behalf of the guerrillas killed in the beginning of the film. In the process he elucidates some really astonishing facts about the film, namely that the novelization (which I once found at a used bookstore and tried to read, but didn't get far) was written by a then somewhat renowned American poet, and -- unbelievably -- manages to make a strong, strong case that Predator is an AIDS film.
This book will necessarily have a limited audience. And you know who you are. And you've probably already ordered a copy and/or are already watching Predator again, right now.
November 10, 2024
I've gotten to know Ander through participating in the annual MarchXness music essay tournament, so I'd heard tell of his Predator book. A nice surprise to see it at my local library book sale! Ander and I are right about the same age and both Michigan boys (though with my Detroit upbringing to his way more rural). I didn't blow stuff up beyond little fire crackers in GI Joes, but I had a friend who was more hard core (and arrested?). I appreciated celebrating our similarities and differences as I read through the book.
I've seen Predator once, maybe twice. But back when it came out on VHS. Either at a friend's (likely the one who blew stuff up) or my dad rented it as we did watch those R-rated action movies at home. So I had the basics to follow along (though you do not have to have seen it to do so yourself). While I also love a good movie or music connection in my essays, this book offers inspiration on how to go full-length (hmm, maybe I'll do one on Cloak & Dagger...?) I knew it was a memoir based on Predator, but it was so much more than that. I appreciated it when he treats us to these poetic riffs on whatever is on his mind at that particular point in the movie.
I've seen Predator once, maybe twice. But back when it came out on VHS. Either at a friend's (likely the one who blew stuff up) or my dad rented it as we did watch those R-rated action movies at home. So I had the basics to follow along (though you do not have to have seen it to do so yourself). While I also love a good movie or music connection in my essays, this book offers inspiration on how to go full-length (hmm, maybe I'll do one on Cloak & Dagger...?) I knew it was a memoir based on Predator, but it was so much more than that. I appreciated it when he treats us to these poetic riffs on whatever is on his mind at that particular point in the movie.
May 3, 2023
Fair warning, the use of "obsession" in the subtitle is not an exaggeration. Monson may very well need professional help as he really does look at everything through the lens of Predator. He uses his observations about the movie to transition to tangents and asides about his life. As we're approximately the same age and share this cultural touchstone I found this book entertaining and at times actually laughed aloud. Monson offers some great insights about masculinity in our culture today that really made me think. Which is a good thing since that's one of his areas of study.
I'm not the biggest fan of poetry so most of those parts of the book didn't do much for me. And his lament that "someone" needs to "do something" about gun violence and climate change are ineffectual whining and fall into the category of "No shit".
Overall this is a book worth investing time in.
I'm not the biggest fan of poetry so most of those parts of the book didn't do much for me. And his lament that "someone" needs to "do something" about gun violence and climate change are ineffectual whining and fall into the category of "No shit".
Overall this is a book worth investing time in.
October 27, 2022
it’s a weird thing to say about a book entirely about the movie predator but i wish it was a little more about the movie predator! monson is at his strongest and weirdest and most moving when he’s unearthing obscure trivia and close reading individual scenes or frames. the parts more focused on memoir and broader american culture are still excellent and thoughtful, but they get a bit repetitive and their musings generally weren’t bringing new revelations to my understanding of masculinity/trump era politics/gun culture/etc. overall great tho! i watched predator for the first time recently specifically because i wanted to read this book, and i think i’ll watch it again now that i’m done to bring monsons interpretations to my own viewing.
January 30, 2023
Fantastic exploration of what our pasts, imagined onscreen and literal, mean in our world filled, Monson argues, with very real "predators." At some point, while I recognize that toxic masculinity and the mistakes of our individual or collective youth may not be redeemable, would love for the voice to give himself a little bit of breathing room in the present-tense. The voice here is NOT a predator, obsession with the film, predatory past, and wearing of a costume mask aside, and could give himself even a little self-aware credit for not being so. Best of many great things about this book is the extended shoutout to poet, essayist, and author of the Predator novelization, Paul Monette.
June 3, 2023
What a very strange book. Monson, born in the 70’s in Michigan, watched the movie Predator as a boy, like we all did. He then proceeded to watch it 176 times (as of the time of the writing of this book) and to unpack every single detail and theme of the movie. He then related the movie to various aspects of his own life, of American culture, of our obsession with guns, of masculinity, of serial killers, of predators in all walks of life. The writing is superb, often very funny, sometimes poetic. Monsoon uses Predator to shine a light on humanity - and especially on Men - from an alien POV, and it works. I’m going to go watch the movie again now.
November 6, 2022
Ander Monson's excellent "bio-sorta" rumination on the movie, "Predator." 150+ viewings, as of a few weeks ago, has captivated Monson's analysis on a wide-ranging number of nuanced issues permeating the movie, the characters, the actors, the message, symbolism, technology, and (of course) violence and weapons.
Baring his troubled past enables Monson to create a close connection to these issues.
A wonderful read, which might spark your interest in a movie which captivated you in your early teenage years.
Baring his troubled past enables Monson to create a close connection to these issues.
A wonderful read, which might spark your interest in a movie which captivated you in your early teenage years.
March 16, 2025
every page will make you want to watch predator. every page will make you remember that predator is the best action movie of all time.
this book is very familiar to me, meaning if i ever wrote something one day, this is how it would turn out. monson has given me a roadmap. this book is rad as hell and i love the vision, even if i didnt always love how it turned out.
'what the hell are you?' 'what the hell are you?' predator forever
this book is very familiar to me, meaning if i ever wrote something one day, this is how it would turn out. monson has given me a roadmap. this book is rad as hell and i love the vision, even if i didnt always love how it turned out.
'what the hell are you?' 'what the hell are you?' predator forever
May 8, 2023
I received this book through the Librarian ARC program with Libro.fm. I was taken by the cover and description and needed a palate cleanser after my last fantasy novel so Predator it was. It took me about an hour to really want to continue this book, but it was very interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend it if you are also a fan of predator. It is not what you think it is.
May 15, 2024
Really surprising book by a college professor who watched one of the best 80’s action movies of all time 146 times. He reflects on everything from masculinity, to his upbringing in a sheltered life in upper Michigan, to violence and too many other topics to name. Funny, seemingly honest, and lots of great observations if you were a kid in the 80’s. Come on! Read it! Do it now!
December 30, 2024
Fascinating exploration of masculinity in a medium bereft of nuanced examinations on the subject. If you think there's a limit to the insight that can be drawn from the 1980s class Predator, you'd be wrong. The pseudo-memoir is a bit meandering at times, but that might be part of its appeal. All in all a very worthwhile addition to any bookclub. It demands discussion.
April 27, 2025
I always enjoy Ander Monson’s work. His writing, observations, and cultural references echo with my experiences. In this deep dive into the world of Predator, our masculine culture for men of a certain Gen X age is “flayed” bare, not unlike the Predator’s many victims, until at last we are both predator and prey.
January 17, 2024
This was really something unique and special.
If you are at all a fan of the Predator movies or even if you just enjoy a damn good memoir, this is a must read.
Intelligent dissection that will really stick with me for some time.
If you are at all a fan of the Predator movies or even if you just enjoy a damn good memoir, this is a must read.
Intelligent dissection that will really stick with me for some time.
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