Chemical Pink

At first, Chemical Pink seems to be a story about women's bodybuilding, but look just below the surface and you will see a disturbing, yet enthralling tale of obsession. Charles Worthington is a "mad scientist" of sorts, obsessed with creating the world's greatest female bodybuilder. Like a predator stalking its prey, he searches for his next "conquest" by lurking in the shadows, watching women as they workout in the gym and tan on the beach. Aurora Jeanine Johnson is a single mother and bodybuilder from Georgia willing to do anything it takes to get to the top of her sport, and subsequently becomes Charles Worthington's next "project." He makes her an offer she can't refuse: The house and car of her dreams, the best clothes, lots of money...but she must do everything he says -- or else. As a result, Aurora finds herself doing things she never imagined. Under Charles's control, Aurora is pumped full of steroids and subjected to act out his strange -- and at times sadistic -- sexual fantasies. If she dares to defy him, Charles will throw a temper tantrum like a child. In fact, one of his sexual fantasies Aurora is forced to act out has Charles "being a baby," laying on a "changing table" in nothing but a cloth diaper fastened with a safety pin. Charles wails, and Aurora must come out and change his diaper, which he actually urinated in. I highly recommend this exciting, riveting book to anyone who is looking for a dark, gritty page-turner. Consider yourself warned, though: This book is graphic! If you are "into that sort of thing," you will find Chemical Pink hard to put down. It is entertaining enough for the "casual reader" who just wants something to read on the train to and from work, but deep enough for those looking for a novel that dares to explore the "dark side" of the human psyche (especially the effects of child neglect, an underlying theme throughout the book). Bottom line: I couldn't tear myself away from this book, and I doubt you will either.

I came across this book on the website of author Chuck Palahniuk, author of "Fight Club." Supposedly he is going to write the screenplay. What a movie it would be.I don't want to give away the story at all, but "Chemical Pink" is one deeply disturbing trip through the world of professional female body building. Drugs, sex, and more drugs. It is written in a very engaging, moving style that keeps you going - sort of like reading a thriller. Which was strange, considering the storyline. But, what the heck, it was a great book.Fans of Chuck Palahniuk will enjoy.Highly Recommended!

Tired of pointless books about a fairytale land? Chemical Pink is gritty and real. A true escape into someone else's world.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who said I should read something different. And I wasn't disappointed! Although the subject grosses me out (for lack of a better expression), I couldn't put this book down. What a great story teller Ms. Arnoldi is! If you are not familiar with the professional weight lifting world, be prepared to get a no-holds-barred look at what it really takes. If you are, well, good luck.

A wonderful and sharp first novel that excites on every page. Full of horror and surprise. A great read. If Harry Crews wrote "My Fair Lady" he might have come up with something this good.