Wherever Chuck Palahniuk goes, people faint.

The author of "Fight Club" and "Choke" has been touring the globe, reading excerpts from his newest book, "Haunted." Each time he reads "Guts," one of the short stories from this novel/compilation, at least two people drop on the spot. In fact, it's always at the same part of the story . down to the word. When he utters the phrase "corn and peanuts," the audience slumps over in their chairs or starts sobbing hysterically - a few have even had seizures.

Palahniuk will come to Ann Arbor on Wednesday. You know what that means.

"Haunted" is a novel written from the perspective of 20 different writers who answer an ad for a writers' retreat. They plan to abandon the distractions of real life for three months and finally make some progress on their manuscripts. But at the end of the bus ride, instead of finding the haven of seclusion and tranquility they expected, the writers find themselves locked inside an abandoned theater. Their captivity is reminiscent of a reality TV show. In this twisted version of "The Real World," the participants are forced to live in close quarters without heat or power and a dwindling food supply.

The writers begin to produce material, but what comes out is not the masterpiece any of them had in mind. At first, the stories and poems (which are integrated into the text of the novel) are autobiographical, detailing the defining moments in each person's life. The stories are funny, extreme and, as the book progresses, grotesque. As their living situation deteriorates, the stories become darker and more frightening. The captives even begin fictionalizing their imprisonment, hoping for martyrdom and immortality in the eyes of the media when they're rescued.

Palahniuk's stories are terrifying and thought provoking. Some have called "Haunted" his best, while others have denounced it, saying it lacks cohesion or that the author is at times gratuitously gross. Pick up your tickets for Wednesday's reading at Shaman Drum, and come to Angell Hall Auditorium A at 7 p.m. and find out for yourself. And make sure to eat a big meal beforehand.

Chuck Palahniuk's "Haunted"
Wednesday at 7 p.m.
$13.95

At Angell Hall Auditorium A