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Summary: Bukowski
Review: "my friend is so worried about tearing the meat of my soul from my bones that he hardly seems to think of his own existence"Make no mistake: whether your main character is Henry Chinaski, Bukowski, or another name, what you are always getting is Bukowski. This collection of short stories has dual appeal: if you haven't read him, it's a great place to start. If you've already read him before, you can take from this an intimate look into the mind of one of America's most honest and gutsy writers of all time. He never fits into any world outside his own- he's a writer who loathes the company of writers, a drunk who drinks alone, and a 'bum' who spends the late hours of the night with his personal trinity: a bottle of wine, classical music on the radio, and a typewriter. What a relief he is from what one would traditionally call The Author. His writing style has no flowery language: simplicity is his style. His honesty pierces into life and forces the reader to confront issues directly: LSD, women, Radicalism, America, Academia, etc. After reading this, you'll find yourself being followed around by this man, constantly undermining your perceptions and pointing out what is truly good and real. Oh, and it's really good with a beer or two.
Rating: 
Summary: The Simple Life
Review: Ah, I long for the days when life was simple: drinking, starting fights, acting irresponsible. Uncle Buk does it all. I decided to write this review in an attempt to stimulate the global market. We all have to do our part. Besides, if you're going to read a book it might as well be a work of art.
Rating:
Summary: The Simple Life
Review: Ah, I long for the days when life was simple: drinking, starting fights, acting irresponsible. Uncle Buk does it all. I decided to write this review in an attempt to stimulate the global market. We all have to do our part. Besides, if you're going to read a book it might as well be a work of art.
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Summary: Good Compilation, But Bukowski's Poetry Is Still #1
Review: Although Bukowski produced much of his work during the turbulent sixties and seventies, I find it interesting that Bukowski stayed so A-political. Many of Bukowski's contemporaries were outspoken opponents to the war in Vietnam, and champions of numerous other social injustices. Bukowski, on the other hand remained distant from these dramatic social ills, and instead concentrated upon the smaller, although much more common societal ailments such as poverty, class struggle and alcoholism. I think Bukowski's lack of grandiose preaching for any given cause actually gives his work the serrated edge that makes it so endearing to Bukowski fans. His stories cut to the quick. There is no room for sympathy or pity. Bukowski begs no quarter, and none is given. But in the same breath, the reader is enthralled with the voyeuristic window into Bukowkski's life. The inner pain, madness, and broken-tooth philosopher remain near the surface, easily seen, but never easily forgotten. I tend to prefer Bukowski's poetry to his short stories and novels. The poems tend to cut to the quick, and the short stories tend to drag on a bit, losing the classic Bukowski punch. Still, in this compilation there are some gems, most notably "A .45 To Pay The Rent," "An Evil Town," and my personal favorite, "Animal Crackers In My Soup."
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Summary: Great Short Stories
Review: Buk hits hard with these classics.
"The Great Zen Wedding" is one of the best short stories I have ever read. His honest take on life is refreshing, much better than the large amounts of fecal material that the publishing industry is producing in the year 2003.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fifth of Scotch in a Thermos
Review: Bukowski is a very necessary voice in literature. I'm more a fan of his poetry, but the short stories chosen in this collection are decent. "The Great Zen Wedding" is quite comical, with Bukowski giving a baby's coffin as a wedding gift. All the stories have that raw, say what's on your mind, pull no punches Bukowski charm. He paints a realistic picture of society in the 60's. The air of uncertainty and rebellion gives his stories a vibe of uneasiness. Rude, crass, yet honest, with a pinch of insanity. How can you not love him?
Still, if I was to choose a collection of stories, it would not be this one. "The Most beautiful Women in Town and Other Short Stories" would be my choice. This isn't a bad collection by any means, but if it's your first taste of Bukowski, you might need some OTC-Prilosec to ease the reflux.
Rating:
Summary: A Fifth of Scotch in a Thermos
Review: Bukowski is a very necessary voice in literature. I'm more a fan of his poetry, but the short stories chosen in this collection are decent. "The Great Zen Wedding" is quite comical, with Bukowski giving a baby's coffin as a wedding gift. All the stories have that raw, say what's on your mind, pull no punches Bukowski charm. He paints a realistic picture of society in the 60's. The air of uncertainty and rebellion gives his stories a vibe of uneasiness. Rude, crass, yet honest, with a pinch of insanity. How can you not love him?
Still, if I was to choose a collection of stories, it would not be this one. "The Most beautiful Women in Town and Other Short Stories" would be my choice. This isn't a bad collection by any means, but if it's your first taste of Bukowski, you might need some OTC-Prilosec to ease the reflux.
Rating:
Summary: If you know a pest, you'll love this book!
Review: Charles Buchowski gives us a raw portrait of real life in Los Angeles during the seventies. Most enjoyable are his interpretations of other people's querks, maladies, and shortcomings. His commentary of day to day life as a drunk makes you laugh hysterically and makes your coffee taste even better!!!!!!!!
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Summary: Bukowski is one of the top five American writers of all time
Review: Henry Miller might be up there too. But when you want the brutal truth about life, with an unblinking eye, you go to Bukowski. The man has been there, he's gotten his fucking fingernails dirty. Yet he leaves us laughing. Ultimately, it's Hanks' sense of humor in the worst of all imaginable situations that brings us back. A writer who has no hope and can laugh out loud about it. Americas' Dostoyevski.
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Summary: Bukowski is one of a kind.
Review: Here are the hardcore stories and humor we've come to associate with Buk. These stories are a collection of early work that place our favorite protagonist, Henry the noncomformist, in ridiculous situations, variously in flophouses, dives, or prison. They are in general hilarious and raw and real. If you're used to reading typical "literary" short stories, then this collection will come as a kick in the pants! It demonstrates what can be done by an authentic, original American voice not out to simply to dazzle us with literary flash. These stories cut to the bone. They are also strangely entertaining. Pick up a copy of this book! I agree with the other reviewer that also recommended The Losers' Club by Richard Perez.
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