Books Like...

Run With the Hunted: A Charles Bukowski Reader is an anthology that takes the reader through Charles Bukowski's life events in chronological order, from his harrowing childhood to his transformation into a respected writer. The book combines portions of his novels, poems, and other writings to provide a raw and realistic autobiography. Bukowski's writing style goes straight to the bone, depicting his dysfunctional family, struggles with alcohol, relationships with women, and profound reflections on life and society.

The book is a comprehensive collection that offers a full picture of Bukowski's life, from his early years scarred by acne to his later years as a semi-respectable man of letters. It captures his journey from being a skid row poet to a revered writer, showcasing his unapologetic alcoholism and his ability to produce incredible prose and poetry. Through his work, Bukowski paints a vivid and authentic portrait of America from the late 1920s to the early 1990s, making the reader feel deeply immersed in his world.

'Our Numbered Days' by Neil Hilborn is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of mental health, depression, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The book is described as a raw and emotional journey that combines realism and fantasy, tackling dark and biographical subjects with honesty and vulnerability. Neil Hilborn's writing style is praised for its ability to convey deep emotions and connect with readers on a personal level, making them feel understood and seen through his words.

"Love Is a Dog from Hell" by Charles Bukowski is a collection of poetry that delves into the gritty realities of life, relationships, love, and loneliness. The author's writing style is described as powerful, touching, and brutally honest, offering a unique perspective on themes like companionship, acknowledgment, and the human condition. The poems in this collection touch on topics such as aging, human relationships, and the struggles of daily life, presented with a mix of humor, sadness, and raw honesty.

'Notes of a Dirty Old Man' by Charles Bukowski is a collection of essays, stories, and rantings compiled from columns he wrote for the underground L.A. newspaper Open City in the 1960s. The writing style is twisted, outrageous, and genius, capturing the essence of Bukowski's life filled with drinking, gambling, fighting, infidelities, and sex with women. offers a glimpse into Bukowski's mind through autobiographical pieces that range from angry rants to humorous recollections, all woven together with a stream of consciousness reminiscent of authors like Henry Miller.

Tales of Ordinary Madness is a collection of short stories by Charles Bukowski that delves into themes of self-pity, disgust, excessive drinking, and poor behavior. The stories feature characters living on the fringe of society in Los Angeles, engaging in activities like gambling, drinking, writing, and struggling to exist. Bukowski's writing style is described as profane, gritty, poignant, and raw, with stories that are both explosive and violent, portraying a low-down truth of life.

Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski is a raw and honest semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the unruly and depressing youth and young adulthood of Henry Chinaski. The story follows Chinaski's struggles with an abusive father, sexual frustration, schoolyard beatings, and the discovery of alcohol, all set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Bukowski's writing style is described as dark, humorous, and brutally funny, capturing the difficulties of growing up for young outsiders in a transgressive and at times disgusting narrative.

The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, survival, and the impact of a traumatic childhood on shaping one's adulthood. Through vivid recollections, frank statements, and a fast-paced narrative, Bukowski paints a poignant picture of Chinaski's journey from birth to late adolescence, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity and his struggle to find his place in a hypocritical and false society.

'Leaves of Grass' by Walt Whitman is a collection of poems that explores themes of individualism, freewill, nature, spirituality, and the beauty of life. Whitman's writing style is described as free verse, with a focus on celebrating the common man and embracing all aspects of life. The book is praised for its optimistic tone, even when contemplating topics like death and grief. Whitman's work is seen as a diary of inner freedoms, filled with rich and sexually explicit desires, portraying him as a radical figure who was ahead of his time.

'Post Office' by Charles Bukowski follows the life of Hank Chinaski, a postal worker who also enjoys gambling, drinking, and relationships with women. The book is a collection of short stories that chronicle Chinaski's experiences at the post office, his interactions with colleagues and supervisors, and his personal struggles with mundane work and hedonistic pursuits. The writing style is described as raw, humorous, and honest, capturing the essence of Bukowski's cynical and raunchy narrative voice.

'Where the Sidewalk Ends' by Shel Silverstein is a collection of whimsical and diverse poems that captivate readers of all ages. The poems cover a wide range of topics, from silly and humorous to deep and thought-provoking, making it a perfect introduction to poetry for children. The book is filled with fun illustrations that complement the poems, creating an engaging reading experience. Silverstein's writing style is simple yet imaginative, using rhymes and descriptive language to convey meaningful messages in a playful manner.

'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran is a collection of poetic essays that cover a wide range of topics such as love, marriage, children, work, joy, sorrow, religion, time, and death. The book presents the teachings of a prophet who imparts wisdom on various aspects of life to the townsfolk. The writing style is described as reflective poetry that inspires and enlightens readers, with each short chapter offering important insights and guidance on navigating life's challenges.

The author, Kahlil Gibran, uses a protagonist simply known as the prophet to deliver homilies on different subjects central to daily life, providing philosophical, spiritual, and inspirational musings in a concise and poetic manner. The book, first published in the 1920s, is noted for its timeless wisdom and relevance, with readers appreciating the depth of insight and the profound messages conveyed through the prophet's teachings.