Books Like...
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.
If you liked Tales of Ordinary Madness, here are the top 26 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'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.
some son of a bitch had held out on the money, everybody claiming they were broke, card game finished, I was sitting there with my buddy Elf, Elf was screwed-up as a kid, all shriveled, he used to lay... - #2
Save:The Pleasures Of The Damned by Charles Bukowski is a collection of the author's poetry that captures the rawness of life, delving into themes of love, loss, and the gritty realities of the world. Readers reflect on how Bukowski's work strips down societal pretenses and provides a refreshing dose of reality, showcasing the beauty and darkness of everyday life with a unique writing style that is both vulgar and perceptive.
- #3
Save:"Pulp" by Charles Bukowski is a humorous and absurd novel that follows the misadventures of Los Angeles private investigator Nick Belane. The book combines elements of a classic noir detective tale with Bukowski's unique writing style, featuring quirky characters such as Lady Death, space aliens, and a dead French writer named Celine. Belane navigates through bizarre cases involving cheating spouses, vengeful bookies, and existential themes like identity and the meaninglessness of life. The story is a caricature of detective stories, filled with offhand comments, hard-boiled attitudes, and dark humor, making it a fun and unconventional read.
I was sitting in my office, my lease had expired and McKelvey was starting eviction proceedings. It was a hellish hot day and the air conditioner was broken. A fly crawled across the top of my desk. I... - #4
Save: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.
The first thing I remember is being under something. It was a table, I saw a table leg, I saw the legs of the people, and a portion of the tablecloth hanging down. It was dark under there, I liked bei... - #5
Save:'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.
It was Christmas season and I learned from the drunk up the hill, who did the trick every Christmas, that they would hire damned near anybody, and so I went and the next thing I knew I had this leathe... - #6
Save:'House of Sand and Fog' by Andre Dubus III is a gripping and tragic tale that revolves around a house purchased by an Iranian immigrant at an auction, which was mistakenly taken from its original owner, Kathy Nicolo. The conflict between these two parties escalates, leading to a series of misunderstandings, cultural clashes, and tragic outcomes. The narrative is intricately woven with multiple viewpoints, exploring themes of human error, pride, greed, intolerance, and the consequences of one's actions. The author's writing style is described as detailed, well-crafted, and emotionally evocative, drawing readers into the lives of the deeply flawed yet compelling characters.
- #7
Save:'Nine Stories' by J.D. Salinger is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The stories are described as original, well-written, and thought-provoking, with themes ranging from love and war to childhood innocence and mental instability. Salinger's writing style is praised for its ability to capture the essence of characters and evoke strong emotional responses from readers, offering a blend of humor, wit, and poignant observations on life.
THERE WERE ninety-seven New York advertising men in the hotel, and, the way they were monopolizing the long-distance lines, the girl in 507 had to wait from noon till almost two-thirty to get her call... - #8
Save:'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene is a book that delves into the various ways to gain and wield power, drawing from historical figures and events. The book consists of forty-eight essays, each explaining a principle of how to gain and maintain power in different aspects of life, from politics to personal relationships. The essays are illustrated with anecdotes and vignettes from classical literature and historical examples, providing insights into the dynamics of power and influence.
The book is known for its practical advice on navigating power dynamics and its entertaining, albeit cynical, approach to the subject matter. It offers readers a deep dive into the fountain of power, outlining step-by-step laws to apply in daily life. While some find the content morally questionable, many appreciate the historical anecdotes and quotations that bring the principles to life, making it an insightful and instructive read for those interested in understanding human nature and power dynamics.
Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite—inspire fear and inse... - #9
Save:'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker aspects of human behavior, often focusing on themes of cruelty, indifference, and societal norms. The title story, "The Lottery," stands out as a chilling portrayal of a small town's annual tradition that takes a sinister turn. Jackson's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke unease and tension, as well as for its exploration of complex human relationships and societal issues.
The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green. The people of the village began to gathe... - #10
Save:'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov is a controversial and haunting novel that delves into the twisted mind of Humbert Humbert, a pedophile narrating his obsession with a young girl named Lolita. The book is praised for its exquisite language, vivid descriptions, and the way it explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of the human psyche. Despite the uncomfortable subject matter, readers find themselves captivated by the beautiful prose and the dark, multi-layered characters that Nabokov masterfully creates.
The narrative of 'Lolita' is told through the unreliable perspective of Humbert Humbert, who justifies his reprehensible actions while painting a heartbreaking portrait of Lolita, a character who embodies both innocence and corruption. The book skillfully weaves together elements of humor, horror, and tragedy, leaving readers unsettled and conflicted as they navigate through the intricate layers of the story and the characters' motivations.
Did she have a precursor? She did, indeed she did. In point of fact, there might have been no Lolita at all had I not loved, one summer, a certain initial girl-child. In a princedom by the sea. Oh whe...
