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.

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.

John Jeremiah Sullivan's 'Pulphead' is an eclectic collection of essays that engage readers with a mix of personal experiences and insightful observations on various subjects such as music, pop culture, historical figures, and peculiar events. Sullivan's writing style combines humor, empathy, and a deep curiosity that allows him to bring to life even the most mundane topics like Christian rock festivals or forgotten explorers in a captivating manner. The book showcases Sullivan's ability to make seemingly uninteresting subjects intriguing through his engaging storytelling and personal involvement in each essay.

'Hollywood' by Charles Bukowski is a fictionalized account of the making of the film Barfly, based on his own script. The novel follows Bukowski's alter ego, Henry Chinaski, as he navigates the Hollywood movie-making industry, attending film shoots and rewriting the script to accommodate the egos of the actors. Real-life characters are thinly disguised, and the deadpan humor in the book humanizes the foolishness typical of the film industry. The writing style is sparse and direct, characteristic of Bukowski's work, offering a cynical and boozy trip through the world of Hollywood.

The book offers insights into the Hollywood movie-making process, with Bukowski's observations on the industry and its characters. The narrative captures the essence of Bukowski's writing, with a focus on alcohol, sex, and a cynical view of the world. The novel is a quick and entertaining read, providing a glimpse into Bukowski's experiences with the Hollywood elite, offering a mix of humor and satire.

'The Great Shark Hunt' by Hunter S. Thompson is a collection of essays and articles spanning the early and middle parts of Thompson's career, showcasing his evolution from a staid Air Force writer to a gonzo journalist. The book includes stories about politics, sports, and Thompson's unique experiences, such as his time in Muhammad Ali's training camp and his travels throughout North and South America. The writing style is described as deep, philosophical, educational, humorous, and quirky, providing readers with a unique and eye-opening exploration through Thompson's world.

The anthology captures the essence of Thompson's journalistic greatness, with stories covering a broad spectrum of subjects and events, providing insightful commentary on the human condition and society. The book is praised for its rich content, unique voice, and the way Thompson seamlessly blends reality with fiction, creating a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

'A River Sutra' by Gita Mehta is a collection of interlocking stories set around the Narmada River in India. The main character, a retired government official, runs a guesthouse on the riverbank and interacts with various individuals who share their spiritual advice and tales. The stories are diverse and rich, portraying the multifaceted culture and history of India through vivid descriptions of landscapes, characters, and religious traditions.

Gita Mehta's writing in 'A River Sutra' is described as beautiful, lush, and gentle, with amazing descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. reads like a series of almost unrelated episodes seen through the eyes of the protagonist, offering insights into love, desire, spirituality, and the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of the sacred Narmada River.

'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.

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.

"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that provide a captivating insight into the author's experiences and observations, particularly focusing on 1960s California. Didion's writing style is described as lyrical, mysterious, and engaging, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate the imagery she conveys. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on self-respect and keeping a notebook to societal issues such as the cultural milieu of California during that era.