I bit repetitive, but I guess for an addict it's hard to think about anything except his addiction. Very sad and moving, so far I loved all books by this author I've ever read. ( )

This set of excerpts from Bukowski's fiction and non-fiction is not a book that will make you increase your consumption of alcohol, although somehow Bukowski survived more than 7 decades on a diet of whiskey, beer, and wine--advancing to more sophisticated and more expensive varieties as he grew older and presumably could better afford it. Along the way, Bukowski and his fictional self get into bar fights, land in jail, fight with their girlfriends, offend large rooms full of people, and generally have a hell of a time. Even as you are appalled, occasionally amused, and mostly just amazed, you can't turn away from Bukowski's writing. He can write about anything and make it interesting. And, late in the book, when he talks about listening to classical music while writing and what classical music means to him, it is truly moving--and should be required reading for everyone on Planet Earth.

I listened to the audiobook, which was exceptionally well performed. I have no idea what Bukowski's actual voice sounded like, although I'm sure one click on Google will let me find out, but as I listen to Roger Wayne read this book, I feel like I'm listening to the author himself. Superb. ( )