Just finished this. I know - it’s a stupid romp and Bukowski is more a poet and certain people are into him and all that, but there’s something about it I like. Losers are people too with stories, and those don’t always fit in with what we expect, but they still have value and should be told!
And the end. The last few lines. The words are so sudden.
I know - it’s a stupid romp and Bukowski is more a poet and certain people are into him and all that
Don’t give credence to people who think their opinions are facts.
You’re allowed to like Bukowski’s novels. And certainly shouldn’t apologize for it.
Bukowski probably wouldn’t even make my top 50 favourite poets, he is one of my favourite prose writers though. I even enjoyed ‘Pulp’ and ‘Hollywood’.
Yeah, I’ve been trying to find those in the original black sparrow press editions, which are beautiful. 
Not only are they beautiful, the writing is better. Later editions–basically, anything issued after Bukowski’s death–were butchered by the editor John Martin.
Edit: And @MathBoss should go read “Women” immediately.
Ack—I did not know that about John Martin.
I personally prefer Bukowski’s prose over poetry. Something about it feels very raw and real, like dumbed down Hemingway, which I appreciate.
It’s actually weird, I used to love him in my early twenties, grew out of it and became resentful in late twenties / early thirties, but found new appreciation for him now, mid thirties. With how fucked the world is, everyone is a fucking looser.
It’s really good. The only problem is every other Bukowski book is The Post Office all over again. Sorta.
did u read ham on rye? amazing, i loved it.
bukowski wasn’t a loser. that’s just how society saw him, and he called himself that to own it, but his actions said otherwise. he was a regular guy who worked a series of shitty jobs with the boot planted firmly on his face. he was pissed off and trying not to lose it 24/7.