Knockemstiff
I just finished reading the collection of short stories Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock. I believe that this collection is one of the best books I've ever read! I picked this book up because of the kudos from Chuck on the dust jacket of the book. My jaw literally dropped at some of the appalling stories enclosed inside the 206 page masterpiece. I find it hard to believe that these stories are the first that Pollock has published. Each story from beginning to end held my attention and made me anticipate the next chapter. I am from a small town not unlike Knockemstiff, so I can relate to the characters on an omniscient level. I can't say that I live on the same fringe of society that these characters do in Knockemstiff, but I read this book and knew some the characters. I was wondering what some other fans of Pollock have to say about this book. What are your thoughts? Praises?
I thought it was a good collection of shorts, a lot of them fairly funny. I liked it, yes. Decently written, never boring, nothing but good will for the Pollock.
I was actually went to Barnes and Noble yesterday with the sole purpose to buy this and Catch-22. But they didn't have Knockemstiff there. So I just ended up with Catch-22...
labelleza wrote:
This is what I thought Pete said.
I'm going to assume you're talking dirty to me because I'm the Book Club god.
I had to order it from my local Barnes & Noble. it didn't help that the woman working wouldn't believe me Knockemstiff was, in fact, all one word. I haven't finished it yet but I like it so far.
Glad to hear some positive feedback for Pollock. I live in the sort of community where authors like Palahnuik and Pollock have never been heard of. It's nice to hear from people that enjoy satire and taboo just as I do. Where I'm from, if Wal-Mart doesn't have it on the shelf, it doesn't get read. Sad but true. I can't wait until Pollock's next novel is published. I've read that it is about a serial killer in the 1950s.
I'll wait for the paperback.
I LOVED this book...he's a great writer
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This is a great book thus far, and i'm only four stories into, i think. But as soon I finish it, i'm gonna read one of Chuck's books.
I didn't like it. The only story I liked was the self titled Knockemstiff. It's been awhile but I don't remember liking any of the other stories.