Reviews

Hollywood by Charles Bukowski

jslive's review against another edition

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5.0

Not-far-from-non-fiction, but hugely funny, bitter and direct.

ivan2215's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

thatguyscout's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated

3.5

A nice palate cleanser book that sums up the stupidity involved in getting a movie made that still applies somewhat to this day. Bukowskis style of writing does not demand much in terms of interpretation and is rather simple while still being very entertaining. “Your stuff will always sell Hank. A child can read it.” That pretty much sums it up. Nothing amazing, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. 

raymond_murphy's review against another edition

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3.0

This was my first time reading Bukowski. Interesting dude. As much as it was an insight into how movies got made in the 70s (which is of interest to me), reading about severe alcoholism was not that exciting.

jamesbickers97's review against another edition

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3.0

Ham on Rye is always a book I remember reading fondly in my teenage years and I still regard it as one of my favourite books of all time. But strangely I have never read anything beyond that when it comes to Bukowsi's catalogue.

Hollywood was interesting, I wasn't as inthralled and hooked as I was with Ham on Rye. I liked the points it was trying to make, however I feel as if the book is more profound when you have more of the real life backstory which I sadly did not know.

Overall, not a terrible read but not one of my favourites either

david44's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

louanna's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

guarinous's review against another edition

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funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

lizloulie's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

michelareads's review against another edition

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3.0

too much alcohol, not enough desperation
3 stars