dcmr's review against another edition
2.0
All pose, little purpose. Not sure why this has such a cult following.
oedipamaas69's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Although a difficult read at times due to the heavy subject matter, I quite enjoyed this little book. It is a series of vignettes seen through a drug addled haze. My favorite story by far was "Emergency," a strange and quietly disarming story. It's also the funniest one in the collection. "Jesus' Son" was my first foray into Johnson's work, and now I'd like to read more by him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Car accident, Medical content, Gun violence, Drug abuse, Abortion, and Addiction
goooooby's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
almartin's review against another edition
4.0
1992! denis johnson listen up -- we've decided, and the early/mid 90's now stand for peace and a booming economy. these grim character portraits are messing up the narrative.
also - how unsettling was that story set in chicago? guy who gets kicked out of the planned parenthood?
also - how unsettling was that story set in chicago? guy who gets kicked out of the planned parenthood?
rho21's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jayden_mccomiskie's review against another edition
5.0
I've read this book more times than the 4 counted here. I will read this for the rest of my life. I want to know every syllable by its name.
dgroeneveld's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
myqz's review against another edition
5.0
Johnson seems to find the right word, in the right place, every sentence. This prose sucked me right in, made me wince and smile, convinced me I’d bumped into these characters before at a bar or gas station. Dark and destitute vignettes written with so much conviction and honesty that humanity is always present, even in hallucinations.