The best thing about Cooper's thematically linked George Miles cycle, of which this is the third installment, is that each book has a slightly different timbre. The cold but starry-eyed detachment of Closer, the total body horror of Frisk, and now the broken and distorted intimacy of Try. A limited narrative perspective from young Ziggy gives readers an almost unimaginably affected and muted experience of living through sexual abuse, and also a tender and devastatingly awkward love story with his heroin-addicted friend Calhoun. This is also the first time there is a straight sex scene in the cycle, and it is framed in such away that reaffirms for us that not only is Cooper's content queer, but his style and tone as well even when talking about heterosexual acts. Try is probably my second favorite book from Dennis Cooper, right after Frisk. Try is even a little humorous in the midst of its incredible degradation. The most moving novel about rimming you will ever read. ( )

90's queer + 90's DIY subculture + obscenity = the warped world of Dennis Cooper.

The pacing reminds me of "Candide" by Voltaire; it is like receiving one swift, brutal, nihilistic kick. Dennis Cooper always packs maximum shock value and tragedy into his novels that only last for a few bittersweet moments. Unlike "Candide," Cooper's "Try" is not peppered with philosophy metaphor. Instead, Cooper's bleak, controversial, transgressive stories are oriented around the emotions (and interpersonal dynamics) of the ultra-damaged characters. At times, it is hard for me to empathize with these characters because they are excessive, grotesque, and unreal.

Dennis Cooper is innovative, and I like reading his books. However, his work is not for the faint of heart. If you can appreciate Marquis de Sade, you might appreciate Dennis Cooper. ( )

One could pick up any of Cooper's novels and get something very similar to this title. This just happens to be my favorite of the series. If for no other reason than its twisted humor. The abused kid in the novel titles his 'zine "I Apologize." ( )

More of the same from Dennis Cooper. ( )

Well, this is not precisely the sort of book you should take on holidays, but Dennis Cooper’s style is so wonderful that, if you like contemporary literature, and consider yourself open-minded, you must read something by him. I still prefer his book of short-stories, Wrong, but Try could be a good start for anybody who still doesn’t know Dennis Cooper. That’s because it’s more linear and easy to follow that some of the stories in Wrong. Just give it a try… But, beware, this is definitively not the sort of book you could share with your right-wing mom ;-) ( )