Love is a Dog from Hell: Poems, 1974-1977

Oh, [a:Charles Bukowski|13275|Charles Bukowski|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1387554724p2/13275.jpg].

Where do I begin?

I adore his poetry, really. It speaks to me in the bitter, cynical, drunken tones of a misogynistic misanthropist who is just scribbling on paper in hopes of another paycheck coming in. It speaks to me in the harsh growl of someone cursing down the phone at his admirers, then sleeping with their wives, sisters, daughters, mothers, grandmothers - any woman with a pulse before shoving them out the door with no apology. It speaks to me in the way that [a:Hunter S. Thompson|5237|Hunter S. Thompson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1206560814p2/5237.jpg] does, but without the strange bit of heart show more buried deep within Gonzo's rotten frame.

It speaks to me, and speaks to me frankly. I know I'll give it more stars at some point or another. I know I'll read through everything the bastard wrote at some point or another. I can't keep away, even though it's the same as lapping up the putrid filth of existence and expecting not to get sick. It draws you in, it spits you out. Then it urinates all over you.

Why do I do this to myself? show less

This is a book of poetry for those who hate poetry.

It took me a mere... I don't know, 3-4 years to finish Love is a Dog from Hell. Not because of disinterest, but because Bukowski is like Raymond Carver.. you get so much in so little words.

It takes time to digest a Bukowski poem, with each piece like a short story. Little glimpses into the day in the life of one of the most influential, and distasteful, poets. But in all its grime and sadness is beauty, and that is what Bukowski does best: whisky-laden love letters.

This is the first volume of Bukowski's poetry I have read and it is also apparently the most popular. That is for good reason I assure you. The poems range from existential if not misanthropic musings like "the crunch" to oddly humorous recollections like "my groupie". Bukowski's no frills, in your face verse about booze, women, and life in LA is showcased quite effectively in these poems. This book sucks you in, chews you up, and spits you out. An indispensable volume. If you've never read Bukowski, pick this up.

Some of the poems in the book were pure genius and some were purely offensive, but that's Bukowski. I've never been a fan of the way he treated women but I do admire his writing and the raw honesty. I respect him as an artist even when I cringe at the words on the page, because true art always contains this honesty. That said, I will also say that this is not one of my favorites by the author simply because I don't relate to the author on the subject, so there was a bit of a disconnect. However, one of my favorite poems was the one titled by a phone number because I have had thousands of similar conversations. So while the book as whole was less appealing to me, it did have a few shining moments and these were worth the read.

This is the first, and may be the only, book of poetry by Charles Bukowski I attempt to read. I knew it would be crass. I just didn't know how crass. Bukowski is a drunk, narcissist, chauvinist, womanizer. This book is a catalog of one night stands and affairs. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Yet, what redeems Bukowski for me is that he captures well the sadness, loneliness and isolation of this kind of life. He's a good writer and occasionally funny. But I probably won't read this book again. ugh.

70s shock and exploitation on the surface. A little deeper down brutal honesty, emptiness, and openness. Poems like "The Bee" expose much more of the poet's soul than may have been intended.