Craig Machen

Even though this is essentially what I like to call a "man's" book, I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked going down the path with the main character as he found himself in so many interesting predicaments. Many times I found myself feeling bad for the guy because of his family life and the constant struggle with discovering himself. Overall, I thought that this book was very good and I hope that people won't let the title dissuade them (yes, there are a lot of sexual references, but that's one of the things that made it so interesting).… (mehr)

A story about a teen/young man who never seemed to have a chance to make it good. His mother cares more about herself and how attractive she is to others and that they see only the good side of her. His father wants to be a friend, not a parent, taking an underaged boy out to get drunk, snort some coke and let him take the car with friends to a strip club. Not much parenting on either side.

Enter a man who knows the worst sides of life, drinking, cocaine, sex and the wrong side of the law. Year after year the same thing, just with a different stripper. His saving grace is when he realizes what he’s doing, and starts to focus on body building. Then the tide swings again, and it’s a repeat of the drugs, alcohol, strippers and sex.

Finally he meets a stripper, Ashley, who is different. She is not into the drugs and makes no attempt to make him quit, he just realizes it’s time to grow up. A few months later they are married, even though his friends give him one more chance to run away, he stands his ground and marries Ashley. A son is born, and he finally realizes what is most important in life, and what he plans to do.… (mehr)

Though I enjoy memoirs, I often find it difficult to read about topics like drug addiction and sexual escapades. So, Still Life With Brass Pole took me a bit outside of my usual comfort zone, but it’s not an excursion I regret making in any way.

Machen writes candidly, seeming to hold nothing back. His tone soon put me at ease and won my trust. As a character, Machen is the likable sort you hope will succeed, despite his misguided ways. As a narrator, he is the kind of voice you warm up to quickly and follow willingly.

If you have issues with drugs, alcohol, addiction, sex, abuse, and/or strong language in books, I would caution you that Machen’s memoir contains all of those. However, I can also say that I found it rather more accessible than I had expected, and I think there are plenty of readers out there who would enjoy Still Life With Brass Pole very much.

My full review is posted on Erin Reads.… (mehr)

*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*

i find this story related to the present situations ordinary people could really face today. instead of giving us the sorrows of a girl, we have garnered the story of a boy who turns out later to be a man.
there are alot of ramblings which sometimes i skip :), but then, i guess it just adds to the spice of the story and it explains or gives us the insight of the protagonist. it's a simple tale, with a simple character but with an extraordinary situations that would make each of us realize how lucky we are at times not to be in the character's shoes.
the story falls smoothly , and it inspires, touches the heart of those who read it.
totally worth reading.
Craig is 16 when he returns from a drug-fueled visit with his dad in Miami to find his mom leaving town with her 23 year-old boyfriend. In the same moment, his dreams of settling down with his pregnant girlfriend are dashed when she is moved off to Texas by her parents. Left alone in small town Oklahoma, he embarks on a deranged, cross-country quest for a family of his own.

STILL LIFE WITH BRASS POLE is Craig Machen’s funny, debauched and heartfelt memoir about young love and coming of age in the titillation business. And how a roaring White Knight Complex, an eccentric comedy club owner, and a trio of unpredictable striptease artists conspire to help him achieve his aims.

http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781461089001-1… (mehr)