Andy Ray

This is the story of one man's struggle to conquer his own life; to finally become the one in control of his actions. The story involves brutal honesty about a life of drinking and desire for sexual pleasure but also a desire for peace.

There are really three main parts to this book: before alcohol, the alcoholic, and the recovering alcoholic. Each part of the story shows how shattered Perry Smith's life was and really draws the reader into that dark lifestyle. It doesn't sugar coat a life lived addicted to poison but rather it shows a unique look into one man's inner desires, fears, and secrets.

But perhaps the best part of this book, and the most intriguing, is the transfiguration of Perry Smith. To come to grips with a life not loved, to confront that life and to change it into a more peaceful existence was remarkable.

I think this was a great book simply because it made me feel such a wide range of emotions. This ability is the mark of a good book.… (mehr)

A set of linked short stories, that could perhaps be worked up to a full novel, but worthwhile of itself. Set in the hippy Californian culture of the late sixties that seems to match my recollections of how it appeared to us on the other side of the pond. A little heavy on the adjectives in the stoned bits and there is more sex than I want to read about but all fits into the narrative.
I had to look up what a 'Scapular' is and although I now know what ' bangs' are in relation to hair, I must get round to finding out what 'shingles' apropos hair are/is.
Deserves to be more widely read.… (mehr)

I received this book from Librarything Early Reviewers. To be quite honest I had no idea what to expect when I picked this up. I did read this in one sitting. This book to be depicted what the 60's perfectly. I did find the first few short stories gruesome and some of the stories are sexually graphic. It is nothing that is too overwhelming and I feel that if it wouldn't have been in the book it would have taken away from the free spirits of the main characters. The stories follow the main character and two secondary characters on a journey of social change of the 60's. They also encounter issues with anti war movements,Gay and Women's liberation and the KKK. All In all I felt like it was an amazing short story collection. It left me wondering what happened to the characters in the 70's its a must read!… (mehr)