Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock
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Book Reviews of Knockemstiff
Book Review: No Chaser
Summary: 5 Stars
I read Knockemstiff on an empty stomach and the room started spinning after the first story. When I finished the book I needed a double shot of Tang with a fish stick back. I swear I knew many of the characters from my 9th grade Metal Shop class. A couple of the rips I'd seen buying lids behind the stadium. This writing cuts to the quick and right across the throat. One of the best collections I've read since Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s, "Welcome to the Monkey House" or Richard Brautigan's, "Revenge of the Lawn".Book Review: Amazing debut...
Summary: 5 Stars
Knockemstiff is one of the best books that I have ever read, period. These shocking stories follow right after each other, never giving the reader a chance to catch his or her breath. I read this entire novel in one sitting because I just did not want to stop. Knockemstiff is that good, well worth your money and time. The future is bright for Donald Ray Pollock. Pollock has joined my small list of favorite authors. A+ for Knockemstiff.Book Review: Roadtrip to Knockemstiff? No thanks, I'll read the book.
Summary: 5 Stars
Donald Ray Pollock has something to teach us all. He is a new master of the short story. "Knockemstiff" is dark, trashy, disturbing, and an indulgence for anyone who is reading it. From the most unusual sensory devices - smoking moldy hashish - to the most eloquent swearing, Donald Ray Pollock did better than I could have hoped for. I am excited for his next title.
Chuck's endorsement didn't hurt.
Book Review: Not exactly Chamber of Commerce material ...
Summary: 5 Stars
Pollock's work is tremendously written. Yep, it's vulgar and gritty and, like others have said, it has to be taken in little snacks -- not all in one bite. But if you read it, you'll see a tremendously talented guy.
Some people have said it unfairly portrays this area of the country as a bunch of people without hope. Uh, it's fiction people ... drawn from experience, but still fiction.
Book Review: Not for Mealtime Reading
Summary: 5 Stars
Whatever you do, don't read Knockemstiff while you are eating dinner! The stories in this collection are raw and visceral, full of bodily secretions, garbage, and disgusting practices too numerous to mention. In short, amazing and finely crafted stuff. If Pollock writes a novel, it might just spontaneously combust! An impressive debut.