Books

Women

Bukowski kisses and tells.

I read this as a palette cleanser between the Bible and the Quran. I remember loving Bukowski’ prose, perspective, and subject matter in my early twenties. 

But this was a serious letdown. The writing was raw and direct, but not as potent as I recalled. The whole thing just came off as misogynistic and mildly pornographic. The only grasps at a higher literary tier were the occasional references to poetry readings, the broader misanthropy, and the revealed self loathing. 

I want to make it clear that I am not a prude. I understand desire. I feel desire strongly. I like writing that authentically conveys desire. But Bukowski’s thoughts and behaviors as recorded here seem more like deliberately hostile consumption than the aching, yearning, worshipping experience of desire that makes sense and feels right to me.

I recommended avoiding this. If you want to read a filthy old man’s writings about sex, read Memories of my Melancholy Whores instead.

The Quran

Foundational text of Islam. 

As a persuasive text, this seemed stronger than the Bible. It’s clearer, more economical, and it hits its main points harder and more frequently. 

But just as with the Bible, I found little to like in the language or the substance. 

In hindsight, I shouldn’t have made this excursion into religious texts. But I was curious to see if I could find in them what has resonated so much for so many people for so many years.

Really admirable that you've read this and the bible- i don't think many people have or would. I, for one, appreciate it, and your insights. Looking forward to your next review.

I grew up Muslim and the text is supposed to be a miracle in itself.  The idea is that Mohammed was illiterate and the text is such poetry - how could he have done it? The text even references itself as a work of divine art.

So you apparently need to read it in Arabic to get the full effect.  I’ve heard it in Arabic and DO hear some poetry sometimes, but agree with your take.

If you read this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crusades_Through_Arab_Eyes
You save on reading both religions books.
Two books in one and it makes everything far more clear.

Yeah, it’s not that long. Even the Bible, which is maybe 10x longer, is not really that long in the grand scheme of things. Maybe roughly comparable to reading all of Harry Potter or two passes through War and Peace. Hard to say for sure though because the religious books feel interminable. 

I’m sure the word counts for all are available

with the Quran, you miss a lot of context if you don't understand the milieu that it was situated in. Would recommend reading a biography on Muhammed's life alongside it. The next time you re-read it if you do.