I like to pretend that y’all love books as much as I do and that when I suggest ‘mats-esque books you kind of dig that, even if you don’t read them. Please do not disabuse me of this delusion, okay?
Anyway, I am here to tell you about David Carr’s memoir The Night of the Gun. Some of you might remember Carr from his NY Times piece about The ‘Mats a few years back. Some of you local old-timers might remember him from his stint at the now-defunct Twin Cities Reader. A lot of you probably have no idea who the fuck I’m talking about.
You should read this book anyway. It’s a thrilling, fascinating, can’t-lookaway-like-a-trainwreck book. See, before becoming Mr. Successful NY Times Writer, Carr was a skeevy crackhead trolling the streets of the Twin Cities. We’re talking dirtbag of epic proportions — a woman-beating, child neglecting, drug dealing, kind of dirtbag. Reading about his depths and how he slowly dug himself out makes for a good time. This isn’t one of those glory be to God on the highest, let your little light shine kind of bullshit recovery memoir. So don’t worry about that.
Seriously, it is jaw-droppingly fascinating. I don’t throw that word around lightly, and I’m generally the snobbiest of the book snobs, but this book is worth your time.
Also there are a few blink-and-you’ll-miss-it ‘Mats references, which is totally my justification for writing about this book here. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We should always support authors who have the good sense to like the ‘Mats. Right?
Missed my other Paul Westerberg Bookclub Recommendations?
Joshua Furst’s Sabotage Cafe
Er, I guess that’s it though I could have sworn I talked about Brock Clarke’s An Arsonist’s Guide to Writers’ Homes in New England. I should have. Ha! I did. I’m so smart.
Does it have pictures;)
Yes, lots of them.
Crackers!
That’s good, right?
I still don’t know.
I hope so.
I type it with youthful enthusiasm, and a fist pump at the end.
wooo hooo! Finally got a copy of 49. You know that Satan fellow isn’t all that bad. I think he is largely misunderstood . . . and he’s got a wicked stereo system.
Rumor has it Devil Raised a Good boy!
Enjoy 49:00.
Chris, give the password to Scott, so another brother can get his mitts on 49:00.
Beelzebub got you. Just throw money.
I will have to give this book a shot. I’d also recommend Frederick Exley’s. “A Fan’s Notes” An amazing book.