joerourke's reviews
26 reviews

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.

it's a looooong book. it's interesting but it rambles. I'd definitely revisit it as it is a profound piece of commentary but it likely didn't need to be that long

Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg

adventurous challenging funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

a strange yet very touching collection of works which represent the chaos and the spirit of Ginsberg and his fellow beats

Junky by William S. Burroughs

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

a difficult yet thrilling read of a man who continually lets his demons win at every opportunity

Queer by William S. Burroughs

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

a difficult read as Burroughs descends into heroin usage more, focuses on his gay lovers and obsessions

At Certain Points We Touch by Lauren John Joseph

funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

a really beautiful insight into queer love and finding ones identity/sense of being

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

challenging hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

a fantastic adventure and adequately pretentious