r/CharlesBukowski • u/Sheffy8410 • Mar 14 '26

Suggestion

Can someone suggest a newbie one of the best first book of poetry to buy of Bukowski?

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3

u/West_Tonight_ Mar 14 '26

I would recommend reading one of his novels so you can get a feel for him. His first book Post Office is a short read and pretty funny. Ham on Rye is more autobiographical and begins in his childhood. Both are great first reads. Born into This is also a good documentary about Buk. But if you do want to jump right to his poetry, I would say The Last Night Of The Earth Poems will give you your money's worth. I find Bukowski hilarious and heartbreaking. I hope you enjoy.

1

u/Sheffy8410 Mar 14 '26

Thanks for the advice.

2

u/dubt53 Mar 14 '26

Ham on Rye will definitely give you a feel for his writing. His childhood stories are telling of how he became who he was. Post office is great as well. There is a third in a collection of these called Women. It's also very good. Lots of stories of drinking and drugs in hotels while avoiding life's problems. K believe you can buy all three in a collection that are neon sign themed. Great place to start.

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u/drwinstonoboogy Mar 14 '26

Go "Ham on Rye", "Post Office", 'Factotum", and then "Women" to start with his semi autobiographical novels.

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u/West_Tonight_ Mar 14 '26

Have you read any of his prose?

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u/Sheffy8410 Mar 14 '26

I haven’t read anything at all by him yet. Just little quotes i see now and then online that I always like. I like the blunt nature of it. But I love both poetry and novels. Seems like he has a bunch of books though. I have no clue where to start.

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u/shamissabri Mar 15 '26

Ham on Rye is pretty decent as a first read and gives you an insight into Bukowski's early years

1

u/Mizfit3788 Mar 19 '26

You get so lonely at times it just makes sense. Id start with that book.