Definitely the most accurate account of opiate addiction in Burroughs' day and age. The descriptions of his cravings, withdrawal's, demoralization, and genuine desperation (from the score to the fix to the thirst for more) were just spot on and continues to be the best I've read. The plot and character development were great as well.
Yeah, definitely one of the best autobiographical-fiction books of the Beats. It is also one of Burroughs clearest and straightforward stories. It would be a good introduction for anyone that hasn't yet read his work.
very true. naked lunch could possibly make your head explode if you aren't prepared. if i were to suggest what books in what order it would go Junky--->Exterminator----->Naked Lunch.
I just read this book today. Pretty good read, finished it in one setting (airplane flight). I enjoyed some of his world a lot more. Junky was very structures. Very entertaining, yet not unique. I think that there are more existentialist narratives on drugs out there. Junky seems to be a tad repetitive, and it just feels like good ol' Bill is trying too hard. Great read, none the less.
Read this last year....I have a few friends that used to struggle with dope, and they all say how accurate the book is...not just the physical trauma of withdrawls and cravings, but from the psychological standpoint as well.
I'd really like to read this book. I fell in love with the Beats not after reading On the Road but more so after reading Dharma Bums. Haven't read any Burroughs books though. This one would be especially interesting considering my potentially dangerous love of opiates.
im reading junky for the second time. really great book. i have naked lunch on audio, being that its on audio it may be why im having such a hard time following it.
I would read it. I'm a big fan of his other stuff: Naked Lunch, and the Nova Trilogy. But this book is just more a pulp novel i think. I'd probably read it anyway 'cuz i've read parts and they're really good.
This is probably a dumb question where can you find a copy of Junky? I looked online before on a couple different book sites but they all have different versions or editions or something? Hmm
If you like Burroughs, you may want to check out Alexander Trocchi's Cain's Book. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2007/aug/23/thejunkygeniusofalexander
Junky is an excellent read, a quasi historical document on the dope scene in the earlier part of the 20th Century. Would read again! :2thumbsup:
I finished it yesterday. It was one of the best fiction books I have ever read. 90% of what I read is textbooks or academic journals, so this was a great detour. Being an opioid addict on Suboxone Maintenance right now, while also having a heavy stimulant habit, this book zeroed in perfectly on the bizarre train of thought that all of us slaves to drugs share.
Junky, Queer and the yage letters are perfect. This might sound like heresy but I really prefer it when Burroughs wrote more in the style of a pulp novel than his bizarre cut-up technique. Also this is one of those books that can be read on it's own but knowing the backround on Burroughs really adds a lot of depth.
