Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski

This is Bukowski’s best novel. An autobiographical novel, it goes a long way toward explaining how he became the bitter, misanthropic, brilliant drunk that he eventually became. Bukowski’s writing really resonates with me for some reason. It’s not uplifting, but it gives the me the courage to face whatever life throws at me. For that he deserves something better than a Pulitzer or even a Nobel. But all Bukowski wanted out of life was a quiet room to himself and a good supply of beer. Bukowski’s life is a testimony to how a man can do a lot even when life gives him very little.