Forced Entries: The Downtown Diaries: 1971-1973 [Paperback]

Jim Carroll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 1987

The illuminating, shocking, humorous diary that tells all about the sex, the frugs and the atmosphere of New York in the late '60s and early '70s. A supremely entertaining book that will expand the legion of Carroll's fans.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 7, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140085025
• ISBN-13: 978-0140085020
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lasers in New York / Cysts in Manhattan, December 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Forced Entries: The Downtown Diaries: 1971-1973 (Paperback)

(the review title makes reference to elements in the book)

This book is old but no less compelling than it was upon publication. Be forewarned though as Carrol's preface admits that
this slice-of-post-60s junkie life is not entirely true to
actual experience or sequenced correctly (relative to time)
but I assure you that these are mere details in what is otherwise a fine and strangely reassuring book - at least for those with personal experience with drug addiction.

There is a tone of optimism which keeps emerging throughout the work which reaches a climax as the author finally manages to rid his body of literal festering corruption afterwhich he basks in the afterglow of the early NYC sounds. One is left with the
impression that Carrol is more addicted to the Big Apple than any substance.

For those looking for an expose of "look what I did
to support my junk habit" well look elsewhere. This is much less
about heroin than it is the general vibe surrounding the early 70s in NYC. If you were there you will experience a strong sense of deja vu - for those who weren't well use this book as your
starting point and move forward.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DEEP, HYSTERICAL, THOUGHT PROVOKING, February 24, 2000

By 

Jessica Berry - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forced Entries: The Downtown Diaries: 1971-1973 (Paperback)

I thought "The Basketball Diaries" was great, but this book surpassed even that. I laughed out loud several times and read parts over and over again. Carroll writes so beautifully that you almost forget the book is about life on drugs. His language is beautiful and clever, and his stories are funny and easy to imagine. This is one book I will be reading over and over again for along time. I wish he had a third diary out.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Poet and Writer, August 28, 2003

By 

"bowieeyes" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forced Entries: The Downtown Diaries: 1971-1973 (Paperback)

After seeing the movie "The Basketball Diaries," I decided to pick up the book. It was excellent. Then I read "Forced Entries." I admire Jim for writing without barriers. He sees humor in things you wouldn't think of. I couldn't put this book down. Because of those two books, he is now my favorite author/poet. His poetry is worth reading also. Everything he writes is a personal, touching, and often a scary reality. When reading his stuff, you can picture yourself in his world for a day. You see through the drug-addict's and poet's eyes. To understand the lengths people with drug addiction go through, you have to read at least one of his books. However, you'll be craving to read more.