Customer Reviews

The Portable Henry Rollins

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Like wine, Henry Rollins gets better with age. This, being his 13th release (or so) on 2.13.61 publications, proves to be a turning point for the hot animal machine. One might find this strange when considering that the book is a collection of material from his previous works. But, let's be honest; anyone who has read "High Adventures in the Great Outdoors" or "Now Watch Him Die" knows that Rollins usually has the tendency to drag things on a bit. In the Portable Henry Rollins, the very best segments of each work are compiled together. Thus, by reading straight through, one can actually see the progression and maturity of Rollins as a writer through the years. My personal favorites are the segments from Get in the Van, Solipsist, and the new short stories at the end of the book which, for the more nostalgaic reader, are memoirs of life with the zany Ian McKaye. Anyone who glorifies the lifestyle of American Punk (or should I say Hardcore to be politically correct?) really should check out this book. Here are testimonies from teenagers and young adults, exposing the less glamourous / more painful aspects of trying to make ends meet in a non-corporate way. One thing is for sure; after a read through, you will be convinced Rollins continues to do what he does for a genuine love of music and literature. Who else would put up with lose cartilidge in the knees, stolen equipment / clothes, and fights at their own concerts every night? Either he is committed or truly insane! It is worthy to note, however, that anyone foreign to the world of Black Flag / Rollins Band would also find this book to be truly enjoyable. As a matter of fact, my sister, who is a high school teacher of English, has went as far as to include the short story "Go Fish" in her curriculum. In my opinion, what Rollins has done is admitted to the far-fetched thoughts EVERYBODY has ever had, but was too afraid to admit. This is reflected in all of his writings, whether they be poems, jounral entries, essays, or short stories. Many people will find it incredibly easy to relate to his frustrations, twisted humor, and (at times) utter lonliness. For anyone who is interested in reading Rollins' books, but has yet to do so, this book is a resounding MUST!

I think when a person has seen enough of the twisted and crazy in the world, they need to have a blow off valve for all that pent up insanity. Henry Rollins has seemed to attract more madness to himself in less time than anyone I've ever seen. Obviously, with his great intelligence, he noted lots of the hypocrisy in the world, and with his unique view point, blessed us with his writing. This book is great, and makes any member of society take a good look at what they're killing themselves to become "the best" of. This book is required reading for anyone sick of the BS daily life makes us all live through. Henry Rollins is a genius. (And his band rules.)

As I flew home today to Chicago, I found myself once again bound to Henry Rollins and his insight, humor and distrust for men, pigs, skinhead punkers and wannabes. Henry Rollins is a voice of reality that far too often gets ignored by pop culture. A role that he seems to enjoy. However, it would be misleading of me to say that Henry Rollins would want any pats on the back or adjulation. Just read, understand and think. Don't accept whatever is spoon fed to you. Make your own decisions, accept the consequences, get in the van and see where you end up. Thanks Henry. You made a long flight less painful. (I am bound by the rating system, but I feel that this book stands on its own. Ratings are for week minded people who need to be told what is good and bad in life. This view is my own and does not represent AMAZON.com.)

This book is one of the best I've ever read. If you are stuck on which Henry Rollins book to buy I suggest you get this one. It is an anthology of his past books put together in one hell of a book. If you are a Rollins fan or not, I recomend you buy this book. Trust me you wont regret it!

As a fan of the "audible" Rollins, I was very intrigued to see what the "written" Rollins was all about. This anthology of Rollins' work is just superb. The rawness, the humor, the darkness, the energy; all are hallmarks of Henry's style. If you've ever wanted to start to see what makes Henry tick, this is a great place to start. I can guarantee something will grab you and invade your soul.

This was my first real exposure to Mr. Rollins. I've now read the book twice (A rare thing for me) and will probably do it again. This book has proven to be a thought provoking and mind expandind introduction to Hank. I f you are curios as to what all the fuss is over this hulking tatooed rage magnet, check this book out.

This is a brutal, and often times brutally funny, introduction to the writings of Henry Rollins. Trippy poetry, life on tour, observations on life and human nature.....this book has it all. If you've always been curious about Rollins and his work, this anthology will give you a fairly thorough sampling of what he does best -- make you think. I recommend this book highly.

Great intro to Rollins and what makes him tick. There is much more depth to be plumbed if you have the inclination and time to discover more about this modern day 'renaissance man' but this is a good place to start with printed work.

I think that everyone should read this book! It is honestly the best book that I have ever read. Rollins takes us to places that we only think about, but don't have the guts to admit. He frees us to believe the things that we really want to.

Henry Rollins' writing is limited. He doesn't have the diplomacy, the syntax, or the vocabulary of other reknowned American writers like Hawthorne, Twain, or even Ginsberg, but he makes up for it with his brutal sense of honesty, and a very plausible sense of reality. Most of his works represent the struggle of every day life, finding yourself, and dealing with the harshness of people he comes across. The Portable Henry Rollins is a great introduction to his writing style, and only makes me want to dive in deeper into his works, and his mind.