See a Grown Man Cry, Now Watch Him Die [Paperback]

Henry Rollins (Author)

Book Description

Series: Henry Rollins | Publication Date: August 1, 1997

Two companion pieces released in one volume, containing selected writing and
tour journal entries from 1988-1992.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: 2.13.61 (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880985373
• ISBN-13: 978-1880985373
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Composers & Musicians > Rock

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The world's most powerful book, March 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: See a Grown Man Cry, Now Watch Him Die (Paperback)

7 years ago, a friend of mine read me a poem from "Now Watch Him Die" (They were seperate books back then). It's the one on page 164 of this volume, the one that starts with "I love you and you'll never know." Since then, I have not gone anywhere without a copy of these books close at hand. They are an all-encompassing chronicle of one man's solipsism, isolation, desperation and depression. This may not sound fascinating, but that man happens to be Henry Rollins, who has a talent for intensity and a command of words rivaled by no one of this era. Not since Bukowski has someone used so little to say so much. If you are ready for a descent into a maelstrom of anger, violence and pure, blinding pain, then this is the book for you. If you're looking for something sappy, sweet and redemptive, then try Oprah's Book Club instead.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Darkest Hour, August 6, 2001

By 

SoCal One "bdgrl" (SO CAL, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: See a Grown Man Cry, Now Watch Him Die (Paperback)

Being a long-time admirer of Mr. Rollins since his Black Flag days, I was compelled to look into some of his work other than music, which leads me to reading this book.

"See a Grown Man Cry/Now Watch Him Die" encompasses Henry's personal reflections of his life and touring throughout the 1988-1992 period. Mr. Rollins' book is comprised of writings taken from his personal journal and poems that he wrote during one of the darkest periods of his life, including witnessing the murder of his best friend, Joe Cole. Reading the first half of this book, his poems, leaves the reader with a taste of Henry's lonely and depressed feeling of obscurity. His poems not only reflect the dark side of his life, but also the tender and vunerable side that often causes him pain. . . one would think that Henry's often suicidal view is a cry for help. But in reality, he choses to hang on as shown by his defiant attitude towards life. The second half, comprised mostly of journal entries while touring, reflects the often angry Henry who wants nothing more than to spit in your face and to be left alone. At the same time, he wants everyone to know who he is and where he's coming from, yet needs the loneliness of his existence--one can only feel that Henry's expressions are nothing more than a contradiction: he desires success and fame, but agonizes over what comes with the territory of being famous (having fan recognition and having to do interviews).

The book is a true, sometimes brutal account of Henry's life and what he has endure during this dark and depressing time. I can appreciate his straight forwardness, honesty and defiant attitude towards life because we all share a painful period in our lives; some more than others. At the same time, I feel that while he deserves success, he does not necessarily deserve total kudos for his achievements, although I shall continue to respect his work.

Overall, I would still recommend it to fans of Henry Rollins. WARNING: Do not read this book if you're expecting a happy ending.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent albeit depressing work, August 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: See a Grown Man Cry, Now Watch Him Die (Paperback)

I bought this book on a whim one day from a local bookstore and wasn't able to put it down. It's a brutally honest rendition of a life filled with tragedy, depression, doubt and one unsuccesful relationship after another. It's one of the more depressing books I've read, but I pick it up even when I'm feeling down. The intense emotion is almost palpable, you'll feel every bit of rage, heart-ache and frustration, loneliness and confusion. See a Grown Man Cry is worth every penny you pay, every minute you read and every pang of grief you feel for the suffering Mr. Rollins. If you ever by a book by Henry Rollins it should be this one.