Sunday, January 21, 2007

The Man with the Golden Arm

This book, The Man with the Golden Arm by Nelson Algren was recommened by a guy who I worked with for three years before I learned how much he loves "gritty Chicago" stories. Growning up in Chicago (or as we say around here, "the city") he loves books set there and particularly loves this one, for the great protrayal of the dark side of city life including drugs, crime and just plain hard luck. This was aslo made into a movie staring Frank Sinatra.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yes this was my recommendation and I have to say, one of my favorite books. Algren was an unappreciated genius in this town...and not the only one I'm afraid. For a short read as an into to his work and style, check out "Chicago: City On The Make". http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-City-Anniversary-Newly-Annotated/dp/0226013855/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3820657-7582520?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174931038&sr=1-1

You know its an important work 'cause it was spoofed on The Simpsons once. There was an old filmstrip shown in an episode entitled "Springfield: City on the Grow."