Try (Cooper, Dennis)

Dennis Cooper is an incredible writer who dares to go places very few other authors refuse to touch. His books are shocking, grotesque but also masterfully structured, beautifully written and seem even more vital than ever in 2020. If you can stomach the extreme depictions of sexual violence you’ll find an incredible and indelible voice you’ll never forget.

This was my first Dennis Cooper book. I had a very hard time getting through it. I actually put the book down several times, swearing I would not finish reading it. But I did want to know more about the main character, Ziggy. The subject matter is very dark and disturbing. I think what probably disturbed me most was the fact that someone had known enough about such deviant behaviors to write about them. The most difficult for me was reading about "Uncle Ken", a disgusting, overweight, child molester/pornographer. He truly made me feel sick to my stomach. But in the end, I did finish the book, which is why I gave it three stars. It's somewhat interesting if your can stomach it.

I truly have no words for this book other than reader beware. I had heard great things about this author, and this book was NOT what I had expected. I have to a friend to read because I didn’t want it in the house after reading it and one of my kids picking it up....

I've read five books by Cooper over the years and he's my favorite transgressive writer next to Bret Easton Ellis. He's sexually violent and disturbing and nothing positive happens in his books, ever. If that is up your ally, don't start here. Start with Closer. but I'm excited to crack this one open.

Too graphic for me.

The contents of this book are difficult to read. I would avoid it at all costs.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. I bought this book because of the favorable reviews. What were they reading? NOT "Try". It takes everything I have to get through one page. It is written horribly and VERY hard to stay focused.

this is definitely my favorite of the 5-book series (frisk, try, guide, closer, period) that Cooper penned. i had admired his work from afar because for the longest time his choice of subject matter and deadpan prose often made me feel estranged from the characters and their situations. however, there is something to be said for his work as it has managed to attain a certain kind of distinguishment in my eyes which is perhaps an entirely personal sentiment, although a case could be made that it's not entirely personal. but i won't try. about the book: it is one of the most "emotional" of the 5-book series and has some of the most haunting passages and easy-to-identify characters (as far as the characters in Cooper's universe are concerned anyway!): the abusive father, the tragically misunderstood young man, the twisted relative, the aloof and obsessed admirer, and the suicidal compatriot. while there are a few other minor characters the above named are the most poignant and fully fleshed out (the aloof and obsessed admirer is narrated in the first-person) it helps to better understand just how difficult it is for the central character to relate to anyone, to understand their motives and situations, and ultimately to foresee any consequences. there is less of a recklessness in Cooper's storytelling with this novel and has perhaps the most optimistic "protagonist" of all the novels. this is saying a lot considering one of the story's more gruesome happenings, which is told in chillingly minimal language. in spite of these twists and turns in character development and plot cohesiveness the story reads fairly easy (if you're accustomed to Cooper's work) and is perhaps one of the most easily accessible as far as characterization and emotional depth go. but be warned, Cooper's writing has been and always will be for mature audiences only.

Big fan of dennis cooper, i have a couple of his books now. These books are not for everyone cause there very out there. I find it interesting reading a story which i wouldnt see in everyday life. Good read! Buy it if your new to dennis cooper or even the book 'the sluts', and want to read something new and out there.