Review: Bukowski in a Sundress

It would be easy to compare Kim Addonizio's memoir Bukowski in a Sundress with the writings of Anne Lamott or the humor of Amy Schumer, or to match her to, as she writes, " 'Walt Whitman in a sparkly tutu,' or possibly 'Emily Dickinson with a strap-on' " but that would not do justice to Addonizio and her quirky, irreverent, incredibly funny writing. In these short essays about her personal and writing life, Addonizio (The Palace of Illusions) takes aim primarily at herself. She brings humor to middle age, life as a writer with a certain level of achievement, her drinking and drug use, many one-night stands, her marriages that have failed and falling in love with a younger man.

In "How to Succeed in Po Biz," she writes, "Many are they who harbor the burning desire to become successful poets and rise to the top of their profession. To see one's name on the cover of a slender paperback, to have tens and perhaps even dozens of readers, to ascend to a lecture podium in a modest-size auditorium after being introduced by a less successful poet, who is unsure of the pronunciation of your name--these are heady rewards. And beyond these lie the true grail: generous grants, an endowed chair at a university, the big money that will allow you to write and remodel your kitchen while freeing you from reading the incoherent ramblings of inferior wannabees. How can you realize your dreams? Follow this step-by-step advice." What follows pokes fun at the recognition process in writing, and will ring glaringly true for anyone who has submitted his or her work for publication.

In the essay "A Word of It," she gives a shout-out to her father, who turned her on to the power of poetry and words when he gave her a copy of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. In "Flu Shot," she ponders the twists of life for her mother, a former tennis champion, who's in an assisted-living facility and needs help with all aspects of daily care.

Throughout, Addonizio doesn't shy away from swearing and discussing her vices, her desire for love or just a good sexual encounter. Yet, unlike many memoirs that cover similar topics, she writes with a tone and attitude that leaves the reader wanting just a tiny bit more, kind of like the vodka and lemonade she's fond of imbibing. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer

Shelf Talker: A successful poet pokes fun at herself and the writing process in 26 essays that are equal parts funny and tender.

Powered by: Xtenit