Books: Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

"I'm smiling because whenever we touch on the subject of this book which he is going to write some day things assume an incongruous aspect....The book must be absolutely original, absolutely perfect. That is why, among other things, it is impossible for him to get started on it. As soon as he gets an idea he begins to question it."
-Henry Miller, Tropic of Cancer (p.132)

Do I dare recommend this book which has been labeled with the most virulent pejoratives ever used to describe a book?
Dare I say I love it?
Yes and yes.

Two recommendations: 1) Read this simultaneously with A Learned Passion: Letters Between Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller for proper contextualization, though not required, it helps with the historical background; 2) Read it like an experienced book reader, checking any and all cultural and moral expectations at the door to fully delve into the gorgeous prose Miller delivers. It isn't sugary, nor lite, nor does it involve vampires nor imagery resembling a pastoral painting. Thank God for that. But it is trashy, vulgar, at times delving on the scatological: all the kinds of crap that I am fully equipped to handle. And yes, it is a classic from the 1930s. Ah, the things I do for a good read....;D