Quitting the Nairobi Trio
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Book Overview
With the same prickly, poignant humor that distinguished Slackjaw, his brave and astonishing (Mirabella) debut, Knipfel recounts his six-month stay in a Minneapolis mental institution. Heartbreaking and funny, often in the same paragraph.--Newsweek.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0425178366
ISBN13:9780425178362
Release Date:July 2001
Publisher:Berkley Publishing Group
Length:304 Pages
Weight:0.59 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.1" x 8.0"
Related Subjects
Arts & Literature Behavioral Sciences Biographical Biographies Biographies & History Biography & History Contemporary Entertainers Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting Humor & Entertainment Journalists Literature & Fiction Medical Mental Illness Midwest Professionals & Academics Psychology Psychology & Counseling Regional U.S. Science & MathCustomer Reviews
4 ratings
Loved the humor! It worked for a dark subject!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
When I bought this book I was unsure as to whether or not the whole business of being in a mental institution would be very funny. Well, somehow or other, treating the subject without pity and a poor me attitude made the story stronger. I felt for the people-- I didn't laugh at them-- it was more the absurdity and self-loathing we all feel in everyday life that came through.
Slackjaw revisited
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
After a nearly succesful suicide attempt with scotch and sleeping pills, Knipfel ends up in the harrowing and frustrating world of the mental ward. While trying to prove his "sanity" to his hospital appointed psychiatrist he finds himself locked in a no-win situation. First of all, he only meets with him for one half-hour session once a week. Secondly, if he tells him he's not really crazy then he's looked upon as a liar, and if he admits he does have a few "psychotic breaks" then he'll never get out. Add to this an array of severely mentally ill people and a non-chalant nursing staff and it's a wonder that he could keep whatever sanity he had intact.In this prequel to "Slackjaw", Knipfel delves deeply into the dark feelings of "will I ever get out of here" and "what if they don't really believe that I'm sane?". It can seem a little hopeless and maddening at times, but Knipfel always seems to come away with a brighter way of looking at things.
Knipfel tellls it like it should be told.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
After just completing "Nairobi Trio" I feel I have embarked on a career of reading nothing but non-fiction. While at times, the truth may be "scary", knowing it's real can be oh-so rewarding. In the case of your recent work....I felt it extremely rewarding, and hope there's more to come!
Bigger and Better
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Slackjaw was a fine debut, but this is a much better book. Controlled, refined, witty, and yes - that rarest of accolades for a 'hip writer' - vulnerable. Funny provocative storytelling. Highlight: Knipfel takes a scuba diving test.
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