I also was blown away when I read it, and I turned many
people onto it
-- it's a completely lurid read, but so real and macabre. You
get a real
sense of the darkness that engulfs the drug world, as well as
the
perverse behavior that accompanies it, especially the process
of
"turning someone out." (Usually a woman.) Plus, Goines
invents one of
most evil heavies of all time in the dope dealer
"Porky."
Though I can think of some true autobiographies that are
powerful
stories about addiction, "Dopefiend" is one of the best
fictions -- and
it is completely unsentimental! Still, as Goines' first book,
much about
it is probably autobiographical. But my instinct tells me
that
"Whoreson," which I think is his second book, is probably
even closer to
his own experience, although I can't be sure. BTW, Holloway
House, (note
correct spelling!) has a "rip-off" bio called "Donald Writes
No More,"
that is basically a plug for their editions of Goines and
Iceberg Slim.
Gina, I'm impressed that you're appreciating Goines. Not to
me sexist
about it, but I know few women who'd even read him, much less
be
impressed by him.
Dave
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