Close to the Knives

Close to the Knives

A Memoir of Disintegration

About the Book

In Close to the Knives, David Wojnarowicz gives us an important and timely document: a collection of creative essays -- a scathing, sexy, sublimely humorous and honest personal testimony to the "Fear of Diversity in America." From the author's violent childhood in suburbia to eventual homelessness on the streets and piers of New York City, to recognition as one of the most provocative artists of his generation -- Close to the Knives is his powerful and iconoclastic memoir. Street life, drugs, art and nature, family, AIDS, politics, friendship and acceptance: Wojnarowicz challenges us to examine our lives -- politically, socially, emotionally, and aesthetically.
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Praise for Close to the Knives

"David Wojnarowicz is brilliantly attuned to American talk and responsive to the moods and innovations of society's truants. He also has the best conscience of any writer I know. This fierce, erotic, haunting, truthful book should be given to every teenager immediately." -- Dennis Cooper

"Wojnarowicz's writing fairly smokes with acrid ironies. It's passionate and personal." -- New York

"Everyone should read Close to the Knives to understand the overall political agenda behind suffering, whether that suffering occurs because of a dysfunctional family, religion, or government. Wojnarowicz explores all of his painful life experiences as a plea for all of us to become more compassionate and caring human beings. This isn't just David's story, it's our story, our nation's story." -- Karen Finley
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About the Author

David Wojnarowicz
David Wojnarowicz (1954–1992) was an artist, painter, and AIDS activist. Born in New Jersey, he lived most of his life in New York City. His art has been part of various exhibits and galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He is the author of Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration. More by David Wojnarowicz
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