A Journey with Henry Miller

A friend and neighbor of mine who appears to be a devote reader. I often spy him sitting in his front yard, reading his tablet. In fact I have never seen him doing otherwise, with the exception of carrying in groceries or happily leaving for work. Uncertain whether he’s escaping his family, a wife, and two daughters, or just enjoying what would appear to be his favorite activity “a good read”. I approach him several times per week, normally with a nod, a casual greeting of whatever fits that moment for me. Sometimes I will manage a brief conversation by quizzing him about what he is reading. Recently I offered him the work of Henry Miller. He had suggested an author to me, ( forgive me) who’s name escapes me at the moment. However, his work “Get Shorty” is a film I’ve enjoyed on several occasions. In fact, I will watch it again when given an opportunity, simply because it is so amusing, clever, with dialogue that is entertaining fun as well as funny. It is an amusing film.

I believe, “Get Shorty” is also the name of the book however, this is a blog! You must over look some of it’s shortcomings. At any rate, the film contains a well written story within a story, with colorful dialogue, entertaining characters, a sub-plot and even Hollywood’s favorite, the Cameo and A love interest. All the elements of a good film.

However when I think of profound script writers, I am taken to John Fante’, but not in the way of “the script”, but, in the borrowed words of Charles Bukowski, I see him as a literary God.

I was introduced to John Fante’ by one of my strongest influences as a writer, a friend and editor named “Bethany.” Whom, I hope is still reading editing and enjoying the busy streets of New York City. Bless you, Bethany, for all the gifts you have given, this simple, would be writer. Now, leaving the sentiment, I must comment on John Fante’ a write whose style is more than Music is more than poetry it’s well, Fante’ Now I will continue my experience with my neighbor and my dear friend, Henry Miller.

Having been so excited by this readers, reader offering the direction of a read, I offered to lend him a fourth addition of one of my favorite books “Black Spring” by Henry Miller. I said “Please, read this wonderful book.( It’s been my experience that people do not read they do not but themselves borrowed books, so I’ll expect a return in let’s say, ten days?” He glanced at the book, thumbing it, he said “It’s just over four hundred pages, I’ll have done in two days.” Several days went by, and I ask “How are you enjoying Black Spring?” He smiled and shook his head. “Henry Miller is a fascinating writer.” Still, no further reference to my( by Henry Miller)book, which I received along with The Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer.( A gift set from my beautiful wife on our first anniversary.)

These are hard cover fourth edition prints. The value are the words, the value is Henry Miller. But I’m certain she struggled through many a book store to find this precious gift.

Several days went by, and I began to worry. Again I ask about my book. Jerry, my neighbor, said “Wow. It can be confusing to read Henry Miller.” At which point, I discussed his style. About a week later, my wife smiled and handed me the book She said “Jerry told me to tell you this book ‘kicked my ass’”