City of Night

By: John Rechy

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

When John Rechy's explosive first novel appeared in 1963, it marked a radical departure in fiction, and gave voice to a subculture that had never before been revealed with such acuity. It earned comparisons to Genet and Kerouac, even as Rechy was personally attacked by scandalized reviewers. Nevertheless, the book became an international best seller, and 50 years later, it has become a classic.

Bold and inventive in style, Rechy is unflinching in his portrayal of one hustling "youngman" and his search for self-knowledge within the neon-lit world of hustlers, drag queens, and the denizens of their world, as he moves from El Paso to Times Square, from Pershing Square to the French Quarter. Rechy's portrait of the edges of America has lost none of its power to move and exhilarate.

©1963 John Rechy; Introduction copyright 1984 by John Rechy; Afterword copyright 2013 by John Rechy (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

An American Classic

I had read this novel years ago and liked it but hearing the audio version now was a revelation and I feel it has become an American classic. Although the subject matter takes place in the gay underworld of hustlers and marks on the downlow, this is not a sensationalist porn paperback but a serious novel of one man's journey from a small southwestern town to the underbelly of some of America's big cites as they existed in the 50-60's. So many memorable characters so vividly drawn and brought to life by the excellent narration by Paul Boehmer. This would be a great a literature double feature with Last Exit to Brooklyn as both give us a window into the lives of those living in the underbelly of the American dream that some never get the benefit of in the mid twentieth century. Well worth your time if you are adventurous and willing to take a tawdry walk on the wild side.

Compelling Story

This novel was superbly written and kept me very interested from beginning to end. I identified with it in more ways than one. Knowing that it is based on his life experience made it even that much more intriguing.

Breathless

After adapting to the narration which is a mix of high and lows - like life itself- I will be re visiting this book for the rest of my life for interpretations and plausible explanations of human existence in understandable, fleeting terms. Thank you Mr. Reach for existing and sharing. Kindest Regards

An amazing biography

I listened in rapt attention to this beautifully narrated biography. It covers a dark time in gay history, before Stonewall, when cruising was the main means of connection in the gay world. I will listen to this book again someday and probably be moved to tears again.

A seminal classic

I first read this book at the closeted age of 18. it came in a plain brown wrapper from Grove press.
I read this book as a personal exploration/investigation as a teen. The book actually inspired me to visit Times Square in New York City to see for myself.
My recent re-reading of City of Night impressed me with John Rechy's talent as a writer, making it seem as if his words flow effortlessly onto the page. While this book is written as a first person narrative, Rechy lets us get into the mind and motivation of his characters, making them into real multi-dimensional persons.

Brilliant book

should be required reading for Americans! a sharp prolife on human life and character that though dated resonates today

Amazing

I have heard of this book for many many years, and it did not disappoint. I’m so glad I finally had the opportunity to read/listen to it. I’m surprised no one has made it into a movie.

Appreciate it as landmark novel

It has the long ago/lost era feel of a 'Tom Of Finland' cartoon or a Peter Berlin photo.
Appreciate it as a landmark novel that was a huge influence for many.

wish I could get a refund

really hard to get into. narrator was wack. story was jumbled. didn't appreciate the story telling.

Interesting

This was an interesting book. A bit hard to follow with the separation of chapters, I had a hard time distinguishing between characters. And a hard time following the story because of that. But glad to have gotten through it.