You Can't Win

By: Jack Black

Narrated by: Bernard Setaro Clark

The favorite book of William Burroughs. A journey into the hobo underworld, freight hopping around the still Wild West, becoming a highwayman and member of the yegg (criminal) brotherhood, getting hooked on opium, doing stints in jail or escaping, often with the assistance of crooked cops or judges. Our lost history revived.

With an introduction by Burroughs. A BookSense 77 selection.

©2001 Jack Black (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

One of the best books I’ve read in a while

This was an excellent book. It was very well written, and it covers an interesting bit of history in the American west. I initially read it because it is set in part in Pocatello, Idaho. However, I think even folks who are not particularly interested in the history of the American Northwest will find this an absorbing read.

The author covers his life as a career criminal in the late 1800s and early 1900s in great detail. There is enough detail that it did make me wonder if everything is entirely factual; however, it seems like he is just presenting his memories as he remembers them. After doing some very minimal research, I haven’t found anything to suggest that it isn’t factual.

Despite being the memoir of a criminal, it doesn’t read like a Robin Hood story or a gangster movie. It presents the appeal of the criminal life with respect to adventure and all that, but it also presents the many troubles this kind of life brings. It doesn’t try to justify wrongdoing or present the author as a hero.

Where the Beat Generation and cadence came from

From the opening line to the closing sentence this is a groundbreaking piece of writing. You can hear not just Kerouac, but the phrase on the road twenty times. Jack Black was an honorable person and we can all learn from his simple truths. Sadly the prison system has not risen to where he hoped it would go. Great book, perfect narrative cadence. ~wjm

an old road warrior

I once roamed this country and this book was recommended by a dear old friend who adventured more than me the tails of woe and adventure are beyond compair

The narrator

Maybe it’s just me but I feel like the narrator really puts you in this book almost like your in jacks head himself. I wish I could find more books like this one

Interesting but slow

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Maybe, if they like a history like read that is interesting, but slow to me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character who is reading this

What about Bernard Setaro Clark’s performance did you like?

I liked him, i think his voice is perfect for this book. But the book itself is a slow listen and read.

it's too good

wel-written. older than your grandfather. more gripping than Game of Thrones. I knocked it out in two days, I listened to it so voraciously.

A dated autobiography that still resonates today

Jack Black’s story requires an open mind and strong sense of how right and wrong, “honor among thieves,” and ill-advised adventures can create a life of sorrow, yet hope for reformation. It’s a reminder of how far our penal systems have come, yet thinking about our current prison populations, how far we have yet to go.

Stunning book. extraordinarily well written

Loved this book. A fantastic glimpse of criminal life in Western North America in the 1880s-1920s. Extremely well-written and approachable. A grand adventure.

Older kids would like it, but there are deaths described moderately graphically, and the author becomes.an opium addict, so keep that in mind.

Wonderful, historical entertainment

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would, the story is an unusual glimpse into the past. I love history but this told a story I hadn't heard before.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved hearing him describe places I have been to myself and seeing through his eyes how things have changed. He tells an honest and thoroughly non nostalgic tale of his life, with no regrets or apologies.

Which character – as performed by Bernard Setaro Clark – was your favorite?

Jack Black! While he describes many wonderful people, including salt lick Mary, he tells his own story best.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Probably not but I did listen to it as often as I could.

Perfect audio book

The story and presentation are perfect. Jack Black was a great writer and story teller. The narration is outstanding and I wish the narrator could narrate every book I want to listen to.