A Drinking Life: A Memoir

Looking for a happy place away from Brooklyn, the author drinks, laughs, fornicates, and pursues his dreams around the world. After endless wild episodes and broken relationships, ends up back in Brooklyn.Pete Hamill does not disappoint.

Pete Hamill and I are the same age-77. He grew up on the East coast while I split my coming of age years between Wisconsin and Los Angeles. Consequently, we have some of the same childhood memories, before the war, the war and after the war. we both collected bacon grease, he was told it was for oiling guns. I was told it was for ammunition. I think I my version was right.He and I both started drinking beer at an early age...we both were flummoxed by girls...at first. I went on to marry my high school sweetheart. Pete dropped out of school to chase women and his dreams. We both continued to drink. I think Pete became a serious alcoholic while I, of course, was just a "hard drinker". He finally quit and so did I.We both wrote a coming of age memoir. Mine is called, "20 YEARS TO LIFE...A Memoir" the self imposed sentence about an only child with an attitude whose crime was he thought growing up would be an easy ride.Reading Pete's cool memoir led me to compose this short poem called, "I Quit".The day I quit hadnothing much to dowith Holy Writ.And, I'd have to say,it wasn't AA.It was just a simplethought,that I ought.Of course there's remorsewhen friends fade away.Just no fun, they'll say.But often they'll twitterthey aren't really bitter.Some even will admire the spunkit takes to stop being a drunk.And in a show of serious class,They'll raise yet another glassthen perhaps sigh, and even admitthey, too, think it's time to quit

I always liked Pete Hamill’s writing style and have read many of his books. What pleasantly surprised me was that the book was not predominantly about his drinking which would have been somewhat painful to read. He includes slice of life stories from his neighborhood and travels which I have always enjoyed in previous books. One time I mentioned to him that I identified with his stories even though I grew up in Queens and not Brooklyn. He was very interested then in my background and informed me that his Brooklyn people moved to Queens in my youth. He was a wonderful man if you were ever lucky to make his acquaintance. This book was not sad or depressing but informative about how our culture can produce some not so redeeming qualities in its youth. What a life he lived. I was glad we could experience it.

I guess I had heard of Pete Hamill when "NYC old timers" were referenced. However, it was when reading "A Drinking Life" by Caroline Knapp did I feel compelled to seek out this book. I understand other reviwers' disappointment that Hamill's memoir wasn't at all like Caroline Knapp's hard-core and raw experience with alcohol addicition. To be fair, Hamill's letter in the very beginning of the book primes you for his life story and the eventual discovery that his drinking had been riding side-saddle with him for as long as he could remember. It sure helped me understand how drinking can cloak itself in merriment and celebration, but that its long-term effects can (and will) erode and destroy pretty much everything in its path. And it helps shed light on why, culturally, we equate the Irish with big-time drinking. I also appreciated the history lesson you receive through the eyes of a young boy. It was easy to visualize Hamill's world with his intimate descriptions of the places he lived and the characters who helped shape his life.Because of Hamill's ambitious undertaking with this memoir, I felt the book was uneven at times. In my mind, more minor anecdotes received a larger spotlight with more detail, while more critical turning points in his life faded out as a sub-chapter was coming to a close.Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. Not only is Pete Hamill a living NYC legend, he has lived a legendary life that is worth taking in.

Pete Hamilton is at his best in this thoughtful memoir. The fun part was that it was recommended to me by.y 40 year old son who he er beard of Pete Hamill, Great book that leads to thoughtful discussions,

Book arrived almost immediately, was described as "Good" but I would say it was closer to "Very Good" condition. Very good buy IMO.

Oh, the places Hamill will take you in this gritty, unflinchingly honest look at a fascinating interior life. Growing up in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn, complete with cockroaches, Pete slowly acquires an understanding of what it means to be an Irish-American. Around age 8, his father, Billy, walked him to Gallagher's, the corner saloon, where young Pete got his first introduction to the camaraderie of the neighborhood bar. There he witnessed his father's serenading of the crowd, after loosening himself up with booze. It was an initiation that would influence Pete for many years to come. Throughout the book, Hamill notes the persistent, persuasive messages that our society gives, that drinking is an essential social lubricant. Be it a wedding, a funeral, the beginning of a job, or ending of one, joining the Navy, going on leave or vacation, on and on, drinking was invited, expected, nearly demanded. The book provides great insights into the times. Hamill writes, "We lived to the rhythms of the war (WWII). Before the War, During the War, After the War." Hamill's forays into the world of art are enlightening. While taking a drawing class, he becomes enamored of a nude model, and they become involved. His loves, travels, thoughts on religion and family kept me entranced, as well as his inevitable slide into an alcohol-induced moral deterioration. The surprising aspect here, was Hamill's moment of clarity, when he realized he had a choice, that he could disrupt the cycle of the "Irish-curse". We cheer for him as he strives to make a sober life for himself. An interesting life, told by a great writer.

Really, really love this book ... even if I wish it would be available in German ... German publishers - here we go!

Although much of 'A Drinking Life' is not actually about drinking, it does offer some insights into the drinking condition as well as the human condition. More than that, it's a cracking good read. Pete Hamill writes beautifully and absorbingly, and he's had a fascinating life. The image he constructs of 1940s New York is so vivid that I feel as though I've experienced it myself. Hamill has very skillfully evoked the feel of a specific time and place. In this way, his writing reminds me of the works of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

Bought on behalf of & as a recommendation. Recipient loved it. Requester has since read more Hamill & inthralled.Maybe I/we should get reading Hamill? !

I am not catholic, American or Irish. What I do share with the author is my (past) dalliance with booze.If you are reading this thinking I want to read another alcoholics' memoirs, don't bother. BUT STOP !I bought this looking for another alcoholics memoirs. What it turned out to be was an extremely entertaining look at the rise, and deprivation, of America (New York) through the war and after, told through the eyes of a guy whose whole life was predetermined/ran by booze.I've got to be honest, towards the last third I was getting very bored; his constant droning about Hemmingway really irked me - but on the whole I am glad I read this book.Don't read it if you are looking for a drunkards memoir - you need more staying power than that for this book.

Fantastic read. Created an in-depth picture of his life and emotions in my mind