I think Cleveland Ohio's own Harvey Pekar is the best author nobody's ever

[Minervah]

Okay, you all convinced me. I Googled Harvey Pekar and found my way to Amazon. I ordered an anthology of his written in 1993. I think what finally sold me was a review in which Pekar was compared to Studs Terkel, one of my favorite all time Chicago authors whose every book I have read at least once.

Looks like this is going to be a very interesting view of my new city. or

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Minervah

I've heard of "American Splendor." I will check it out as well as the other things he has done.

I am familiar with the graphic comic genre. I used to be a fan of the "Sandman" graphic comics by Neil Gamien. I still read Gamien's books and have met him at a Sci Fi Con in Seattle. He's a really interesting guy.

Just saw "American Splendor". Well done and worth seeing.

I loved "The Devil in the White City" also. I can't wait for it to be turned into a movie.

Not Cleveland related, nor non fiction, but it you enjoyed "The Devil in the White City" you may like the novels of Caleb Carr, which read like non fiction and have enough historical facts to form a solid basis of verisimilitude.

[Minervah]

Oh shoot, I thought it had been released. I had to come back and change my post because it hasn't. Well here's a clip anyway.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFg5FYcBZ6A

Warning: Don't watch this trailer in the dark.

[verybadgnome]

Originally Posted by karlsch

I learned, and probably many others did too, about Harvey Pekar because of the recurring appearances on Late Night With David Letterman:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9XzqnLLiqs

Someone compiled all of his Letterman appearances which are fascinating to watch:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biOodnioY8c


Letterman was usually the ironic outsider, but with Pekar in the room he morphed into the establishment. Reading some of the comments later on Dave expressed regret as to his treatment of Pekar, and Harvey admitted some of his behavior was self-parody. It was interesting to watch Pekar not wanting to talk about his art (books), yet go on and on about the donuts that were given to him. I mean not even Captain Beefheart would go that far. It would have been cool if there was another Letterman interview after the movie American Splendor came out, when both men might have been more mellow and mature.

Watching these vids does make me want to go and get the books at least.

[TheProf]

^Obviously the guy was quite a character who, honestly, I had never heard of until "American Splendor" was made into the film. Paul Giamatti (a fine actor) does a nice job depicting Pekar.

[verybadgnome]

I've read a half dozen Pekar books, but none ever came close to really getting at the man until I read 'The Quitter.' As is often the case the formative years are the defining years that bring into being the aspirations and ailments that last until death. Highly recommended.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by TheProf

^Obviously the guy was quite a character who, honestly, I had never heard of until "American Splendor" was made into the film. Paul Giamatti (a fine actor) does a nice job depicting Pekar.

I had maybe vaguely heard of Pekar before the film. I do, however, personally know Toby Radloff, who worked alongside Pekar at the VA Hospital, and who was played by Judah Friedlander in "American Splendor" (who did an amazing job nailing down the role, BTW). Toby also appeared in the movie as himself.