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.

What a life

A great window into the life of a bum, Johnson, and professional thief in the 1890s

Ups and Downs Of a Life On The Road

This really is a great snapshot of its time. From the mentions of iconic cities in the US and Canada, to the moral code that he and his fellow thieves stick by. Additionally, Jack’s ability to travel all around the West at the drop of a hat adds to the suspense of never knowing what the next page has in store, or where Jack may be in the world. A really fun read and a great performance.

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.

A Good Listen

Makes one grateful for a law abiding life. Great narration and beautifully written. I really enjoyed it!