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July 02, 2008
The Pungent Traveller
The Pungent Traveller, originally uploaded by snoopoz.
While browsing one of the many used book stores in my neighborhood, I happened upon a book called "Driving Pursuits of a Chicago Cabbie," by Alan Freedman. Leafing through it, I thought it was worth the $5 investment - and I have to say, it's paid off.
The book is simply a collection of the author's experiences as a Chicago taxi driver. Many of them are hilarious, many of them are disturbing. However, the part that maximizes the enjoyment for me is the way the book is written. It's highly readable, but it's clear the author isn't a professional writer. One story about a fellow on a drug-buying expedition to Cabrini-Green ends: "I surmise that the two benefactors took him to one of the top vacant floors where they either assaulted or killed him for his money. Because of his inordinate desire for drugs, he tread a path that had no purpose or goal in life; a path that leads to destruction. How sad!"
Indeed, it is sad. Nevertheless, wherever you are, Mr. Freedman, you wrote a most interesting book!
entry no. 1176
Posted at July 2, 2008 07:25 PM