A truly unique little book awaits you. It has a distinct attitude and presents a traditional love story in a non-traditional manner. I was drawn to it because of the David Lynch film based on it. After reading, I firmly believe that the book is mostly superior. Although the ending is considerably less satisfying, we must remember that satisfying isn't always the right measure. Sometimes, an unexpected or less-than-perfect ending can leave a more profound impact.

This is a quick read, which makes it even more appealing. If you have any interest in unique storytelling, or if you've seen the movie and are curious about the source material, I highly recommend that you give this book a try. You might be surprised by what you discover and how it enriches your understanding of the story.

Gifford weaves an enthralling narrative of a road trip that is filled with a diverse cast of strange and often depraved characters.

These individuals spend a significant amount of time just sitting around and engaging in conversations about various topics.

Their dialogues are not only thought-provoking but also add an element of mystery and intrigue to the story.

It's easy to understand why David Lynch, known for his penchant for the unusual and the macabre, would be interested in adapting this work.

The unique characters and their interactions create a world that is both captivating and disturbing, much like the worlds Lynch often portrays in his films.

Overall, Gifford's tale offers a one-of-a-kind reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Wonderful dialogues can bring a story to life, captivating the reader and making them feel as if they are part of the action. The sparse prose used in these dialogues can be both powerful and beautiful, painting a vivid picture with just a few words.

Each line of dialogue has the potential to reveal something new about the characters, their relationships, or the situation at hand. The simplicity of the prose allows the reader to focus on the essence of the conversation, rather than being distracted by overly elaborate descriptions.

In a well-written dialogue, the words flow naturally, as if the characters are having a genuine conversation. The use of pauses, interruptions, and changes in tone can add depth and nuance to the exchange, making it more engaging and realistic.

Whether it's a tense argument, a tender moment, or a humorous exchange, wonderful dialogues have the ability to touch our hearts and minds. They can make us laugh, cry, or think deeply about the human condition. So, the next time you read a story with great dialogues, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and power of the sparse prose that brings them to life.

I really dig Gifford. His work truly reminds me of the likes of Larry Brown or Denis Johnson. There is something about it that is so pertinent, easily digestible, and yet has that little bit of a scummy edge to it. It's a unique combination that makes his writing stand out.

It's the kind of writing that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The stories he tells have a certain rawness and authenticity that draw you in.

If you're a fan of David Lynch, then I highly recommend giving Gifford a try. The same kind of strange and captivating elements that you find in Lynch's works can also be found in Gifford's writing.

You'll be in for a treat as you explore the world that Gifford has created. His words have the power to transport you to another place and make you see things in a whole new light. So don't hesitate, pick up one of his books and see for yourself.

Quizás es por estar encerrado a causa de la pandemia que me he vuelto super sensible. O quizás sea que acabo de leer "El Camino del Zen" de Alan Watts y estoy completamente hipnotizado por la idea de que menos es más. Pero la verdad es que esta novela me atrapó, me cautivó, me hizo enamorarme y me dejó devastado.

Desde mi experiencia como lector, lo que más disfruté de Barry Gifford fue esa economía de palabras que permite destilar la poesía oculta entre las líneas. Es la misma sensación que me dejan los relatos cortos de Raymond Carver o los finales abiertos de Mariana Enríquez, pero en novela.

Me he quedado completamente prendado de este autor y creo que ahora voy a leer todos sus libros para ver qué maravillas me espera.

Tengo entendido que esta es la primera parte de una saga de siete libros y qué bueno que es así porque quiero más. Un montón más. Quiero seguir sumergiéndome en el mundo creado por Gifford y descubrir todas las historias que tiene para contar.

The way they all talk is truly lovely. It has a certain charm that I find even more appealing than that of the film. In the film, it can often seem rather grim. However, in this context, although it does dip its toes into the murky waters, there is a real sense of optimism and good-natured charm.

It's as if you are wading through the grease and beer cans, but instead of it being a tiresome or unpleasant experience, it transforms into something like a late-night adventure with your not-so-respectable high-school friends. There's a sense of excitement and fun, a lightheartedness that makes the whole situation enjoyable.

It's the kind of thing that makes you forget about the less pleasant aspects and focus on the good times and the unique bond that exists between these characters. It's a refreshing take on a story that could have easily been overshadowed by darkness and negativity, but instead, it manages to shine through with its own special brand of charm and appeal.

Overall, I find this aspect of the story to be one of its most endearing qualities, and it's what keeps me coming back for more.

I've wanted to read the Sailor and Lula books ever since I saw the movie "Wild at Heart".

That movie left a deep impression on me with its unique story and characters.

And I know there are several more books in this series.

I have a strong intention to read them all.

I'm really curious to explore the further adventures and developments of Sailor and Lula in the books.

I believe that reading the books will give me a more in-depth understanding and a different perspective compared to just watching the movie.

I can't wait to start this reading journey and immerse myself in the world of Sailor and Lula.

I'm sure it will be an exciting and fulfilling experience.

Four stars are awarded for the remarkable achievement of driving the story forward through engaging characterization and realistic dialogue. The characters are brought to life in a vivid and believable way, making the readers truly invested in their fates. The dialogue flows naturally, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. However, only two stars can be given for the plot. It seems to rely on an excessive amount of filler, which slows down the pace and detracts from the overall impact. There are moments when the story feels padded rather than tightly constructed. This could potentially cause readers to lose interest or become impatient. Nevertheless, the strong points of the engaging characters and realistic dialogue do manage to hold the reader's attention to a certain extent.

You know that internet meme where there's a drawing of a horse.

The far left panel is really detailed and realistic.

Then the middle third is still correctly proportioned but it's a little sketchier.

And then the far right column is a full-on kids' drawing?

Well, that's basically this book.

Because the first third of "Wild at Heart" is Lula and Sailor on a road trip west.

It's all languid conversations in cheap motel rooms.

Everything from the beginning to New Orleans is indulgent, unhurried, and all about exploring these characters and their peculiarities.

But then the New Orleans to Texas section is in a little bit more of a rush.

The plot has started to rear its head a little bit.

The thought of being caught by the detective that's chasing them hurries them along a little bit.

But that section of the book still has a lot of emphasis on these two people and their various quirks.

But the final section in Texas - Good Lord!

It's like Barry Giffords was writing this in an exam room and he ran out of time.

He had to turn in what he had before the buzzer rang.

They meet Bobby Peru in one chapter.

Within ten pages he's convinced Sailor to commit a robbery.

The actual robbery is like two pages long.

They immediately get busted.

Then there's one letter from Sailor to Lula, one from Lula to Sailor, and that covers the entirety of Sailor's ten-year prison sentence!

What the hell!

Even more inexplicable is that the final coda is only a handful of pages.

But it sees these people who were supposed to be perfect matches for each other ending their relationship abruptly.

We spent so, so long establishing all the different ways that they had a connection.

And then they waited ten years to be with each other.

And then they break up on the car ride home from the jail?

I'm fine with the idea of them not ending up together.

But c'mon, man, give the reader a better breakup than that.

The end should be just as detailed and full feeling as the beginning.

I would define this as a typical American story of the 70s.

The car, the empty road, and the young people who decided to throw everything away and drive, drive, drive without a destination, money, or a plan.

It seems like there are many such stories. This has the potential to be a good story, but the chapters, which are only two pages long, look more like content plans that are yet to be developed.

Maybe I don't know how to appreciate this type of literature, but this is the most unremarkable thing I've read in a long time.

Perhaps with more detailed descriptions and a more developed plot, it could have been a more engaging read.

As it stands now, it feels incomplete and lacking in substance.

However, it does capture the spirit of adventure and freedom that was prevalent during that era.

Maybe that's what the author was trying to convey.

Overall, it's an interesting concept, but it needs more work to truly shine.

I watched the movie (several times) and I was missing the Broly. So I have already fulfilled that.

I must say that, apart from a few little things, the movie respects the book quite a lot and, even, captures its spirit masterfully.

The book is good, and besides it is short. So double bonus. Anyway, as a general rule, it is not advisable to watch a movie first and then read the text. It is a recommendation that I sometimes ignore.

In short, for the one who watched the movie, there is not much to say. For the one who didn't, let's say that the book is a kind of road movie, but in book format (is there a term for that? I think I once read that they are "Road books", but I'm not sure).

This is an excellent and quick read that falls into the category of white trash gothic.

It has truly captured my interest, to the extent that I am planning to read the entire series and also rewatch the movie in the near future.

The story is filled with solid content that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The unique blend of the white trash and gothic elements creates a captivating atmosphere that is both intriguing and somewhat mysterious.

I can't wait to immerse myself further in this world and explore all that it has to offer.

Whether it's the vivid characters, the interesting plot twists, or the overall ambiance, this book has it all.

It's definitely a must-read for anyone who enjoys this particular genre or is looking for a new and exciting literary experience.

I highly recommend it to all book lovers out there.