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.

The Original Hobo Narrative

This is the real deal: the original Depression-era train-hopper hobo narrative. It’s so poignant and beautifully written, it never went out of print.

Jack Black's clean, uncluttered prose— and complete lack of self pity— make it easy to feel present in the book to this day.

When William S. Burroughs came along, years after this book was published, he wrote it was “the best book I ever read.” His intro to this edition "You Can’t Win" helped it become the cult classic of a new generation. You can really see Black’s influence on the Beats.

"You Can't Win" in one of the best memoirs I’ve read: freight-hopping, a brotherhood of theives, drugs, prison—and, profoundly, librarians.

—Rip-roaring introduction by Burroughs, included!

Wonderful tale about crime after resconstruction

If you could sum up You Can't Win in three words, what would they be?

What is success?

What was one of the most memorable moments of You Can't Win?

The author is telling the story of the first time he was arrested and stood trial. While the jury was deliberating, he made a bold escape only to later find out the jury found him not guilty.

What about Bernard Setaro Clark’s performance did you like?

His voice acting was excellent; He brought distinction to each character without over doing it, captured the slang of the period and found a rhythm that made listening a pleasure.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed often, and felt it often as the author hit close to home.

Any additional comments?

A wonderful book that explores a time in history that I've never been familiar with. It captured the slang, the sub-cultures and attitudes of the time.