Bodies and Souls

Anyone who wants to learn about Los Angeles should read this novel. Inventively narrated, with alternating chapters that follow the lives of three drifters, "Bodies and Souls" features a broad range of characters that for the most part can only be found in LA. Many of the chapters can be read as standalone short stories. Some are hilarious, others quite poignant; all are beautifully written. The great mystery of the book is trying to figure out why one of the main characters is obsessed with a preacher woman and what he is planning. As the story progresses, and as more characters are introduced, the reader will wonder how the author will tie the various threads of his narrative together. That Rechy manages to link this cross-section of lives is testament to his abilities as one of this country's greatest living writers.

As per the above statement this book is emotionally devastating at times. Clearly the author's most focussed and encompassing novel, summing up most of the themes of his other novels.