There Must Be a Pony

I find it so sad that most of James Kirkwood's books are now out of print. I still have my copy of P.S. Your Cat is Dead. I lent out all of my others over the years and never got them back...now, I'm searching for copies. It makes me crazy to think that an entire generation and generations to come will miss out on this wonderful author. I first read him in my sophmore year of college and was immediately hooked and grabbed every book of his I could find. My college roomate and I fell in love with his writing; much the same way that we did with John Irving. I still feel the connection 25 years later. Each and every one of his books is worth a read. James Kirkwood's life was too short and his work should not be forgotten! HIT ME WITH A RAINBOW is another one not to be missed. Happy reading and good luck to all trying to locate his wonderful work...

This was the first of Jimmy Kirkwood's books I read, over 30 years ago, and I was as hooked as I was to Salinger -- in exactly the same way. I related, I experienced, I lived the main character. "P.S. Your Cat Is Dead", will remain my favorite, and I have read them all, but Pony establishes a reader's line of communication with the author on an almost personal level. With one exception, I've read all his work in chronological order. That line, that level, that common bonding, both between reader and author, and between author and underlying content, threads itself through all the novels and plays. In the early 70's, while spending several seasons in the Hamptons, I was fortunate enough to meet and spend some time with Jimmy. To read his work is to know the author, and he, in turn, is a master of turning the mirror toward the reader. Any of his writing is a good place to start, but, in my opinion, Pony is the best beginning. . . and a sure guarantee that you'll search out copies of all the rest. Like his personality, his writing is addictive.

Mu mum gave me her worn copy of 'There Must be a Pony!' when I was 15 (I'm 19) and I DID NOT want to read it - it was falling apart and it smelled fuuny. I went cross-eyed trying to read the front cover but when I opened the book and read, I was hooked. I was right there with Josh through the whole book - I honestly fell in love with him. I would love to meet a real life Marvin, too. I almost died laughing when he asked the garage boy to 'fluff up' his tyres 'sweetie'! I would kill to get my hands on more of Kirkwood's books, why are they all out of print (or practically so)? It's madness!

I was given this book as a teenager 20 years ago and have never forgotten it. Kirkwood hit the bull's eye on putting life in perspective. The story within the story that explains the book's title is one of the most important modern "fables" a person could read. After having misplaced the original copy, I have been searching for this book for the last 10 years. I don't think I'll rest til it lands safely on my library shelf again.

We all arrive at a time of depression or just feeling down.When that time arrives, just take the time and effort to read this book and you will suddenly feel all your troubles washed away and a new outlook on life will be yours! This is a must read for anyone!