This book seems like a natural for me, I'm surprised I did not get to it sooner, but it never grabbed me.

For one, I thought the drug use would be a major emphasis of the book. It was a larger factor in the second half, but in the first half the drug theme only made sporadic appearances. After finishing the book I found out why - the original draft of this novel didn't involve drugs at all but Algren added it later after his publisher said the book needed another dimension.

I don't mind a dose of heavily colloquialized dialogue but it eventually just got tiring. At least a book like City of Night has some sordid gay sex to keep you on your toes while slogging through it.

Finally, I've never been much interested in Chicago, literarily or otherwise, and that may be a part of my indifference.