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Grit: The Banter and Brutality of the Late-Night Cab
The world of the cab driver is uncertain and even dangerous, populated by oddballs, weirdoes, comedians, eccentrics, head cases, prima donnas and hard cases. And they’re just the drivers.
Enter the ludicrous, humorous and sometimes violent world of the London cab driver; You never know what to expect, and during my years driving cabs I got myself into some scrapes.
Luckily I’ve met and befriended many characters along the way, and their stories deserve to be told.
In the last third of the book, I recall my time spent driving cab in the projects of Watts, Los Angeles, home of the infamous Bloods & Crips, during the early 80’s. I’ve intended to paint an ominous picture of a community destroyed by drugs, guns and violence. You’ll almost smell the omnipresent whiff of cheap wine, and feel the dirty lino under your feet.
Read the true life adventures of an English lad as he struggles to make a living amongst ‘gangstas’ who are arguably the most violent in the United States.
For anyone who has puked in the back of a cab, then argued over the fare at 3am, this book is your driver’s revenge. I’ve done my best to create a ‘living poem’ that is by turns thoughtful and brutal, but very funny.
People have always told me I’m a natural storyteller, but like every good cab driver I have an opinion on a range of hot issues, from the congestion charge to Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam.
You’ll be able to hear my characters, see them and, in some instances, actually smell them. They’ll leave their stain on you. You may well be able to relate to guys who used their fists and their wits, you may laugh at their humour and get their jokes, but it’ll be the thugs with guns and no soul who will unsettle you. I want you to be scared of them.
Enter the ludicrous, humorous and sometimes violent world of the London cab driver; You never know what to expect, and during my years driving cabs I got myself into some scrapes.
Luckily I’ve met and befriended many characters along the way, and their stories deserve to be told.
In the last third of the book, I recall my time spent driving cab in the projects of Watts, Los Angeles, home of the infamous Bloods & Crips, during the early 80’s. I’ve intended to paint an ominous picture of a community destroyed by drugs, guns and violence. You’ll almost smell the omnipresent whiff of cheap wine, and feel the dirty lino under your feet.
Read the true life adventures of an English lad as he struggles to make a living amongst ‘gangstas’ who are arguably the most violent in the United States.
For anyone who has puked in the back of a cab, then argued over the fare at 3am, this book is your driver’s revenge. I’ve done my best to create a ‘living poem’ that is by turns thoughtful and brutal, but very funny.
People have always told me I’m a natural storyteller, but like every good cab driver I have an opinion on a range of hot issues, from the congestion charge to Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam.
You’ll be able to hear my characters, see them and, in some instances, actually smell them. They’ll leave their stain on you. You may well be able to relate to guys who used their fists and their wits, you may laugh at their humour and get their jokes, but it’ll be the thugs with guns and no soul who will unsettle you. I want you to be scared of them.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2004
7 people are currently reading
1721 people want to read
About the author
Karl Wiggins
25 books325 followersKarl Wiggins – Author, humourist, raconteur and (unfortunately) master of dysphemism
I'm an author with seven books on Amazon Kindle, and I'll state right from the start that I have a particular aversion to fellow authors who befriend you and then immediately message you saying, "You might like my book ..... check it out."
I don't do that. If people wish to know more about my books the information is here to read, but I won't invade your personal space (not to mention precious time) with pleas to check out my own books
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Embarrassingly, a number of the reviews for my books seem to involve people losing control of their bladder; “Anyone who is a bit saucy, very fond of boobies and doesn't mind peeing slightly when they laugh too hard, this is the book for you!” “Best not to read this book on the train if you have a full bladder because by the end of your journey you will have a damp patch in an embarrassing place.” “I have to admit that I wet myself twice while reading it but this may in part have been due to my age and a couple of bottles of a fine St. Emilion,” “Due to the laughter you owe my secretary one clean pair of knickers.”
Two reviewers have even suggested I should tour as a stand-up comedian; “I found myself laughing out-loud and even sharing segments with my spouse ….. I think Karl could tour as a stand-up comedian,” “Mr Wiggins has views on life that are expressed in a manner worthy of any stand-up comedian.”
So my scribblings do seem to raise a smile and a chuckle, and either way you look at it, that has to be a good thing. Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals often fail to recognise the deadpan delivery and are never quite sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter.
Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market, and I write a regular column for a newsletter in Copiague, Long Island, New York. I’m really enjoying connecting with the people over there.
Interestingly enough, my writing style has been compared to two people, both now dead, Charles Bukowski and Socrates. Their names keep popping up in reviews; “Mr Bukowski, meet Socrates. This is an exceptionally amusing collection of observations of daily life,” “The prose style reminded me quite a lot of Charles Bukowski’s short essays and observations,” “It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels, but particularly Factotum and Post Office,” “Had me laughing out loud several times, which doesn’t happen often to me. It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels,” (I swear those are two completely separate reviewers), “Karl Wiggins is like a contemporary Socrates.”
I’m sure both Socrates and Charles Bukowski would turn in their graves. But then again, maybe not.
My books;
'You Really are full of Shit, Aren't You?' is my latest and possible my favourite. It's an agony uncle / advice columnist style book, but unlike most agony aunts I cut them no slack.
I'll be the first to admit that 'Dogshit Saved my Life' and 'Calico Jack in your Garden' are not to everyone's taste, but the reviews are good, so I seem to be hitting the right note.
'Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me' kind of speaks for itself I guess, as does 'Grit - The Banter & Brutality of the Late-Night Cab Driver.' I drove cab in b
I'm an author with seven books on Amazon Kindle, and I'll state right from the start that I have a particular aversion to fellow authors who befriend you and then immediately message you saying, "You might like my book ..... check it out."
I don't do that. If people wish to know more about my books the information is here to read, but I won't invade your personal space (not to mention precious time) with pleas to check out my own books
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Embarrassingly, a number of the reviews for my books seem to involve people losing control of their bladder; “Anyone who is a bit saucy, very fond of boobies and doesn't mind peeing slightly when they laugh too hard, this is the book for you!” “Best not to read this book on the train if you have a full bladder because by the end of your journey you will have a damp patch in an embarrassing place.” “I have to admit that I wet myself twice while reading it but this may in part have been due to my age and a couple of bottles of a fine St. Emilion,” “Due to the laughter you owe my secretary one clean pair of knickers.”
Two reviewers have even suggested I should tour as a stand-up comedian; “I found myself laughing out-loud and even sharing segments with my spouse ….. I think Karl could tour as a stand-up comedian,” “Mr Wiggins has views on life that are expressed in a manner worthy of any stand-up comedian.”
So my scribblings do seem to raise a smile and a chuckle, and either way you look at it, that has to be a good thing. Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals often fail to recognise the deadpan delivery and are never quite sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter.
Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market, and I write a regular column for a newsletter in Copiague, Long Island, New York. I’m really enjoying connecting with the people over there.
Interestingly enough, my writing style has been compared to two people, both now dead, Charles Bukowski and Socrates. Their names keep popping up in reviews; “Mr Bukowski, meet Socrates. This is an exceptionally amusing collection of observations of daily life,” “The prose style reminded me quite a lot of Charles Bukowski’s short essays and observations,” “It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels, but particularly Factotum and Post Office,” “Had me laughing out loud several times, which doesn’t happen often to me. It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels,” (I swear those are two completely separate reviewers), “Karl Wiggins is like a contemporary Socrates.”
I’m sure both Socrates and Charles Bukowski would turn in their graves. But then again, maybe not.
My books;
'You Really are full of Shit, Aren't You?' is my latest and possible my favourite. It's an agony uncle / advice columnist style book, but unlike most agony aunts I cut them no slack.
I'll be the first to admit that 'Dogshit Saved my Life' and 'Calico Jack in your Garden' are not to everyone's taste, but the reviews are good, so I seem to be hitting the right note.
'Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me' kind of speaks for itself I guess, as does 'Grit - The Banter & Brutality of the Late-Night Cab Driver.' I drove cab in b
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 22, 2014
I've always enjoyed non-fiction and this book is a reason why. It felt like I was down at the local pub listening to a mate tell me about his exploits as a cabbie. His hilarious and sometimes butt-clenching stories had me thanking my lucky stars that I never became a cab driver.
Shortly into the book I kind of made up my mind that it would only ever be a four star book because it lacked structure. But by about the fourth or fifth chapter, I decided that was the author's voice and it made for an engaging read — I became hooked on his style and enjoyed it. I liked the random ramblings and he never lost the point while digressing and the tangents he went onto were always interesting. The personal interjections were great (whether one agrees with the author's opinion or not). It all added to the flavor of his experiences. Cab drivers are notoriously opinionated and this book proves it, and that is its great strength and charm (I'm sure Mr. Wiggins will get a giggle that a found his book charming.)
I would also add for the would be readers, this is written by a Londoner and as a Londoner speaks. There are no airs and graces which keeps it authentic. Non-British readers may be slightly perplexed by some of the lingo and jargon, but trust me, you'll know what he means. Laughter is international, and as long as you're not sensitive to politically incorrectness, this book will make you laugh.
Shortly into the book I kind of made up my mind that it would only ever be a four star book because it lacked structure. But by about the fourth or fifth chapter, I decided that was the author's voice and it made for an engaging read — I became hooked on his style and enjoyed it. I liked the random ramblings and he never lost the point while digressing and the tangents he went onto were always interesting. The personal interjections were great (whether one agrees with the author's opinion or not). It all added to the flavor of his experiences. Cab drivers are notoriously opinionated and this book proves it, and that is its great strength and charm (I'm sure Mr. Wiggins will get a giggle that a found his book charming.)
I would also add for the would be readers, this is written by a Londoner and as a Londoner speaks. There are no airs and graces which keeps it authentic. Non-British readers may be slightly perplexed by some of the lingo and jargon, but trust me, you'll know what he means. Laughter is international, and as long as you're not sensitive to politically incorrectness, this book will make you laugh.
December 9, 2014
The author portrays the gritty life of a mini cab driver from excellent hand-hand knowledge. The story is hilarious and honest to a fault. Who would have thought the life of a cab driver could be so adventuresome. Thoroughly entertaining and a blast to read!
December 9, 2014
This is a realist look at the world as seen from the perspective of a London cabbie. Drama, humo(u)r, pain...it's all here.
September 13, 2021
Loved it.
June 8, 2015
Through his contact with thousands of people during a variety of jobs the author has become an astute observer of human nature and he uses his insights to great effect when relating his experiences as a mini-cab driver.
The writing is honest, the characters are described with the kind of detail that brings them to life on the page and the author does not shy away from the sometimes brutal encounters in a mini-cab driver's job.
The author has strongly-held views which are put forward with intelligence and though I may not agree with all of them there is no doubting the eloquence with which they are argued.
Personally I found the chapters that deal with his time in Los Angeles fascinating.
As well as being a good read (I laughed out loud several times) the book has surprising depth to it and is thought-provoking. It is pleasing on many levels and I recommend it as well worth reading.
The writing is honest, the characters are described with the kind of detail that brings them to life on the page and the author does not shy away from the sometimes brutal encounters in a mini-cab driver's job.
The author has strongly-held views which are put forward with intelligence and though I may not agree with all of them there is no doubting the eloquence with which they are argued.
Personally I found the chapters that deal with his time in Los Angeles fascinating.
As well as being a good read (I laughed out loud several times) the book has surprising depth to it and is thought-provoking. It is pleasing on many levels and I recommend it as well worth reading.
August 30, 2015
Well written! Enjoyed the stories! Writers that draw one in and
Help one to transcend time and place etc are my favorites. Got a sense of
An overall philosophical sense of the cabbie as well! Nice one!
Help one to transcend time and place etc are my favorites. Got a sense of
An overall philosophical sense of the cabbie as well! Nice one!
September 9, 2021
Illiterate rot.
I am thrilled that the 'author?' Iikes his own stuff, what a waste of energy. Amazon will one day filter out rubbish like this. Lesson is - there isn't a book in everyone. This chap proves my point. Stick to cabbing but just don't engage folk in conversation. Crushingly boring. 88p down the drain, for an illiterate pamphlet. Goodness, what is the indie world coming to?
Need a diazepem. That was torture.
I am thrilled that the 'author?' Iikes his own stuff, what a waste of energy. Amazon will one day filter out rubbish like this. Lesson is - there isn't a book in everyone. This chap proves my point. Stick to cabbing but just don't engage folk in conversation. Crushingly boring. 88p down the drain, for an illiterate pamphlet. Goodness, what is the indie world coming to?
Need a diazepem. That was torture.
January 7, 2018
Not the book I thought it was going to be....entirely. Was hoping for more of the cab customers, didn't really need to read about his friends. What was written about the customers was perfect I just wish the whole book was like that
March 13, 2022
Average
Not much happened. Very few interesting stories. Anything interesting happened to someone else. Very dull compared to books from same era and area like Freeway Rick
Not much happened. Very few interesting stories. Anything interesting happened to someone else. Very dull compared to books from same era and area like Freeway Rick
Read
November 30, 2015This was okay.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews