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Hummingbird: Essays
Honorable Mention for the Foreword INDIES Award for Best Autobiography and Memoir
Dark, deviant, and deliriously funny, Jude Angelini writes in the colloquial vein of Charles Bukowski, using his unique, natural voice to tell stories from his life. He writes about his sexual encounters―both strange and intimate―alongside stories from his childhood and his tell-all experiences with “science drugs.” Throughout it all, Jude is critical of himself and his actions, proving himself to be vulnerable, lonely, and extremely relatable. A stellar follow-up to Hyena .
Dark, deviant, and deliriously funny, Jude Angelini writes in the colloquial vein of Charles Bukowski, using his unique, natural voice to tell stories from his life. He writes about his sexual encounters―both strange and intimate―alongside stories from his childhood and his tell-all experiences with “science drugs.” Throughout it all, Jude is critical of himself and his actions, proving himself to be vulnerable, lonely, and extremely relatable. A stellar follow-up to Hyena .
248 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
107 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 4, 2020
I wrote it. I’m proud of it. I hope that you see that it’s more than just sex and drugs. To get the most out of it, read it like poetry. Thank you for taking the time to see about life in those forgotten pockets of the world. For those who can relate, i hope i represented you well. For those who can’t, perhaps I’ll help you understand.
September 30, 2017
Intense and important read.
I found it to be a reflection of morbid self hate and addiction and the ugliest parts of ourselves that we pretend not to see. Extremely relatable. Even though you don’t want it to be.
If you want some easy reading that will make you laugh and cringe and think you need to pick this book up. But you really should read Hyena first. Sets the tone and leaves room to go to the darker spaces Hummingbird explores
I found it to be a reflection of morbid self hate and addiction and the ugliest parts of ourselves that we pretend not to see. Extremely relatable. Even though you don’t want it to be.
If you want some easy reading that will make you laugh and cringe and think you need to pick this book up. But you really should read Hyena first. Sets the tone and leaves room to go to the darker spaces Hummingbird explores
October 10, 2017
Hummingbird is Jude Angelini's follow up to his excellent Hyena. The man is now two for two with putting his fucked up thoughts and life experiences in print. This one is a lot more personal and delves deeper into his psyche and why he is the way he is. As I said about Hyena, his style and subject matter might not be for everyone. Those that know him through his hilarious The All Out Show on Sirius Shade 45 will co-sign on both of these reads as being full of emotional depth. Hummingbird, even more so.
February 10, 2018
So rude, Jude.
You totally ruined the cunnilingus for me, for life. Although I'm from Power Through It school of cunni myself.
I get it. It's her pheromones screaming at me our genes our incompatible so our kids might be walking backwards or end up politicians. Or listen to Lil Pump.
Third book when?
You totally ruined the cunnilingus for me, for life. Although I'm from Power Through It school of cunni myself.
I get it. It's her pheromones screaming at me our genes our incompatible so our kids might be walking backwards or end up politicians. Or listen to Lil Pump.
Third book when?
April 14, 2018
I read this book before Hyena and have to say it was rather disappointing. It reminded me of a poor mans "I hope they serve beer in hell," where the stories aren't nearly as interesting and instead of being drunk he's high.
February 12, 2018
A very amusing collection of short and very short stores, all humorous reflection on the author life. I never heard about this guy, yet like his funny yet sometime sad stories. The life of a comic is apparently full of lounging around looking for the next fix until it is time to make some money. The author does have enough ability for self reflections to recognize the damage of such lifestyle and its consequences. For all the busy office bees (myself included), such life make look quite free and even empowering until its cruel reality stares in your face, such as in this tragically funny book.
April 21, 2019
In all honesty, I really don't know how to rate this. I bought this book solely because it has a gorgeous cover, which in no ways reflect what is on the inside. I had never heard of Jude Angelini before, despite being an apparent prolific radio host, nor do I really think I will pursue any further knowledge about him, but what he's written in here is very powerful.
Inside are a series of mini anecdotes, memories, small stories from his life. A life that is so drastically different from my own. It was a great book to read to check my privilege, the life he lived as a kid and even as an adult is so alien from my own experiences and even a lot of the experiences I read in other books that it reminded me of how very lucky I have been.
It was a fascinating read, that I do a 100% recommend, but nothing I can write here will prepare you for the content that lies within.
Inside are a series of mini anecdotes, memories, small stories from his life. A life that is so drastically different from my own. It was a great book to read to check my privilege, the life he lived as a kid and even as an adult is so alien from my own experiences and even a lot of the experiences I read in other books that it reminded me of how very lucky I have been.
It was a fascinating read, that I do a 100% recommend, but nothing I can write here will prepare you for the content that lies within.
February 12, 2018
Tough read or I don’t get it
I’m still struggling to understand which it is. This book was uncomfortable to read because it’s just so damn depressing. I am not one to need happy endings but I am struggling to find the humor in this book and it was not what I was expecting. I’ve heard Jude interviewed in various radio shows and was intrigued to read based on those interviews.
The jargon is a bit tough to get through as is the constant drug use. But it is real. And it is honest. And that’s something.
I’m still struggling to understand which it is. This book was uncomfortable to read because it’s just so damn depressing. I am not one to need happy endings but I am struggling to find the humor in this book and it was not what I was expecting. I’ve heard Jude interviewed in various radio shows and was intrigued to read based on those interviews.
The jargon is a bit tough to get through as is the constant drug use. But it is real. And it is honest. And that’s something.
April 29, 2019
Oddly inspiring. Makes you want to pen down your best and/or important memories in life. It’s also relatable, Jude shows how human he is which you don’t get from many books. While I know the events in both Hyena and Hummingbird aren’t for everyone I’d still recommend to everyone. Really happy I stumbled across Jude on Shade 45.
November 16, 2017
I was literally laughing out loud reading this book. Hilarious!
June 15, 2019
This book is so ugly and so beautiful at the same time. It wasn't an easy read but it was worth it.
August 2, 2024
Wild stories. Great read
January 22, 2021
I like his writing style
January 22, 2025
Five stars for entertainment value. These stories were wild, ironic, sad, funny and poetic. Saved a lot of quotes from this one and laughed out loud at a few times.
September 26, 2017
Great book. Kept hoping it wouldn't end. Nothing better than hearing about someone else's life experiences. Thanks for sharing again. It's great hearing it from you as it allows us to hear your voice. Do you have plans for another one?
September 28, 2017
Jude is a true talent. The man puts his soul on the page for the world to read and judge. Jude is as real as it gets, and so is Hummingbird.
March 9, 2020
I got this book because I saw it in Chapters with a sticker indicating it's a recommendation from one of the staff and includes their name. My name is Katie, and so was the person who recommended it! So obviously I had to get it.
March 11, 2018
This book left me with such mixed feelings. I picked it up at a local bookstore that the author will be coming to in a couple weeks after being attracted to a cover with no words and a beautiful watercolor of a hummingbird, read the back cover, and decided to give it a read.
The first chapter I was hooked. It was dark, sad, and funny all at once. I googled the author and realized that I remembered him from the Jenny Jones show back when I was a child and my mom watched those daytime talk shows. This gave a face and voice to the author that wasn’t originally in my head, and that threw me off a bit. I’ve got vastly different views on life and the world than Jude, and a fair amount of things he’s said about vegans, fat people, women, other ethnicities, and NPR (to name a few things) offended me to the point of wanting to put down the book and go see the author when he comes to town for mean spirited reasons. I powered through those offensive parts.
At the end of the day, although I don’t agree with most of his views expressed in the book, it was a page turner. It reads like a compilation of blog entries bound into a book, but I couldn’t put the book down. I’m giving it 4 stars because it was so readable, even if I didn’t like what was written. A much different view on the world than my own, but we all need that to expand our consciousness and get outside our own social bubble.
The first chapter I was hooked. It was dark, sad, and funny all at once. I googled the author and realized that I remembered him from the Jenny Jones show back when I was a child and my mom watched those daytime talk shows. This gave a face and voice to the author that wasn’t originally in my head, and that threw me off a bit. I’ve got vastly different views on life and the world than Jude, and a fair amount of things he’s said about vegans, fat people, women, other ethnicities, and NPR (to name a few things) offended me to the point of wanting to put down the book and go see the author when he comes to town for mean spirited reasons. I powered through those offensive parts.
At the end of the day, although I don’t agree with most of his views expressed in the book, it was a page turner. It reads like a compilation of blog entries bound into a book, but I couldn’t put the book down. I’m giving it 4 stars because it was so readable, even if I didn’t like what was written. A much different view on the world than my own, but we all need that to expand our consciousness and get outside our own social bubble.
January 29, 2018
I’ll start by saying while I am not a fan of the show (just not my thing), my s.o. loves it and this is how Jude’s books became purchased.
Why should you buy the book if you’re not a fan of the show? Jude is able to tell stories like no other author (regarding autobiographies). The book is refreshing, honest, and one of a kind. You’ll get glimpses into his life from when he was a child to current times. The stories in Hummingbird have a more serious tone than Hyena, yet you still get a decent amount of his drug and sex adventures. With this being said, the book is for adults.
We purchased the audio version of both books (Hyena & Hummingbird) and listened to them in car during travels. If you’re on the fence about purchasing his book/s, I’d recommend purchasing the audiobooks- there’s something about how Jude tells his stories that adds to the experience (he is the narrator of his books).
Would recommend his books if you’re looking for something different than your typical autobiography or something that will make you feel (laugh, cry, etc.).
Why should you buy the book if you’re not a fan of the show? Jude is able to tell stories like no other author (regarding autobiographies). The book is refreshing, honest, and one of a kind. You’ll get glimpses into his life from when he was a child to current times. The stories in Hummingbird have a more serious tone than Hyena, yet you still get a decent amount of his drug and sex adventures. With this being said, the book is for adults.
We purchased the audio version of both books (Hyena & Hummingbird) and listened to them in car during travels. If you’re on the fence about purchasing his book/s, I’d recommend purchasing the audiobooks- there’s something about how Jude tells his stories that adds to the experience (he is the narrator of his books).
Would recommend his books if you’re looking for something different than your typical autobiography or something that will make you feel (laugh, cry, etc.).
June 26, 2018
I picked up this book by chance at chapters when I went in to cheer myself up. It was just the right book to help me through my apathetic and reclusive self-absorbed state. As a privileged white girl from Canada, I didn't think Jude's experiences would be so relatable or bring to light so many themes in my own life. Not to say I can relate to his life on a day-to-day basis, but the reoccurring themes and 'Oh well, life goes on' attitude resonated with me.
It really is hilarious but also very cringe worthy - his stories are ones you won't often hear told out loud but ones that so many of us can relate too (think smells during sex). But it is more than a book about awkward sexual encounters, rather it is about human nature and how we're all really shitty but still wonderful people.
Would recommend. Keep it by the beside for those days when you need to get out of your own head.
It really is hilarious but also very cringe worthy - his stories are ones you won't often hear told out loud but ones that so many of us can relate too (think smells during sex). But it is more than a book about awkward sexual encounters, rather it is about human nature and how we're all really shitty but still wonderful people.
Would recommend. Keep it by the beside for those days when you need to get out of your own head.
January 23, 2018
Fucking Awesome! I reviewed Hyena and said that Jude was the next Hunter S Thompson and I still believe this, these stories are laugh out loud funny, debauched, drug fueled and raw with emotion. He lays it all out there for everyone to see in a style of writing that I enjoy reading and I am looking forward to the next installment. Although, I really wanted more "dad" stories, I know Jude's father said no more stories "you coulda waited till I was dead" but I still laugh out loud hysterically every time I remember the story of his dad at the movies, screaming at the deaf guy to move over....god that was funny! Go hard Hyena...
February 17, 2018
I am stress enough how excited I was to read this book by Jude. I’m a huge fan of the All Out Show and Shade45 so when this book became available I was pumped. The chapters are short and easy to breeze through without realizing how much you’ve read. The humor and heartbreak left me wishing there was more to read when it was over. The last chapters really fucked me up too.
This is one of those books you really want others to experience and I find myself recommending it to people who may not think their huge book readers. It’s easy to relate to Jude and the ridiculous nature of society.
5 stars! Really hope there’s a third book coming at some point.
This is one of those books you really want others to experience and I find myself recommending it to people who may not think their huge book readers. It’s easy to relate to Jude and the ridiculous nature of society.
5 stars! Really hope there’s a third book coming at some point.
April 7, 2018
Kill yourself a little at a time, not all the way. that's more or less the reoccurring mantra through Hummingbird. Another great set of short stories but Jude ranging from childhood mischief to incredibly poor adult life decisions and all twists and turns in between. I personally am a fan of Jude's writing style as well as the topics he has based both if his books around. If you're looking to wander into the dark abyss inside your soul then allow yourself to connect with this book, because as much as you don't want to be able to relate it is incredibly relatable. Im hopeful we will get a 3rd installment in the saga of Jude Angelini
December 20, 2018
I appreciated this book for its consistency and the courage it took to write it. That being said, I was hoping for a little more variation in style and narrative direction. I’m at a bit torn between understanding what he was going for, but wanting more at the same time.
Angelini’s stories were intriguing and keep you invested throughout the story. The lightning quick vignettes (and even faster sentence structures) are very easy to digest.
Although I don’t believe I was the target demographic for this book, I think it’s a very important read and could hold a lot of weight for a different reader.
Angelini’s stories were intriguing and keep you invested throughout the story. The lightning quick vignettes (and even faster sentence structures) are very easy to digest.
Although I don’t believe I was the target demographic for this book, I think it’s a very important read and could hold a lot of weight for a different reader.
January 13, 2019
Wow, Jude. I couldn’t put this down! What a book.
I felt the humor, sadness, angst and everything in between that you were trying to portray. Thank you for sharing your life stories. Write another one,please!
Let me just say this... if you don’t like raunchy sex stories sometimes even crude... this is not for you. If you don’t like stories about drug use with no apologies... this ain’t for you.
I felt the humor, sadness, angst and everything in between that you were trying to portray. Thank you for sharing your life stories. Write another one,please!
Let me just say this... if you don’t like raunchy sex stories sometimes even crude... this is not for you. If you don’t like stories about drug use with no apologies... this ain’t for you.
October 11, 2017
When it's relatable, it hits close to home and hurts. When it's unthinkable and bizarre, it'll leave you turning page after page. What feels like being the book equivalent of a peeping tom as Jude opens up about his childhood, dating life, drug use, and just about everything else. Fun and excellent read!
February 14, 2018
I devoured this book
I bought this on kindle and read it from my phone during the course of a workday, got absolutely nothing else accomplished, and forgot to eat lunch. This reads beautifully. It’s like if Bukowski was alive today, not a hack, and stuck to prose. 9.5/10 because now I’m hungry and cranky about it. Going to buy the physical copy because it’s worth it.
I bought this on kindle and read it from my phone during the course of a workday, got absolutely nothing else accomplished, and forgot to eat lunch. This reads beautifully. It’s like if Bukowski was alive today, not a hack, and stuck to prose. 9.5/10 because now I’m hungry and cranky about it. Going to buy the physical copy because it’s worth it.
September 3, 2018
Gritty, sweet, disturbing, funny, debaucherous, poetic.
Jude channels Bukowski's raw and simple poetic rhythms and crude and uncomfortable topics to make a modem spin on misguided soul searching from a tough upbringing. The story seeps through the fun; squeezing out from the edges and dripping down the sides.
Jude channels Bukowski's raw and simple poetic rhythms and crude and uncomfortable topics to make a modem spin on misguided soul searching from a tough upbringing. The story seeps through the fun; squeezing out from the edges and dripping down the sides.
March 12, 2018
For fans of Rude Jude
A journey through a seldom sober mind. Part Hunter S.Thompson, part Kerouac, with a dash of Tarantino. He’s no journalist, mind you, but merely a man in pursuit of his own story. Hummingbird is the report that we have gotten back from his travels thus far
A journey through a seldom sober mind. Part Hunter S.Thompson, part Kerouac, with a dash of Tarantino. He’s no journalist, mind you, but merely a man in pursuit of his own story. Hummingbird is the report that we have gotten back from his travels thus far
September 30, 2018
Excellent view into the lifestyle of a terribly interesting man. Intelligent, witty, and very raw at times. No holds barred review of a childhood filled with absent parents, drugs, sex and violence. Juxtaposed by the now successful life he lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews