I Am Secretly an Important Man

by Steven "Jesse" Bernstein, Grant Alden (Foreword), Alice Wheeler (Editor)

A (posthumous) collection of prose from the nearly legendary writer, junkie, wordsmith, sometime Sub-Pop recording artist,a and inspiration to Kurt Cobain and countless others. "The work is deeply felt...Bernstein has been there and brought it back. Bernstein is a writer." [William S. Burroughs]

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Short Stories

132 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Daniel Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best written book I’ve ever read. Sentences carved into bone by rusty nails.

[Erik Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does it take madness to come up with clearly unique words spun together like vomit? Why do the truly gifted die off, because idiots rule, Jane says. I pretend to Know Steve on an intimate level, along with Charles Bukowski and Henry Miller, because I live in-the-moment with their words, because solitude sucks and most people alive suck.

You know when you speak to someone who has Schizophrenia? Their words seem to come from somewhere else, some of it brilliant, some of it nonsense? Well, most was brilliant, torn & tortured words that were lived tumultuously by the author, and bravo he made a dramatic exit, like the 27 club. (Janis, Kurt, Amy, Jim & Jim). Get the book and feel the hostility of something you barely know about. Me neither, I'm not condescending you.

[Zemaemidjehuty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragically overlooked poet who pieced together his writings from the filth accumulated on motel beds, public toilets, and the slime of the streets. This book is a gift to any poet who isn't taken seriously.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

These short pieces are a compelling mix of snark, apocalyptic gloom, and tender pathos - all in one as often as not. If you can get ahold of the album Prison, I recommend a listen or two before reading this. Hearing Jesse’s cadence and tone as I read this work really helped it flow in my mind’s ear.

[Yas Saito · Rating 4 out of 5]

its him so its revolkting n brilliant

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first literary loves was Steven Jesse Bernstein. I was lucky enough to see him at the Hugo House once. I think it was 1989. He mostly played a few songs on a piano and sang. He was heartbreakingly good at that as well. I remember being quite sad when I heard he had killed himself (stabbed himself). I was living in Arkansas at the time ('91 I think it was). I think an old girlfriend told me about it, which made the whole thing extra sad.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Fuck Yeah qualify as a review? Either way, let other people have their untelevised revolutions, their Saint Bukowski, and I'll take SJB. Read it, like it and go listen to his Prison album; go be happy because your life does not suck as much as you thought. Well at least not in the way you thought it did.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

His eyes are buggy and he does drugs.

A classic 90s, underground Seattle poet at his best.

Much thanks to M. for finding me a copy of this great book!

[Lola Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

drugs are bad.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

these are not to be read silently. they are to be shouted in a grumpy rage over the god damn din.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dude had problems, but also had talent. I guess that makes him most writers of the 20th century American literary tradition.

[Roselle]

How truly excellent of a Writer my friend was. I saw him read and perform a few times but damn what a talented creative Writer. He died too young...

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven, you disgusting fuck. I could’ve loved you. I do.