Pissing in the Gene Pool

by Henry Rollins

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Short Stories

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Henry Rollins (born Henry Lawrence Garfield; often referred to simply as Rollins) is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, author, actor and publisher.

After joining the short-lived Washington, D.C. band State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the Californian hardcore punk band Black Flag from 1981 until 1986. Following the band's breakup, Rollins soon established the record label and publishing company 2.13.61 to release his spoken word albums, as well as forming the Rollins Band, which toured with a number of lineups until 2003 and during 2006.

Since Black Flag, Rollins has embarked on projects covering a variety of media. He has hosted numerous radio shows, such as The Henry Rollins Show and Harmony In My Head, and television shows, such as MTV's 120 Minutes and Jackass, along with roles in several films. Rollins has also campaigned for human rights in the United States, promoting gay rights in particular, and tours overseas with the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.

Reviews

[Shawn Fairweather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of Henrys better works. My favorite being Get in the Van. Henrys thoughts are a bit more coherent and organized than his earlier stuff but that is progression for you. Some may still not understand his thinking or intent (I don't claim to know either), but I do believe that the more you read the more insight you will get into his cathartic effort. At times regardless of the location or the merit it is important to put your thoughts down on paper and perhaps not read them again for some time. You may not know what caused you to write what you did, but the words are honest and poignant for that moment in time thus were captured. Not knowing allows for constant reflection and speculation and perhaps that is enough to accomplish its intent anyway. Brutal, abrasive, ignorant, insightful, spiteful, and honest...all can be used to describe Pissing in the Gene Pool although neither alone will come close to get the job done. Essential Rollins reading.

[James Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like his first book, this diffuse collection of stories, poems, and rants covers a lot of ground.. much of which is pretty dark and twisted. While a few stories were a bit disturbing, there are at least a dozen that contained some beautifully-written phrases. This is a brooding, cathartic read with some slight glimmers of hope if you look hard enough.

[Johnny]

I asked my mom to pick up a copy of this from Olsen's for my birthday when I was a dumb punk kid. When she gave it to me she said, "I got that for you since you asked for it, but the guy is an idiot." Fortunately she also got me a copy of 'My Life and Hard Times.' Mother knows best.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A bullet shot at this man would steer clear, knowing that nothing would happen to its target." This immediately reminded me of this line from Chuck Palahniuk's "Survivor:" "Me getting killed right now would be redundant." Another good one: "Sometimes it gets so cold in here I want to build a roaring fire using my body for kindling."

[Danine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most uplifting book but raw nonetheless. Lonely, erotic, crass and brutally to the point of his thoughts and experiences. A lot depressing and a lot of violence. Kinda made we want to die a little. I appreciate most of Henry's views and I continue to read his books and watch his show.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i mean, the title says it all, really.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all how could you not like the title of this book? Henry has a way of telling things that really makes you think.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book by Rollins covering the final phase of Black Flag.