Quitting the Nairobi Trio

by Jim Knipfel

Book Overview

With the same prickly, poignant humor that distinguished Slackjaw, his brave and astonishing (Mirabella) debut, Knipfel recounts his six-month stay in a Minneapolis mental institution. Heartbreaking and funny, often in the same paragraph.--Newsweek.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425178366
• ISBN13: 9780425178362
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Loved the humor! It worked for a dark subject!

When I bought this book I was unsure as to whether or not the whole business of being in a mental institution would be very funny. Well, somehow or other, treating the subject without pity and a poor me attitude made the story stronger. I felt for the people-- I didn't laugh at them-- it was more the absurdity and self-loathing we all feel in everyday life that came through.

Slackjaw revisited

After a nearly succesful suicide attempt with scotch and sleeping pills, Knipfel ends up in the harrowing and frustrating world of the mental ward. While trying to prove his "sanity" to his hospital appointed psychiatrist he finds himself locked in a no-win situation. First of all, he only meets with him for one half-hour session once a week. Secondly, if he tells him he's not really crazy then he's looked upon as a liar, and if he admits he does have a few "psychotic breaks" then he'll never get out. Add to this an array of severely mentally ill people and a non-chalant nursing staff and it's a wonder that he could keep whatever sanity he had intact.In this prequel to "Slackjaw", Knipfel delves deeply into the dark feelings of "will I ever get out of here" and "what if they don't really believe that I'm sane?". It can seem a little hopeless and maddening at times, but Knipfel always seems to come away with a brighter way of looking at things.

Knipfel tellls it like it should be told.

After just completing "Nairobi Trio" I feel I have embarked on a career of reading nothing but non-fiction. While at times, the truth may be "scary", knowing it's real can be oh-so rewarding. In the case of your recent work....I felt it extremely rewarding, and hope there's more to come!

Bigger and Better

Slackjaw was a fine debut, but this is a much better book. Controlled, refined, witty, and yes - that rarest of accolades for a 'hip writer' - vulnerable. Funny provocative storytelling. Highlight: Knipfel takes a scuba diving test.