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Scummer
A filthy barfly haunts the bar down the road. He lives off the leftover dregs of the patrons� beers and spent cigarettes he finds on the ground. He may be living in the trunk of someone’s car. His name is Scummer. He’s mysterious and elusive. He’s unbound by inhibitions and you want to be just like him.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 16, 2018
The narrator of this story has just been divorced by his wife. He is sick and tired of being told of his shortcomings. He is weary of the expectations of others. In a dive bar he encounters Scummer, who is deeply inebriated and passed out in a urinal. Uncleansed and scabby with long greasy locks (which he combs with a fork) and a mouth full of jumbled teeth, Summer is not a guy you'd invite home to dinner. Scummer doesn't give a shit. Our narrator realizes that he doesn't either, but can he find the nerve to just be himself? He deeply believes that the answers lie with Scummer, who is a difficult person to pin down.
This is not a pretty story. The people are not pretty, either. As a matter of fact, a lot of gross things are brought to (glaring) light. But if one is to prevail and fully accept freedom from expectations, no bloody scab must go unturned. Sometimes, there really is nothing left to lose but one's self-consciousness.
This is not a pretty story. The people are not pretty, either. As a matter of fact, a lot of gross things are brought to (glaring) light. But if one is to prevail and fully accept freedom from expectations, no bloody scab must go unturned. Sometimes, there really is nothing left to lose but one's self-consciousness.
January 25, 2021
I generally do not like overly-descriptive narrative, but for whatever reason, this one worked for me. I found it entertaining and engaging throughout. Definitely more of a journey than an ending kind of story. Appreciate the moments throughout, don't hold out for a big pay-off at the end.
July 8, 2018
A prominent theme in many Grindhouse and Atlatl books (at least the ones I have read) is learning to let go.
It happens by degrees. Some characters let go entirely. Some learn to just let loose a bit. Some make the grand gesture and let go of life.
Scummer’s protagonist operates in the same vein. The protagonist is dealing with some emotional turmoil at the start of the book. He gets caught up in what seems like a superficial journey. He wants to learn more about the character dubbed Scummer.
As the story moves on, you begin to see a sort of zen-like aspect to Scummer’s lifestyle. There’s a functional value to it as well. Scummer is sort of like a maggot, consuming the town’s refuse. He’s like that bottom feeder in the fish tank that cleans up all the messes.
In the real world, we tend to treat people like this one of two ways.
Some loathe people like this. Why? Personally, I am jealous. I’m jealous that someone lives so fearlessly and carelessly.
I also fear folks like Scummer a bit. I always suspect they are lazy sociopaths who might snap at any moment.
But I have always been drawn to them as well, especially when I was younger.
They make a living off being benign. In our home town, we sought them out. You went to their houses to drink. You bought them booze and shared cigarettes with them. They were almost treated like royalty because they were so disarming.
And it is a phenomenon I never really thought about much until reading this book.
But I’m thinking about it now.
Most people have met someone at least a little bit like Scummer. It’s an archetype we could afford to see more of in the coming years.
I think the closest thing we ever got to Scummer was Booger in Revenge of the Nerds.
Can you think of any others?
In any event, good book. Brought me back to the last few years of high school in my home town. Check it out.
It happens by degrees. Some characters let go entirely. Some learn to just let loose a bit. Some make the grand gesture and let go of life.
Scummer’s protagonist operates in the same vein. The protagonist is dealing with some emotional turmoil at the start of the book. He gets caught up in what seems like a superficial journey. He wants to learn more about the character dubbed Scummer.
As the story moves on, you begin to see a sort of zen-like aspect to Scummer’s lifestyle. There’s a functional value to it as well. Scummer is sort of like a maggot, consuming the town’s refuse. He’s like that bottom feeder in the fish tank that cleans up all the messes.
In the real world, we tend to treat people like this one of two ways.
Some loathe people like this. Why? Personally, I am jealous. I’m jealous that someone lives so fearlessly and carelessly.
I also fear folks like Scummer a bit. I always suspect they are lazy sociopaths who might snap at any moment.
But I have always been drawn to them as well, especially when I was younger.
They make a living off being benign. In our home town, we sought them out. You went to their houses to drink. You bought them booze and shared cigarettes with them. They were almost treated like royalty because they were so disarming.
And it is a phenomenon I never really thought about much until reading this book.
But I’m thinking about it now.
Most people have met someone at least a little bit like Scummer. It’s an archetype we could afford to see more of in the coming years.
I think the closest thing we ever got to Scummer was Booger in Revenge of the Nerds.
Can you think of any others?
In any event, good book. Brought me back to the last few years of high school in my home town. Check it out.
September 10, 2023
‘Scumming down to find internal peace, happiness and belonging�
This proved to be a very unusual story set around relationships between a small group of filthy, unkempt and strange characters found smoking and happily drinking dregs from near empty beer glasses in a remote backwater bar whilst all perhaps under the influence of a sinister unearthly power that could be controlling their inner thoughts and actions.
Lots of horrifically good descriptions regarding various fluids and different body parts all taking place under an umbrella of serious unhygienic and personal neglect, and several incidents concerning one or two of the main down-and-out characters were both humorously enjoyable and extremely believable.
Plenty detailed narrative to keep me interested, but perhaps lacking a few hidden reveals and some truly momentous ‘all inclusive� event that would have been welcomed in order to take the whole crazy adventure to an even higher level of overall personal pleasure and enjoyment.
A good read and not what I was quite expecting, but ultimately I was left wondering about the strange and unforeseen supernatural ending, how it all would then move forward, and perhaps more importantly, what it all actually achieved for the main protagonist in terms of personal self-gratification and everlasting contentment.
Mind-bleaching happily successfully achieved.
Rating: 3.7 stars.
This proved to be a very unusual story set around relationships between a small group of filthy, unkempt and strange characters found smoking and happily drinking dregs from near empty beer glasses in a remote backwater bar whilst all perhaps under the influence of a sinister unearthly power that could be controlling their inner thoughts and actions.
Lots of horrifically good descriptions regarding various fluids and different body parts all taking place under an umbrella of serious unhygienic and personal neglect, and several incidents concerning one or two of the main down-and-out characters were both humorously enjoyable and extremely believable.
Plenty detailed narrative to keep me interested, but perhaps lacking a few hidden reveals and some truly momentous ‘all inclusive� event that would have been welcomed in order to take the whole crazy adventure to an even higher level of overall personal pleasure and enjoyment.
A good read and not what I was quite expecting, but ultimately I was left wondering about the strange and unforeseen supernatural ending, how it all would then move forward, and perhaps more importantly, what it all actually achieved for the main protagonist in terms of personal self-gratification and everlasting contentment.
Mind-bleaching happily successfully achieved.
Rating: 3.7 stars.
July 17, 2018
Sometimes life leads you to strange places. Sometimes those places have a filthy, disgusting man named Scummer in them. This filthy, disgusting man may change your life forever.
June 16, 2021
Give this one all the stars!
Scummer is an amazing freaking read! I don't even now where to start, but I'll give it a go!
Scummer by John Wayne Comunale is a gross-out literature character piece centered around a man named Scummer, which our main character is following around throughout his story (It's written in first person, so you know). There isn't much more I can say other than this book isn't afraid to go to disgusting lengths to gross you out.
It's amazing how well this story was written and how disgusting it was at the same time. I don't know if I'd consider this a horror story, but the gross out scenes and that wacky ending left me with my jaw hanging open. Yes, my jaw literally dropped at the ending Scummer has in store and I highly recommend this one to anyone, if your stomach can handle it.
Overall, I give this one 5/5 stars! JWC Does it again! (I listened to Sinkhole prior to this one and loved that one too, but this one blows that story out of the water!)
Scummer is an amazing freaking read! I don't even now where to start, but I'll give it a go!
Scummer by John Wayne Comunale is a gross-out literature character piece centered around a man named Scummer, which our main character is following around throughout his story (It's written in first person, so you know). There isn't much more I can say other than this book isn't afraid to go to disgusting lengths to gross you out.
It's amazing how well this story was written and how disgusting it was at the same time. I don't know if I'd consider this a horror story, but the gross out scenes and that wacky ending left me with my jaw hanging open. Yes, my jaw literally dropped at the ending Scummer has in store and I highly recommend this one to anyone, if your stomach can handle it.
Overall, I give this one 5/5 stars! JWC Does it again! (I listened to Sinkhole prior to this one and loved that one too, but this one blows that story out of the water!)
January 5, 2019
SCUMMER is a very John Wayne Comunale book. It maybe the MOST John Wayne Comunale book. It is punk rock to the core
Its thick with grit and passion. It's a story only John Wayne could have written.
Still, I had a hard time submerging myself into the story as much as I have several other JWC books. I never really got a strong sense of where the story was headed or what it was really all about. Scummer is interesting and mysterious but perhaps just a tad too mysterious.
I dig the lifestyle and I appreciated the protagonists draw to the romanticism of living like scum. There are strong visuals and vivid symbolism (but the huffing stuff felt like it should have been more significant than it was). John Wayne has upped his writing game even if I didn't find as strong an emotional connection to this one.
In the end, it's not you, it's me SCUMMER. You're a damn fine story with lots of spunk and spirit. SCUMMER should ring true with many. John Wayne Comunale proves once again he's not a one trick pony. SCUMMER is as unique as his other books. It maybe called SCUMMER but it's 100% Grade A fresh John Wayne.
Its thick with grit and passion. It's a story only John Wayne could have written.
Still, I had a hard time submerging myself into the story as much as I have several other JWC books. I never really got a strong sense of where the story was headed or what it was really all about. Scummer is interesting and mysterious but perhaps just a tad too mysterious.
I dig the lifestyle and I appreciated the protagonists draw to the romanticism of living like scum. There are strong visuals and vivid symbolism (but the huffing stuff felt like it should have been more significant than it was). John Wayne has upped his writing game even if I didn't find as strong an emotional connection to this one.
In the end, it's not you, it's me SCUMMER. You're a damn fine story with lots of spunk and spirit. SCUMMER should ring true with many. John Wayne Comunale proves once again he's not a one trick pony. SCUMMER is as unique as his other books. It maybe called SCUMMER but it's 100% Grade A fresh John Wayne.
December 17, 2019
You know that show Mr. Pickles? The way that's drawn is how I imagined this story.
July 25, 2018
A mind-blowing trip
Excellent book. I enjoyed the journey into a not so unrealistic world of Scummer. Not for the squeamish,but that's the way I like 'em! Will definitely be checking out the author's other works!!
Excellent book. I enjoyed the journey into a not so unrealistic world of Scummer. Not for the squeamish,but that's the way I like 'em! Will definitely be checking out the author's other works!!
June 18, 2020
I loved this book. SCUMMER is a twisted celebration of embracing rock bottom. It’s about smiling at the banality that your life seems to be cursed by, and stripping away judgement from even your most self destructive thoughts. John Wayne Comunale’s characters are repulsive, yet simultaneously draw you in with their unapologetic nature. This story, in all its nihilistic glory, really made me feel something special. Comunale shows a side of the world that many people love to ignore. It’s the one chalk full of damaged souls and ridiculed outcasts. The main protagonist, a man who is cascading into a downward spiral, becomes infatuated with an alcoholic vagrant known as Scummer. What follows is a disturbing journey about an individual’s terrifying catharsis. John Wayne Comunale is a brilliant writer. His literary voice is candid and oozes with confidence, which makes the dialogue feel extremely authentic. I was a huge fan of the heavy handed, rebellious attitude that incessantly permeated this story. It fit the tone of the book quite well, and helped strengthen the impact of the subject matter. The quality of the language is top notch. There are several turns of phrase here that really showcase the time and effort Comunale put into his writing. The author doesn’t leave anything to the imagination, and revels in vivid imagery. From the grotesque and nightmarish, to the solemn and mundane, everything is highly detailed. I’m a hardened fan of dark fiction, but there were two particular passages that centered around such outlandishly horrific acts, I found myself slightly nauseous. If you have a weak stomach, I can’t imagine you’ll make it too far into this one. This book is not for the faint of heart, which is something I could say about all Grindhouse Press books. This is literature for those who enjoy their stories to come from depraved, taboo, relentlesslyy depressing, and morbid places. Most of all, however, these are stories that take courage to tell. If you enjoy reading books from writers who wear their darkest thoughts on their sleeves with pride, you’ll enjoy SCUMMER. This feels like a Troma Film with a genuine story and heart, and one that was crafted by a very talented writer. A pitch black sense of humor is blended together with elements of psychological and body horror. John Wayne Comunale did a fantastic job with SCUMMER, and I can’t wait to check out his other work. I highly recommend this one. 5 out of 5 stars.
February 18, 2022
Another great JWC book. This is very unique and well written. I have enjoyes all of JWC's books I've read. Great covers on his books. He's a super cool dude. This book has to do with letting go, but told in an a very bizarro way. GG Allin is mentioned too. Bumping The Cadillac Man up on my tbr.
June 29, 2020
Well written pointless dreck.
March 9, 2024
I dreamed of Scummer for multiple nights while reading this. That’s not a bad thing.
As a 80s kid I was heavy into Punk and this book just reminded me of myself. So what is scumming, drinking backwash, smoking partial cigarettes. Doing what you want and looking how you want. So is this book for you, no because you probably didnt live the punk lifestyle of not caring what people thought of you.
Our protagonist is recently divorced from his wife. She bullied him nonstop on how he looked, acted, and what his interests were. When he one day pulls up to a bar and sees a dumpster with Scummer written on it he goes into the bar and finds scummer face first in the urinal. At that moment his obsession begins with his way of life and why he is the way he is. HE tries to find him again at the bar but something weird happens. The bartender never goes home and Scummer’s friends seem to be just as crazy as him.
As the ending came to a close I found myself wanting more to this mystery but then it hit me on what happened at the end as its written all over the place. So what’s the otherworldly creation out in the woods? It’s the spirit of GG Allin. Which also makes this book a tribute to him without saying it. Why do I say that? Speak to John Wayne Comunale in person.
As a 80s kid I was heavy into Punk and this book just reminded me of myself. So what is scumming, drinking backwash, smoking partial cigarettes. Doing what you want and looking how you want. So is this book for you, no because you probably didnt live the punk lifestyle of not caring what people thought of you.
Our protagonist is recently divorced from his wife. She bullied him nonstop on how he looked, acted, and what his interests were. When he one day pulls up to a bar and sees a dumpster with Scummer written on it he goes into the bar and finds scummer face first in the urinal. At that moment his obsession begins with his way of life and why he is the way he is. HE tries to find him again at the bar but something weird happens. The bartender never goes home and Scummer’s friends seem to be just as crazy as him.
As the ending came to a close I found myself wanting more to this mystery but then it hit me on what happened at the end as its written all over the place. So what’s the otherworldly creation out in the woods? It’s the spirit of GG Allin. Which also makes this book a tribute to him without saying it. Why do I say that? Speak to John Wayne Comunale in person.
September 27, 2018
Scummer isnt just a great, scabby drunk lurking at the filthiest bar at the end of the world. Scummer is a messiah. Scummer is a guiding light. Scummer is a way of life.
Follow Scummer scum all the scum he can and learn how to scum the scummiest yiu can just like Scummer.
Follow Scummer scum all the scum he can and learn how to scum the scummiest yiu can just like Scummer.
January 20, 2019
If you’re into punk films like Repo Man or Combat Shock, you’ll really appreciate this book from an aesthetic point of view. Plus, Comunale’s really come into his own as a writer, and he displays impressive chops here, transcending his bizarro roots and finding horror in unexpected places.
March 19, 2024
Don’t eat lunch as you are finishing this book. That is your warning. I did, and I know I was grimacing. Very descriptive look at how low you can get in life. Get divorced and give up. Maybe meet someone happy that you want to emulate� maybe not Scummer. Read on and see.
March 25, 2019
Mediocre. Needed a hell of a lot more polish and also some kind of direction. What we get here is a mess of descriptive action which never alternates from homeless guy appears out of nowhere, something happens to where main character can't communicate with homeless guy. There is literally no point, throughline or legitimate conflict in this story. It's like playing one of those video games where the action's 95% cut scenes and 5% gameplay. Everything I've ever read from John Wayne, I've felt as if he's holding back. Just once, I would like to see him write something from his spleen that greatly displeases his handlers in the Bizarro genre, but is good enough for them to grudgingly publish anyway. I know he could do it.
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