In the Open: Diary of a Homeless Alcoholic

From February 1990 through December 1994, down and out and often homeless, Donohue intermittently kept a diary whose purpose, he reminds us, was to help him stop drinking. Unfortunately, ""Writing a book about alcohol and its effects is a two-edged sword. The intake of that substance provides the author with subject matter in the form of strange experiences and unusual perspectives at the same time that it undermines his ability to write about them."" In the Open reveals a misanthropic white American college graduate in his late 30s who exercises his mind with sophomoric theories about economics, psychology and sociology--and who occasionally writes descriptive prose as well as anybody. One of several extraordinary accounts is of a sandstorm: while drunkenly staggering through a pitch-dark Nevada desert, he is grasped by a hand on his shoulder; he turns and sees no one but knows it was the ""Devil."" The storm suddenly clears; he collects his goods and resumes drinking. In spite of the predictable alcohol-induced pratfalls, Donohue is likable without ever trying to be. After his father's death brings him $15,000, he muses: ""I am hoping I will be able to get and keep a job. I am hoping I will stop or moderate my drinking. Mostly, I am hoping I will not squander the $15,000... I just don't know if my behavior can comply with my great store of sagacity and prudence."" Our sympathy and interest rest on how his almost relentless self-destructiveness never completely finishes him off. Donohue always staggers to his feet to discover fresh or renewed resolutions once more. (Oct.)