One way is to visit your local library. Librarians are great resources. They can guide you to the most popular Denis Johnson stories based on borrowing records. Additionally, you can check online book communities. People there often discuss and recommend their favorite works, which might lead you to the best Denis Johnson story.
To find the best Denis Johnson story, you could read anthologies of his short stories. This way, you get to sample a variety of his works. Pay attention to the ones that resonate with you the most on an emotional or intellectual level. Another option is to read interviews with Denis Johnson himself, where he might mention the stories he was most proud of or thought were his best.
You can start by asking avid readers of Denis Johnson. They can give you their personal favorites based on their own reading experiences. Also, looking at literary reviews and analyses of his works can be helpful. These often highlight the most well - received stories.
One of the highly regarded Denis Johnson stories is 'Car Crash While Hitchhiking'. It's a powerful and somewhat surreal piece that showcases his unique writing style. The narrative takes the reader on a wild ride through the experiences of the protagonist, with vivid descriptions and a sense of chaos that is both disorienting and captivating.
One of the best Denis Johnson novels is 'Jesus' Son'. It's a collection of interlinked short stories that offer a raw and poignant look at the lives of addicts and misfits. The prose is both gritty and beautiful, and it really gives you a sense of the characters' desperation and small moments of hope.
I think 'Angels' is also a great Denis Johnson novel. It has his signature style of exploring the darker aspects of human nature. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked, with characters that are complex and not always easy to like but are nonetheless fascinating.
Well, 'Train Dreams' is a must - mention. It's a novella that packs a powerful punch. It tells the story of a simple man's life in the early 20th century, his struggles, and his connection to the land. The writing is spare yet evocative, and it's a quick read that stays with you long after you've finished.
Some critics consider 'The Name of the World' to be one of his best. It has a more introspective feel compared to his other works. The main character's journey of self - discovery in the face of loss and loneliness is beautifully written, with Johnson's unique blend of poetic language and gritty realism.
I would also suggest 'The Largesse of the Sea Maiden'. It's a poignant and beautifully written story. Johnson's prose in this one is very evocative, painting vivid pictures of the characters' lives and their inner turmoil. It's a story that stays with you long after you've read it.
His unique writing style. He has a way of using language that is both gritty and poetic. His words seem to jump off the page.
Denis Johnson's best short stories are known for their raw and unflinching portrayals. They don't shy away from showing the grittiness of life. His use of setting is also remarkable. He often sets his stories in places that are run - down or in a state of decay, which reflects the state of his characters' lives. The pacing in his stories can be both slow and fast, depending on the mood he wants to create. Slow to build the tension and the sense of despair, and fast when the action or the emotional climax hits.
One of his well - known short stories is 'Car Crash While Hitchhiking'. It's a wild and somewhat disorienting ride that showcases Johnson's ability to create a vivid and strange narrative. Another is 'Emergency', which delves into the experiences of young men in a chaotic and unpredictable world.
As far as I know, there is no Denis Johnson novel that is widely known for specifically mentioning angels. His novels usually focus on more down - to - earth and gritty aspects of human life, like in 'Tree of Smoke' which delves into the Vietnam War and its aftermath.