Rating: 
Summary: A True American Classic
Review: Twelve years ago I read an article in the Los Angeles Times in which America's most successful fiction writers were asked to name their top-ten favorite works of 20th Century American fiction. John Fante's "Ask the Dust" was the only title to appear on every author's top-ten list in that article. Since then, I've read "Ask the Dust" twice, as well as every other book by Mr. Fante. Ironically, "Ask the Dust" was published six years before J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye" and the similarities between Holden Caulfield and Arturo Bandini are uncanny. The difference is that Arturo is even more impulsive than Holden, if that's possible, and wholly American. You'll want to console Arturo and slap him silly at the same time! Unfortunately, John Fante didn't live to see the latest revival of his work, but Black Sparrow Press has made him a literary star. You will laugh outloud and embrace this book! I promise.
Rating: 
Summary: Come on, guys...
Review: Look, I like Bukowski and bought this book... on the recommendations...but so what? It has the reality and Tom Waits style urban edge to it, but too much is off or missing. From his simply wrong attitude towards soft drugs to the unsatisfying gotta-kill-em-off end, I was taken less by the atmosphere of LA in the 30's than the annoyances. Perhaps I should read it again...there is some honest writing here, but by no means five-star stuff. And I like this period and setting, and Chandler for that matter....
Rating:
Summary: One of Fante's Best
Review: The saga of Arturo Bandini continues and he's back in LA for good. Ask the Dust is a brilliant work of prose and raw display of emotion that spills on to each page as if the mind of Fante was dictating words subconsciously into print. Incrediable Book with a great ending.
Rating:
Summary: If you like to read, read this book.
Review: Only problem is to find another book as good as this.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book By A Great Writer
Review: ...Of all the Fante books Ask The Dust is the best one. The book has a little more grit than his other books, all of which are also very good. It's just that Ask The Dust is a little bit better. If you're just starting to read Fante this is the right one to read. Follow it with Wait Until Spring Bandini and The Wine Of Youth.
Rating:
Summary: Quite possibly the greatest book I've ever read.
Review: This is the first and only John Fante book I've read. I am a Bukowski fan so I figured this would be a great place to start. Nothing could prepare me for such a book. Not only is Fante the best writer I've ever read, but also the greatest storyteller. Unlike Denis Johnson who is a great descriptive writer, but falls apart in his character development. Fante is better than Bukowski. Whereas Bukowski can at times be very scary, Fante just seems downright romantic, even at times of being an ugly person. I defenitely recommend this to fans of Bukowski, Denis Johnson, and even Harry Crews. Ask the dust is a phenomenal book. The ending is by far the best ending I've read, even better than the ending to Post Office, and that's saying alot.
Rating:
Summary: Heartwrenching
Review: I haven't cried at a book since I was 8 years old. ASK THE DUST is the saddest, most beautiful story I've ever read, and completely absorbing as well.
Rating:
Summary: A great American novel, or there's just no such thing
Review: This book is simply essential. It's a gripping, incisive and utterly compelling romp through one misanthrope's astonishing mind.My fantasy course in 20th century literature would include this novel alongside "Ham on Rye," "Tropic of Cancer," "Hunger" .... Fante is a truly crucial writer. You're almost guaranteed to finish "Dust" in one sitting, so do yourself a favor. Denis Johnson, Sherman Alexie, Larry Brown, Barry Hannah, Pedro Gutierrez -- I'll bet all of them owe a debt to Fante.
Rating: 
Summary: A great, beautiful, and real book
Review: I love this book, not for what it does, but for what it doesn't do. It doesn't romanticize being poor or in love, it doesn't gloss over the story and make things too easy. This book made me feel dirty, uncomfortable, and elated and thoughtful at the same time. In the addition I own, Charles Bukowski wrote the intro, this book shows the influence he took from John Fante. Fante writes strong, real characters who are never all good or all bad. That's what makes them beautiful. Take a risk and read this book if you haven't yet.
Rating:
Summary: not as good as his first, but still 5 stars
Review: not as good as "Wait until spring, Bandini", but nonetheless I read it in a day because I simply couldnt put it down...
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