Books Junky  by William S. Burroughs (Author)

"Junky" by William S. Burroughs is a semi-autobiographical novel that provides a candid, unvarnished account of the life of a heroin addict. Told through the perspective of the protagonist William Lee, the story traces about ten years of drug use, addiction, and the harsh realities of the underworld inhabited by junkies, dealers, pimps, cops, and low-lifes.

The novel begins with Lee's introduction to morphine in 1944 New York City, where he quickly becomes dependent. It portrays his experiences with "doctor shopping" to obtain prescriptions, petty crimes like pickpocketing, buying and selling heroin, and the paranoia and danger within the addict community. Lee’s personal life, including his wife and children, is barely mentioned, highlighting the all-consuming nature of addiction.