Super Short Summary

Close to the Knives by David Wojnarowicz is a stream-of-consciousness memoir-in-essays that explores the author's life through fragmented scenes, emphasizing his protest against a society fearful of diversity. The collection delves into Wojnarowicz's history of homelessness, drug use, sex work, and his experiences during the AIDS crisis, culminating in the poignant death of his mentor, Peter Hujar. The essays critically address the U.S. government's response to the AIDS epidemic and outline Wojnarowicz’s broader reflections on mortality and art. Sensitive topics include abuse, sexual exploitation, drug use, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic.