i would second the Carver and Dan Fante recommendations, and also recommend Denis Johnson's "Jesus' Son", Maggie Dubris' "Weep Not, My Wanton", and anything by Carson McCullers.
Harry Crews and Bukowski are kindred spirits, though Crews has a very traditional structure to his books that contrasts with Bukowski's heterodox style. They are alike insofar as the darkness of their worldviews is reflected in their books, and they write about marginal characters. A highly recommended author.
... So good ....
I havn't yet read Pan by Hamsun, but heard 'Hunger', via audio, which I liked very much. Not that audio books are great but my hands were busy and I really got into it. The reading lasted 6-7 hours.
Always wary of anyone outright putting Buk in any of their titles. Bukowski by Modest Mouse seems to be the exception to that rule.Denis Johnson's Jesus' Son has some Buk elements. Raw stuff but lacking Buk's humor. Also, there's this chick whom has been nicknamed Bukowski in a Sundress (Kim Addonizio). Reading some of her stuff now. Not bad.
I'm not much a fan of poetry either and have only read sections of two of Bukowski's poetry books. But I really like Henry Miller, and in particular Nights of Love & Laughter, a collection of his short stories. One of them really reminding me of Bukowski. Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring and Tropic of Capricorn are good as well. I still have yet to read the Rosy Crucifixion.I find myself in the same situation. I can't bring myself to read anything other than Bukowski and I'm down to my last 3. I haven't tried the poetry please don't shout at me I'm just not really a poetry person. I have to say that South of no north and The captain is out to lunch were both fantastic
Sorry, you caught me. Just trying to get my book noticed. Bukowski is one of my influences. One of my favorite writers.A guy you just stumbled across. With the exact same name as you. Heck of a coincidence.