Rating: Summary: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Review: In this book, two men leave California for Las Vegas in search of the American Dream. Dr. Raoul Duke, a journalist, and Dr. Gonzo, his attorney, go to Las Vegas to cover a story on the Mint 500. While they are there, they are taken over by drugs and forget why they even left California. Through the whole novel both characters become so bungled that not even Duke can remember what he is doing. A part of the book has been transcribed from a recording when Duke had a tape recorder strapped to him. It was during this time that Duke appears to have broken down completely and the book traces back to what he does over a period of time. Even though this book was hard to follow at times, I really liked this book because of the eccentric humor in it. From the start of the novel it's funny to read how the characters hallucinate, for example, when Duke was on the highway heading for Las Vegas he thinks he see bats and he starts swinging at them but he is really swinging at nothing. Also in the beginning of this story they pick up a hitchhiker and tell him some crazy story about why they are going to Vegas. It was funny because they scare him so badly that he jumped out of the car and ran away in a panic. I also like this novel because of the fact that nothing in the book is ever accomplished by the two characters. Even so you will never get bored of this book. They never finishing covering the Mint 500, the whole purpose for going to Las Vegas. Neither do they finish covering another story on drugs but because of the crazy incidents they go through because of their over indulgence of drugs its makes the story very interesting.
Rating: Summary: Gonzo Writing! Review: In Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Hunter Thompson describes an insane time spent searching for "the American Dream". What he finds is a place so corrupt, and so much the antithesis of the 60s that the only way to properly experience it was to load up on mind-altering substances, abuse the place for all it was worth, and "buy the ticket; take the ride." I sped through the book in a little under a day, and was amazed by the writing style. His style is grandiose; he ignores major conventions of writing, and pulls it off seemingly by sheer force of will. From anybody else, it would seem like bad writing, but in Thompson it's all part of his charm. Fear and Loathing will show you an underbelly to the human experience that many people don't have to go through. If you haven't, you may be repulsed, which I suppose is valuable in its own way. If you have, you'll instantly recognize what Thompson is talking about, and it will trigger things in you that may be frightening, or nostalgic, or a warning sign...it just all depends on how much of the dark side you've seen. I would recommend this book to anybody with a desire to see just how insane regular, everyday life can be. Even if the book makes no connection to you on any real level, you're guaranteed to be entertained. Along with Fear and Loathing, another book I'd like to recommend -- obviously influenced by Thompson -- is The Losers Club by Richard Perez. Gonzo reading y'all!
Rating: Summary: Savage Journey? Yes. American Dream? Where? Review: I thourougly enjoyed Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. I found the book to be stimulating and for the most part, enjoyable. It was hard to believe that such an outrageous story was true. Mr. Thompson, if you ever read this, please explain to me how your nervous system has not entirely shut down. Being someone who was ignorant to the world of drugs, alcoholism, and gambling, Fear and Loathing was an eye opener. The only thing I can possibly find disagreeable about the book was the business involving the American Dream. Throughout the entire story the main goal is to find the American Dream. However, never does it actually specify what the American Dream is. Is the American Dream driving around with thousands of dollars of drug paraphernalia? Is the American Dream ruining numerous hotels and spending money that isn't yours? Or is the American Dream simply seeking the American Dream?
Rating: Summary: Fear and Loathing-a classic Review: "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson is a wild novel about the "Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream". Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, the Samoan attorney, rent a Cadillac Convertible, "Great Red Shark" and drive to Las Vegas in order to write a report on the Mint 400, a bike race in the middle of the desert. Stashed in the trunk "We had two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half-full of cocaine and a whole galaxy of multicolored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers...Also a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of Budweiser, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls." The two gallivant in a drunken and high stupor through Las Vegas, and Hunter S. Thompson paints a detailed portrait of their adventures. This book is almost impossible to dislike, unless you are easily annoyed or offended by frequent drug-fueled rants. Being neither, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Thompson has an excellent sense of humor and it is amazing how he moves so quickly and keeps you on your feet at the same time. Any reader who is up for a good read should read this book. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is simply a classic that everyone should enjoy.
Rating: Summary: a savage journey of comic mayhem Review: a book describing the journey of two doctor's of journalism, and their trials for finding the american dream. during this savage non fictional story of how they develop "the fear." A VERY INTERESTING, WELL-PUT NOVEL ON EVEN THE DURRANGED PSYCHOLOGY if hunter s thompson.
Rating: Summary: A savage journey to the heart of comedy Review: A book describing the journey of two Doctor's of journalism,and their trials for finding the American Dream. During this savage nonfictional story of how they develop "the fear." A very interesting, well-put novel on even the durranged pyschology of Hunter S Thompson.A book of constant laughs with strange twists of what is and what the future will be.
Rating: Summary: A classic for all time Review: Seriously, this is the best book I've ever read. I read "Fear and Loathing.." for the first time about thirteen years ago, and I have read it several times since. Hunter Thompson is a master of the english language, and in my opinion, the funniest writer ever. His terminology in "Fear and Loathing.." is so vivid and inventive that it costantly leaves me shaking my head in disbelief anytime evry time I pick the book up. You can open this book to just about any page and be astounded by the sharpness of his wit. There are those who complain that he exaggerates, but so what if he does. It would take a truly unique voice just to exaggerate this. The book might be an even more impressive accomplishment if none of it were true, because that would mean that Thompson actually thought it up on!! Woah, now that is scary.
Rating: Summary: Dissapointing Review: I used to be a real enthusiast about Hunter and his many adventures untill i found out that his stories are nothing but over the top exageration and i should have realised this earlier when i read his first book, he makes himself to have lived this life on the edge, a real tough guy who takes no abuse, but when it comes down to it hes a coward who hides in the trunk of his car whenever a fight breaks out (See Hells Angels: The Life And Times Of Sonny Barger), the stories in this book always got side tracked and never made sense and by the sounds of it hes probobly never taken a abusive substance in his life (due to the mass exageration of his highs) even if this was fiction it would have got a poor score from me
Rating: Summary: Bad Craziness, Great Read Review: Best opening line ever. From start to finish, this book was an enthralling read. I've never been to Las Vegas before, but through the good Doctor's searing style and wit, the landscape blooms for the reader with booming clarity. There are really so many reasons to read this book, what with the curious perspectives, revelations of the time, and glimpses into the alternately foreboding/humorous side of drugs. The movie - while good - doesn't hold a candle to the book. Do yourself a favor and check out the wildness this book details. If you like F. Scott Fitzgerald, read this book. If you like Tom Wolfe, read this book. The style and the flair of this writing provides a welcome breath of fresh air into an art form that too often is made up of pseudo-intellectual posers. One warning: if you consider yourself 'prudish' or are prone to moral indignation, this book might not be for you. Disregard for all personal well-being dwells within.
Rating: Summary: One of my favorite books of all time! Review: Gripping from the first page, HST delivers some of his finest creative work in this cult classic. His one of a kind style, frantic pace, and unmatched humor make this book one of the most worthwile investments of any readers time. I use this book to try and hook non-readers into being readers ('bout a 50% effective rate...not bad)... Enjoy...
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