Rating: Summary: Thoroughly enjoyable Review: This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. While obviously not a masterpiece of prose, the story and characters were memorable, unique, and fun. The setting was glorious, and described in words only someone in love with it could write. I recommend this book to everyone - or at least everyone who has a deep respect for law and order, for this book will give even the least radical among us the urge to create a little mischief. And as an added bonus, in reading this book you will learn a lot about how to wreak havoc on your enemies. What more can you ask? This story is well worth the investment.
Rating: Summary: "We have met the enemy, and he is us." Review: I view Abbey the writer much as I would view Hitchcock as a director. Both always seem somewhat amateurish when I look at their products the their final form. Abbey provides only the character development he deems necessary to get his point across. (That issue alone could spark the writing of volumes - see "Coyote in the Maze - Tracking Edward Abbey in a World of Words").That most reviews here seem to have missed the point may indicate a weakness on Abbey's part, (as well as the reader's.) Even so, it doesn't detract from the message itself. There are important things to be learned in this work about the relationship of human with machine, but I'm not going to tell you what they are. I will say this: If you think this book is strictly about a battle between environmentalists and developers, you need to go back and read it again. This book comes packaged in a suspenseful, exciting yarn, that entertains on several levels. And it's no surprise that for some, the question of "Why rage against the machine?" is not adequately answered. For those of you interested in exploring further, I recommend reading some other works by Abbey, in particular "Desert Solitaire", before reading this one. You won't regret the time spent.
Rating: Summary: Hilarious and inspiring, if you can take it... Review: ...which many can't do. Abbey is a fiercely skillful writer who can punch you right in the mouth with words when he wants to. This is a very unconventional novel, with writing and characterization that border on the surreal, but Abbey knows his craft. The Dream Garden Press edition has a chapter he was forced to leave out of the trade edition, and it borders on the nightmarish. He is unflinching in his criticisms and unyielding in his devotions, and The Monkey Wrench Gang is a wonderful novel. I reread it every couple of years and enjoy it every time. It's quite possible that you will hate this book and what it stands for, as well as the rest of Abbey's writings. It's also quite possible that that was Abbey's intention from the very start. Ed Abbey doesn't pander or beg. He lays it on the line and dares you to come along for the ride. And Monkey Wrench is one great ride. No, it isn't Proust. Yes, Mormons and Indians and most women may be offended. That's tough. It isn't for everyone, and thank God for that.
Rating: Summary: Simple..... Review: This book was the first of Abbey's novels i read. And I have only one thing to say, this book is absolutely wonderful for anyone who longs to be in the forests and mountains. Abbey's homeland is the American west, but i think it is clear that he wants people to know that paradise is in the heart, and the best way to find it is in the wilderness; the way people originally found true enlightenment. If you need the trees, mountains, rivers, and deserts....Abbey can take you there with his own simple writing. His stories and heart are true to every living creature...please enjoy this novel.
Rating: Summary: ecoterrorist's delight Review: This is the gleeful side of ecoterrorism, take it or leave it. Abbey's book is more mischievous than exciting, more adventure than political manifesto. The story, which traces a colorful group of environmentalists as they sabotage developers' project, works reasonably well as a story, but I was in the end somewhat dissatisfied. I really do wish there was more in it to justify the sabotage -- more that could persuade me that destroying others' property is merited by developers' actions. Abbey does a better job of this more meditative type of writing in _Desert Solitaire_.
Rating: Summary: Hayduke Does Live Review: So what if the writing is not Steinbeckien, the story is absoutly unbeatible. I have probably read the book 20 times, and it still sends shivers up my spine. This book will make you want to blow up a Dam; for better or worse few books are so effective in their call to action. As Abbey said, "those who follow my advice will be jailed, those who fail to, will be run over by a Mitsubishi Bulldozer."
Rating: Summary: Monkey Rench Gang Review: The "Monkey Wrench Gang", by Edward Abbey is an exciting book that in the begining seemed boring because it wasn't apparent what was going to happen. Eventually, you begin to see how the characters come together. The book drew me in and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. It's an excellent book with lots of adventure and is unbelievable how it ends, although it doesn't really seem to be over. The story involves four main caracters, Dr. Sarvis and his assistant Miss Abbzugg, Smith who's a river guide, and Hayduke who is a gun loving, free speaking man who says what he wants when he wants. The characters come together somehow and decide to destroy tractors and other things to slow down road constuction and the destruction of the land around them. All the while, they are being chased by a man nambed Bishop Love, who is seeking fame from catching the terrorist Rudolf the Red and the others so he can become governor. Overall, the book was one thrilling moment after another, with lots of excitment. I really enjoyed reading the "Monkey Wrench Gang". It was easy to imagine the story in my mind as I was reading. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: Summary: Loved it! Review: A recent gift from my good friend Fearless Bill, this is a book I've been wanting to check out for years. An entertaining 2 day read full of weird characters turned eco-terrorists who destroy billboards, bulldozers, bridges, & mine trains in an effort to combat developers and preserve the Southwest. Can't wait to get my hands on the sequel, Hayduke Lives!
Rating: Summary: Envirnmental Anarchism Review: This is a excellent book as a introduction to Abbey's work. If you like nature and hate machienes this is for you. It really does make you want to go out and blow up a bulldozer. If it were an option I would give it 20 stars.
Rating: Summary: Funny, adventurous and insightful. Review: A great story about four mischevious people trying to halt the ecologically destructive progress of mankind around them. From seizing up bulldozer engines or driving them off cliffs, to blowing up coal train bridges, and other great stunts, it's ALL in here. A great adventure. Another fine book in the Abbey realm.
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