Amazon.com Reviews
Heralded as the "best book on the dope decade" by the New York Times Book Review, Hunter S. Thompson's documented drug orgy through Las Vegas would no doubt leave Nancy Reagan blushing and D.A.R.E. founders rethinking their motto. Under the pseudonym of Raoul Duke, Thompson travels with his Samoan attorney, Dr. Gonzo, in a souped-up convertible dubbed the "Great Red Shark." In its trunk, they stow "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.... A quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of Budweiser, a pint of raw ether and two dozen amyls," which they manage to consume during their short tour.
On assignment from a sports magazine to cover "the fabulous Mint 400"--a free-for-all biker's race in the heart of the Nevada desert--the drug-a-delic duo stumbles through Vegas in hallucinatory hopes of finding the American dream (two truck-stop waitresses tell them it's nearby, but can't remember if it's on the right or the left). They of course never get the story, but they do commit the only sins in Vegas: "burning the locals, abusing the tourists, terrifying the help." For Thompson to remember and pen his experiences with such clarity and wit is nothing short of a miracle; an impressive feat no matter how one feels about the subject matter. A first-rate sensibility twinger, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a pop-culture classic, an icon of an era past, and a nugget of pure comedic genius. --Rebekah Warren
Book Description
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is the best chronicle of drug-soaked, addle-brained, rollicking good times ever committed to the printed page. It is also the tale of a long weekend road trip that has gone down in the annals of American pop culture as one of the strangest journeys ever undertaken.
Now this cult classic of gonzo journalism is a major motion picture from Universal, directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro. Opens everywhere on May 22, 1998.
Customer Reviews:
I know, I know..........2007-09-30
I know, it's THE Hunter S. Thompson book. It would be like having the gall to write a review for the Grapes of Wrath or Slaughterhouse Five and think you'd be doing anything other than blabbing just to see your own words on a computer screen.
That said, read this book this instant. Whatever good anyone's ever said about this book, it's twenty times better. I read it in two sittings and only stopped myself from reading it again because it was a library book and had to be returned.
The late HST's gift for gonzo, that strange mix of fiction and nonfiction, is ultimately realized in this book. Reality is seamlessly mixed with a bizarre fantasy world of sentient reptiles and split personality through the medium of hard drugs that serve to clarify (and sometimes amplify) a violent and twisted town in a strange time.
This book will have you laughing hysterically at parts, so don't read it around other people unless you're okay with passing it to them. This book will have you cringing at the brutality of human nature at points, so have your wits about you.
I really can't say anything else, other than that this book must be purchased and read this very instant if you haven't already done so.
A must read for anyone.......2007-09-21
Thompson's book helps create a vivid picture of the drug fueled 60's and early 70's a way no one else has before.
Good stuff, but less important than his other work.......2007-09-14
¨Fear and Loathing¨ is a great ride for sure. A drug-addled, hilarious, disturbing romp through Las Vegas in search of the American Dream. Thompson is definitely a skilled writer and an outlaw and this stuff comes through in this book. I don't want to shrug this work off by any means, but I definately prefer his other work, such as ¨The Great Shark Hunt,¨ because it truly brings out Thompson's outlook on the world, his hatred of wealth, power and greed, etc. This book is fun, but Thompson is definitely capable of more depth and thought. While this work might be what gave him his big break, he definitely went on to better things.
Buy the ticket...take the ride.......2007-08-23
A bizzare journey to the heart of the American Dream, funny, witty and full of memorable episodes. The illustrations by Ralph Steadman are also superb. Raul Duke says it clearly : "buy the ticket...take the ride"
A wild and extraordinary ride down a lost highway ..........2007-08-20
The lost highway of the American Dream.
I wasn't old enough to remember much from the late 60's early 70's let alone the political aspects of Nixon's presidency or the drug culture of the time, so this review won't have any profound social or political commentary, except that comparisons can well be made to the drug culture of today, and it is glaringly apparent that not much has changed.
Considering the climate of the time: Nixon's presidency, the war in Vietnam, and the country's young men succumbing to the draft, it was no wonder that an entire generation wanted something more, for this was not the American Dream they had been sold. And for some, the only way to drown out the hypocrisy gnawing at your brain is to give your brain an escape. Expand your mind, as that might be the only part of you that is truly free. Whatever it takes to get you directly out of your head -- the higher the better. This story chronicles a journey utterly devoid of restraint and reason as these two men, Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, and their trunk full of felonies set themselves loose upon Las Vegas -- the last vestige of the American Dream. However, their idea of the American Dream is not how most of us would understand it, but somehow, through the fog of hallucinatory metaphor, we can actually see and feel what the main characters are searching for so desperately.
All that aside, even if the 60's culture is beyond your age group, Thompson's writing is worth the read -- Brilliant, sarcastic, and frighteningly funny: Bars seething with has-been lounge lizards, tearing the patrons to shreds, blood soaked tacky hotel rooms, police car chases, kidnapping, gambling, excess, and debauchery ... not to mention the Narcotics Convention. The dialog is brilliant. Harrowing experiences abound; it is amazing that the two main characters make it out of Vegas alive.
Definitely a wild ride for all.
Customer Reviews:
Like a shotgun blast composed of LSD tabs and spicy adjectives.......2007-06-03
That so many people have tried to justify, make sense of and interpret Thompson's pseudo-fiction in literal terms only indicates how many asinine, clueless people have read this magnificently absurd book. All that's required when reading HST's drug-addled interpretation of his misadventures with Acosta is to simply ingest, and to set your inhibitive sense of reality aside while doing so.
In his correspondence, literature and journalism, HST ably explains how he rode the crest, slope and break of the most exciting, disheveled period in the history of American culture. His written discourse is invaluable for obtaining a clear understanding of a muddled and dynamic era, where dysfunction of many varieties constituted the norm and the freedom afforded by a permissive society and its' technological advances was exploited for enormous personal gain. In a time when America is descending into a sanitized quagmire of mediocrity and sedation, we could only hope for so much.
Fun fact: the second hardbound edition of "Fear And Loathing" included a sheet of stickers depicting numerous characters featured in the book as illustrated by the brilliant Ralph Steadman. People who have carefully planned their life priorities have either sold mint condition copies of these sheets for thousands of dollars on eBay or have affixed them to bottles used for target practice before blasting away at them with large, powerful handguns. To each their own.
"That Death of the American Dream Thing".......2007-03-08
This novel is a classic of American Literature in the same right as Moby Dick, The Scarlet Letter, The Catcher in the Rye, and countless others. True, it's not appreciated by everyone (as can be seen in the reviews below) but neither was and is Moby Dick. This is definitely a baroque classic too, and it was groundbreaking in its own time (which it may not be anymore, logically, but that's not all the book is about, far from that).
As some have said before me, it's indeed a great window open on an era now dead: the sad end of all the dreams of the 60's; and that is important to our own time because I am not sure we ever recovered from all those dead dreams. Even in my generation, I know a lot of people who still look back with major nostalgia even though they didn't even exist exist in the 60's. That was a very significant moment in time during the 20th century and it certainly set the setting for as far as today.
Some say there is no real plot to this book; much the same can be and was said about Moby Dick. I won't deny that, but I will point out that not all books are about "plots" and that there is ALWAYS a plot, no matter how minimal or nonsensical it gets. A trip to nowhere without any clear direction in search of the American Dream, what do you expect? A clear plot with obvious twists and the likes? Of course not.
That book is fun, disturbing, daring, and much deeper and serious than it may appear to the shallow reader. Definitely worth it, and definitely classic. Wandering around the still smoking embers of the Fallen Dream with Hunter S. Thompson is an experience you don't want to miss.
Living the Dream.......2006-03-25
No one does it like Dr. HST, may he RIP.
The savage pursuit of the American Dream . . . aaaaaaah love it!
This is a generational classic far superior to Catcher in the Rye, On the Road, Less than Zero . . . you name it.
It will change your life, even if it's "too late."
Live the dream, HST style.
try creative appreciation.......2006-01-04
Despite the excessive drug use in this piece, there is an undeniable window to an extremely fascinating era. Maybe you're right, maybe this novel isn't for kids. It needs to be appreciated on a mature level. One doesn't need to be a drug user to appreciate the intellectually stimulating imagery that mimics the effects of the aforementioned drugs. Dr. Thompson's words may be a little harsh at times, but the feelings they invoke are highly entertaining and priceless in their own accord. In short, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Not for kids.......2005-10-20
This book is about a road trip across America for a couple of guys who are searching for the American dream. Even though it is a great adventure story with a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader interested, the characters use drugs and alcohol throughout the story, and that is a very big part of both of their lives. A lot of high school students like me probably have heard of the book because a movie was made about it, so they might pick it up to checkit out. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 18, because it promotes drug use and drug abuse. Good story, but bad ideas for the wrong readers.
Amazon.com
Dr. Thompson made the list of inspirational scribes when I polled in a recent writing workshop, and why not? Back in a spiffy Modern Library edition, replete with additional essays, I find in this iconographic work that HST both invoked--and provoked--an era that was not so much the '60s proper, but rather the mean, shadow-filled death of that time, which is still playing out. Thank God Thompson was there to explode the myth of "objective" journalism and help pave the way for the pens and voices that followed.
Book Description
First published in Rolling Stone magazine in 1971, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is Hunter S. Thompson's savagely comic account of what happened to this country in the 1960s. It is told through the writer's account of an assignment he undertook with his attorney to visit Las Vegas and "check it out." The book stands as the final word on the highs and lows of that decade, one of the defining works of our time, and a stylistic and journalistic tour de force. As Christopher Lehmann-Haupt wrote in The New York Times, it has "a kind of mad, corrosive prose poetry that picks up where Norman Mailer's An American Dream left off and explores what Tom Wolfe left out."
This Modern Library edition features Ralph Steadman's original drawings and three companion pieces selected by Dr. Thompson: "Jacket Copy for Fear and Loath-
ing in Las Vegas," "Strange Rumblings in Aztlan," and "The Kentucky Derby Is Deca-
dent and Depraved."
Customer Reviews:
One of the great books.......2007-01-12
This is one of the great books. This Modern Library hardcover edition is beautifully made - good paper, clear font.
You Had To Be There.......2006-12-10
Disclaimer: I am now in my mid 50's and realize what Thompson writes about and some of us lived probably isn't the best thing for society. That said every time I read this (at least 15 times in the past 35 years) I laugh until the tears pour down my face. Is this Pulitzer Prize material? Hardly. If you are looking for heavy plots good character development etc. look elsewhere. A warning, if you are so anal you can't see the humour in serious drug crazed humor don't read this (and why in God's name would you pooh?). I've also found that it doesn't cross generations all that well maybe because youngsters can't believe there was ever such a time. I have given this book to many friends, the young ones don't seem to get it. In closing this is a hilariously funny light book that will always be on my favorites list, but don't bother if you think drug humour should be banned. Just join the DEA and kill some innocent 88 year old black woman in the name of saving us from our selves
When the bats appeared.......2006-09-15
I first read this book after finding it on the bargain table at my college bookstore. I have read it several times since then, and have shared it with friends and students. From the first bizarre line to the last, it was hard to stop laughing. It is one of the unusual class of novels that truly enables you too look through another man's eyes, distorted as that vision may be. Admittedly, this is perhaps not for those who have never enjoyed being not sober. Still, if you are open minded, it is an amusing and enjoyable read.
A book written for those who were too afraid to take the drugs themselves.......2006-04-22
I can't believe they actually made this into a movie. What crap!
Okay, I bought this just to see what the fuss was about. Stories of a guy getting doped up and drunk is not entertaining. Maybe because I've been around enough drunks and druggies growing up that I fail to see the humor. The fact that he was allowed to write books and have them published is shocking. Thompson was laughing all the way to the bank, or drug dealer, in his case. I've seen people do drugs to write better songs or paint better paintings, but to do drugs and then write about doing drugs, geez where's the talent in that? His talent was actually living to write about his trips and then getting some publishing house to give him money for writting his stories.
I believe people read it because of one of two reasons: 1) Like me, curious about why everyone finds him so interesting and talented; or 2) To experience what it is like to be drugged out without taking the actual drugs.
On Drugs and Driving.......2006-02-24
That title's not just the kickoff of the book but the state of the book itself. It's fast... really fast. I'm a slow reader and I cleared it in a couple sittings. That also suggests how engaging it is. There's something utterly captivating about what a shameless romp through Vegas these men have and I loved every sentence of it. Part of me is jealous of the drug addled adventure, part of me is revolted. In any case, I'm glad someone did it and they one upped that by sharing their story with the world. Thanks, Dr. Thompson.
Customer Reviews:
Rah Rah.......2003-11-21
The previous reviewer is what one may call a "gotard."
He feels that fear and loathing is only about drugs. He is simple minded, and can't see what is really occuring in one of the finest American novels of the later half of the 20th century. Fear and loathing in las vegas is about the search for the long lost American Dream. It is story about two men set out to find the American Dream, and they use drugs and excess as means for getting there.
Drug trips.......2003-06-05
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was veru interesting. THe drug trips scared me but allowed me to see what goes on in the real world. I felt that the literary merit was slim to none. The book is fun of description but does not really have a plot line other than just getting high and all that jazz. The author certainly has some problems and can teach what happens when you get too strung out on drugs.
Fear & Loathing In The Book Store.......1996-06-27
There I was, wandering the various warehouse-like isles of
my neighborhood bookstore hopelessly staring at the shelves
of books I read in the past. Stumbling across the Hunter S.
Thompson books was probably the best thing that happened to
me all week. As everyone else does from time to time, I took
a gamble and bought "Fear & Loathing: In Las Vegas" having
heard nothing about the book, or Hunter S. Thompson prior to
my purchase.
The description on the back of the book entranced me, with
visions of drug-drunken anarchy. A description that upon
reading, sounded so crazy and out of control that I figured
the book was probably trash. The description, as great as
it was, however, didn't even do justice to the book.
Have you ever dreamed about going on the road and doing just
about every drug imaginable over a period of a week or two,
and raising absolute hell in the city of Las Vegas? Driving
around in a large red convertable, picking up hitch-hikers
and scaring them worse than they scared you? And don't forget
the fact that during this dream ("The American Dream" as
Hunter S. Thompson describes it) you have an equally Drugged,
spontaneous, crazy and armed attourney to smooth things out
for you and keep you out of trouble?
This book has more action than you are prepared for, and there
is never a slow or dull moment from start to finish, And will
leave you back in the isles of the book store, or in this
case back in front of the monitor shopping for more of Hunter
S. Thompson's books. This was the first one I purchased, and
ended up buying the rest of his books.
(Warning: This book contains Sex, Drugs, Rock'N'Roll, Adult
situations, Explicit Language and just about anything else
you could imagine on an interstate drug frenzy)
Product Description
1st paperback edition.
Average customer rating:
- Book #4 in the mackeage series
- I hate wimpy women
- loved it!
- Review of the Highlander series
- enjoy reading
|
Only With a Highlander
Janet Chapman
Manufacturer: Pocket Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0743486323 |
Book Description
She must choose between her destiny...and her desire.
As soon as Pine Creek's new mystery man steps into her art gallery, Winter MacKeage is intrigued. This sexy stranger, Matt Gregor, wants her to do some drawings of his dream house. And with his tiger-gold eyes and masculine charm, he's impossible to resist. But so is Winter's Scottish heritage. As the seventh MacKeage daughter, she must embrace her true magical calling...and deny her mortal desires. Soon Winter is heating up -- in Matt's strong arms -- and her fiery heart is torn. Can she give up the destiny she was born to fulfill for the only man she's ever truly loved?
Download Description
"She must choose between her destiny...and her desire. As soon as Pine Creek's new mystery man steps into her art gallery, Winter MacKeage is intrigued. This sexy stranger, Matt Gregor, wants her to do some drawings of his dream house. And with his tiger-gold eyes and masculine charm, he's impossible to resist. But so is Winter's Scottish heritage. As the seventh MacKeage daughter, she must embrace her true magical calling...and deny her mortal desires. Soon Winter is heating up -- in Matt's strong arms -- and her fiery heart is torn. Can she give up the destiny she was born to fulfill for the only man she's ever truly loved? "
Customer Reviews:
Book #4 in the mackeage series.......2007-08-13
This is Winter's story. She's the reason the wizard thru Duncan in the future to begin with. She was forecasted to be born the 7th daughter, etc etc to save the world.
Here is her story. All grown up.
I liked this story. Winter was an artist that had "animal" friends and mystical abilities. The wizzard was trying to train her to take his place, but had to do so in secrete because Duncan (Winter's father) forbid it.
The older men that were thrown thru time in book #1 were always afraid the wizzard would accidentally send them back.
Anyway, this was a good read. Nice romance with likeable characters.
I'm big on having likeable characters....LOL It's hard to like a book if you don't like the characters, eh?
I hate wimpy women.......2006-12-29
This book made me so mad. i can't buy that the heroine was so swept away by passion that she let the "hero" treat her this way. This is the person whose hands the fate of the world rest in. Boy are we in trouble. I got about halfway through the book and then ended up throwing it across the room. don't waste your time.
loved it!.......2006-08-24
I enjoyed this one so much I've had to buy the rest of them! :)
Review of the Highlander series.......2006-07-01
I like fantasy, sci-fi and of course time travel so this was just about right. I would probably read others by this author.
enjoy reading.......2006-03-16
Same as last book, enjoyable hard to put down wanted to finish in one sitting but not enough time.
Product Description
award winning author janet chapman has written another bestseller in her 4th installment of her'highlander'series set in modern day maine!can fiery winter mackeage resist the hot,passionate pursuit of a timeless warrior?
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on October 1, 2002. The length of the article is 780 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Sheldon keeps share of lead with shutout win.(Sports)(Girls soccer: Provo's goal is the only score against Highlanders as Irish keep pace with South.)
Publication:
The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: October 1, 2002
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: E5
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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