Back Cover:
'A savage journey to the heart of ther American Dream'....then a bunch of critics spew praise. You don't need to see that.

Basically, this book is the swan song of the love generation and drug culture. Written by Hunter S. Thompson as he experienced it in 1971, it balances the nonsensical ramblings of a rug-addled lunatic with the perspicacious wisdom of one of the twentieth century's most eloquent writers. Both are two sides of the same Thompson coin. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is the autobiographical account of three days of pure Gonzo Journalism. What sets it apart from any other book written from the perspective of a drug fiend is the fact that Thompson remains so clearly aware of his atrociousness. His words resonate, and his phrasing is magic. "I'm an upright citizen. Multiple felon, perhaps, but essentially a good person."

List of Characters:
Hunter S. Thompson (Raoul Duke): "I'm a Doctor of Journalism, damnit!" he says, and the book goes from there. He starts the book where he ends it: in the throes of an acid trip on the edge of the Nevada desert, driving his trademark luxury convertible. Intoxicated, impulsive, but always an essentially rational and self-aware entity, he navigates a drug frenzy with all the savoir
faire of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Oscar Zeta Acosta (Dr. Gonzo): "As your attorney, I advise you to rent an expensive car with no roof and get the hell out of L.A. for at least 48 hours." Probably Samoan. The not so rational one. The raging yang to Thompson's yin. His character trashes the first hotel room, threatens his client with a knife, a gun, and various not-so-tangible ideas, picks up an underage girl with a mental problem, deserts him with the hotel bill, vomits on a passing Cadillac, unwittingly hits on a moody waitress...to mention a few offenses. Does not understand the basic decency of the white man's culture (to paraphrase Thompson)

Hitchhiking Kid: Never rode in a convertible before. Probably never will again.

Lucy: Paints pictures of Barbra Streisand.

The Photographer: Way too enthusiastic about a mediocre assignment.

Favorite Character:
Thompson, who else!?! He really does remind me of me (seeing as we share the same birthday and all....! His stream-of-consciousness articulation is phenomenal!!

Least Favorite Character:
As I said, that blasted photographer. While Dr. Gonzo is a mess, he's the required complement to Thompson's role in the book. The photogrpaher was just annoying.

Favorite Quote:
...the entire book. Not kidding. I quote throughout this review, so bear with me. "We can't stop here...this is bat country!" is also a favorite.

Favorite Part of the Book:
To paraphrase (I don't have the book with me)...'Most people don't know how to deal with a Nevada Highway Patrolman'....and Thompson proceeds to speed up, sending the persuing NHP officer on a wild chase. 'But he won't know what to make of your right turn signal'...the pursuit continues for a few minutes...'cut the wheel quickly to the right and peel off the road at 120 mph...fast hell-to-toe action, so you don't lose control'.....he finally ends up standing beside his car, waiting patiently as the NHP officer rolls breathlessly to a stop beside him. A brilliantly written piece.

Comments:
What can I say about Hunter S. Thompson that has not already been said?! This book is an excellent introduction to a man who is brilliant, hilarious, insightful, and articulate....whether or not you approve of the drug culture, this is hardly propaganda for illegal substance abuse. In fact, it's nothing more than an uproarious account of a failed experiment in Gozo Journalism, a "huge god damn hotel bill" trailing it. Thompson's talent as a writer is more than enough reason, in my opinion.

Rating: 4.9 of 5 stars.

ISBN: 0679785892
Edition: Paperback