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sammarsore's review
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
krayfish1's review
3.0
Not the ideal place to start reading about Chicano riots in LA in 1968-72, but interesting.
andrea2428's review
4.0
I read this book for my Mexican American Literature course in college and I'm still debating what to rate this book. I absolutely abhored the protagonist, who is either a fictionalized or realistic portrayal of the author himself. I'm just going to assume its fiction and that the overflowing misogyny in this book is meant as satire.
The novel takes place during the 1960s Chicano Movement as well as the Counter-Culture Revolution. Drugs, sex, and violence provide the characters an escape to their problems. As a way to avoid their plight and failure, the men use psychedelic drugs to enter a fantasy world where they can be happy and free. After being stomped around by the Americans, the Chicanos turn to their own women and conquer them in order to keep their masculinity and superiority intact. What the men fail to realize is that they need the support of the women in order for their movement to gain strength. Thier constant abuse towards them ultimately leads to their own downfall.
Despite being part of the movement, Oscar Acosta (A.K.A Hunter S. Thompson's best friend Gonzo in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) looks down on his own race and objectifies almost every woman he comes across. He views himself as a revolutionary and believes women are only there to provide sustenance. This machismo ideology that encompassed the Chicano movement was perhaps the reason for its failure. The marginalization of women left the Chicanos divided and no movement can truly succeed when members of its own population are oppressed.
As much as I disliked this book because of its offensive vulgarity and misogyny, I have to admit that it was this novel, told from a male point-of-view, that really opened my eyes to the challenges women of color faced on two fronts. On one hand, the Americans deny them civil rights because of their race. On the other hand, their fellow Chicanos deny them a place in their own movement because of their gender.
The novel takes place during the 1960s Chicano Movement as well as the Counter-Culture Revolution. Drugs, sex, and violence provide the characters an escape to their problems. As a way to avoid their plight and failure, the men use psychedelic drugs to enter a fantasy world where they can be happy and free. After being stomped around by the Americans, the Chicanos turn to their own women and conquer them in order to keep their masculinity and superiority intact. What the men fail to realize is that they need the support of the women in order for their movement to gain strength. Thier constant abuse towards them ultimately leads to their own downfall.
Despite being part of the movement, Oscar Acosta (A.K.A Hunter S. Thompson's best friend Gonzo in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) looks down on his own race and objectifies almost every woman he comes across. He views himself as a revolutionary and believes women are only there to provide sustenance. This machismo ideology that encompassed the Chicano movement was perhaps the reason for its failure. The marginalization of women left the Chicanos divided and no movement can truly succeed when members of its own population are oppressed.
As much as I disliked this book because of its offensive vulgarity and misogyny, I have to admit that it was this novel, told from a male point-of-view, that really opened my eyes to the challenges women of color faced on two fronts. On one hand, the Americans deny them civil rights because of their race. On the other hand, their fellow Chicanos deny them a place in their own movement because of their gender.
mariahchai's review
dark
informative
fast-paced
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
mc900ft's review
4.0
mandatory "fiction" history on some level. i mean, the female level of power isn't fantastic (in fact it's all too often hooched out) but - the struggle for power, for equality in the late 60's/early 70's ... it is all there in an explosive manner. and it's funny ... the imagination laughs at the antics he really did throw down while in court.
rosieleyva's review
4.0
Loved this book.
However, the sexist and homophobic comments that Oscar Zeta Acosta makes epitomizes what is wrong with our social movements.
However, the sexist and homophobic comments that Oscar Zeta Acosta makes epitomizes what is wrong with our social movements.
cchotze's review
3.0
Had to read it for school. It was okay but nothing I think about or would ever recommend to a friend.
juicydsalinger's review
4.0
Hard to read, kind of disgusting, a narrator that is shameless. This brought heart into a controversial revolution. I spent a novel cheering them on. A quite excellent story by an author who showed a rare and strong potential. It saddens me a great deal that Oscar Zeta Acosta didn't make another book.
danny_golightly's review
5.0
I’m obsessed! One of the best books I have ever read! It is hillarious, historical, political, filled with chaos and culture! It’s a must read for every Chicano!