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erinwolf1997's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Police brutality, and Alcohol
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Fatphobia
bsonrisa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Drug abuse, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape and Police brutality
welllovedspines's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
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REVIEW:
First off, major trigger warning for drug use. There are also other trigger warnings for this book, so please check them before diving in.
I saw the movie that was based on this book ages ago and really enjoyed it's dark, wacky nature and was always interested in reading the book. I finally got around to it and was actually that much more blown away by the movie's faithful adaptation. I think having the prior experience of watching the movie also helped me visualize the plot and it made the book even more atmospheric.
Without getting into too many details, this book is essentially a journalist's road trip through Vegas to cover a motorcycle race, but the trip is fueled primarily by the assortment of drugs that he and his lawyer companion bring along.
The writing style and intensity surrounding the plot might not be for everyone. Reading this really did feel like some kind of acid trip (or what I would imagine one to be since I'm not a partaker). I enjoyed how bizarre it all was and how the writing made me feel like I was right there with the characters. I'm also a fan of Ralph Stedman's art, so his illustrations throughout the book were fun as well!
However, the book did start to wane for me a little bit at the end, which actually happens with the movie for me too. I really enjoyed this and would like to read more from Thompson. I'd say that if you have seen and like the movie then it's worth giving this a read. If you haven't seen the movie or haven't heard of it, definitely look up a blurb and the trigger warnings to see if it might be up your alley!
Final verdict: Utterly bizarre. 4 stars. Would take the ride again.
Graphic: Drug use and Violence
paulines_reading_journal's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Addiction and Drug abuse
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Rape, and Sexual violence
tessasreads's review against another edition
2.5
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Violence, and Vomit
vgdavies03's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Rape
jemamoureuseavecmonvoiture's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Sexual violence
fionac326's review against another edition
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racial slurs, and Vomit
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
jefflypuff's review against another edition
2.5
On one hand
I’m less enthusiastic about the book after finding out it is allegedly nonfiction, because frankly it seems very very unlikely- although
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Sexism, and Violence