Reviews with content warning for Drug abuse - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Other American Stories

Writing: fine? I guess. The whole book is like an acid trip. I guess the fact that you can follow any of it is a tribute to the writing.
Plot/characters: I spent most of the book wondering wtf was going on. It’s hard to know how much of the story is real and how much is a drug dream.
Profundity: it’s about the quest for the American Dream, I suppose? To me, it mainly feels like people being lost/without purpose with drugs and greed thrown in.

Content Warnings

aidanweyer's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Content Warnings

kshertz's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book does not stand the test of time. I read it because a lot of people love this author and I wanted to understand why. But to write about what an irresponsible idiot drug user you are and how much you can get away with because you are a powerful white dude with privilege? I’m not envious or in awe of that. I’m disgusted. So, not only is this author not for me, if someone says they love him…. Red flag! 🚩

Content Warnings

bookish_bry's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a well written and good book, but I personally didn't derive much enjoyment out of it. It's a pretty pessimistic book and the characters are all deplorable which doesn't make it a bad book, but one that doesn't really catch my attention.

That being said, the themes were on point and it was an interesting look into a very specific subculture in the US during the 1970s. It's the optimistic free love culture from the 60s soured by pessimism during the Vietnam war, but the main character (the author himself really) still can't quite let it go. It also takes an interesting look at the main American culture as well.

The writing style was always intriguing and well done even when I was slightly bored or frustrated with the content. Overall it's a solid book. I probably won't be reading it again anytime soon, but it was a very valuable reading experience. I may even look into more of Thompson's books since I really did enjoy the style.

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erinwolf1997's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

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

Content Warnings

bsonrisa's review against another edition

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dark funny tense medium-paced

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

Content Warnings

fishhat's review against another edition

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dark funny tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Definitely a slow read and I found myself losing interest. Definitely not a comfort book or a particularly cheery read, but like a fever dream. Some great moments though

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