Reviews with content warning for Addiction - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

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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aimee94's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

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

3.0

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4cardz's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense 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

2.5

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nugehood's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

4.0

What a nice piece of raw and gritty social commentary about America and the American Dream.

Hunter S. Thompson, depicted here as Duke, goes on a drug-fueled journey to Las Vegas to cover some story for a magazine with his attorney, Dr.Gonzo. And what they found there was something different, the first task that the magazine gave never had been realized by Duke. He and his companion fascinatingly found something filthy and more interesting than what had been given to them.

Opinions are written as a harsh and unfiltered dialogue between man and the people around, essentially keeping the book as a piece of journalism, but in different ways, Gonzo Journalism. This a type of writing that could help the reader to understand fully what the intent and story covered by the journalist. Why? Because it is told in a first-person perspective, in return, putting the journalist as the person who will guide you from the beginning and through the shit-hole. He's your driver, and he'll be there to take you to a spectacle, unaware by the public eyes.

It is a nice taxi ride, you'll see filth everywhere, and you'll argue with the driver, but you'll remember the ride.

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

- Hunter S. Thompson

Content Warnings

kellymacdevette's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Content Warnings

angel_kiiss's review against another edition

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fast-paced

I mean, yeah, it’s a really good book, but it’s also just 200 pages of a man telling us about all the things he got away with in 1971. Also massive trigger warning for slurs and totally uncalled for violence against women

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