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elbarto's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.5
tommyhousworth's review against another edition
5.0
This may be my favorite Hunter Thompson book. It's a collection of letters (he saved carbons of everything he ever wrote) from a young writer, not yet proven, but cocksure and brash as they come. He reaches out to publishers, politicians, and friends as he begins to carve a niche as a journalist and novelist.
It's his most honest writing, and as all these letters were written before his legend had surpassed his talent, you don't get the 'Gonzo' treatment, or the lazy indignation that fueled his later work, but a hungry, ambitious craftsman, pummeling his readers with words in an effort to impress, inspire, and intimidate.
Before the drugs and the madness, the fear and the loathing, there was a simple Southern Gentleman, trying like hell to become the next Hemingway.
It's his most honest writing, and as all these letters were written before his legend had surpassed his talent, you don't get the 'Gonzo' treatment, or the lazy indignation that fueled his later work, but a hungry, ambitious craftsman, pummeling his readers with words in an effort to impress, inspire, and intimidate.
Before the drugs and the madness, the fear and the loathing, there was a simple Southern Gentleman, trying like hell to become the next Hemingway.
rebus's review against another edition
5.0
The unexpurgated Hunter is far better than any biography could ever be, and I have to say that my own letters to retail and wholesale outfits was always inspired by him (even if I had penned decades' worth far before I read this!).
kruthie's review against another edition
4.0
It's amazing to read the personal letters of a struggling, ASPIRING writer who is down on his luck continue the fight to make his dream -- and his hedonistic wanderlust -- come true. Oh Thompson, if only you knew how great of a writer you would one day be considered! But then, that would take away the truly humble musings found in this book.
grahamiam's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look into Thompson's early career, giving you a clear view into the behind the scenes life. His letters are such a better read than the Rum Diary, it's hard to imagine they were written at the same time.
thecuriosityhourpodcast's review
3.0
I enjoyed HST's commentary on social and political issues, but got tired fairly quickly of the letters that were not on these topics; I enjoyed this book, but it took longer than my attention span would prefer. I will read more of his work, but I will seek out his nonfiction more than anything else.
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