Friday, March 1, 2013

Tyler's March Staff Pick


Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream
By
Hunter S. Thompson
PN 4874 .T444 A3 2005
 
 
            This novel is not your average adventure story, but more of a twisted documentary of two people, journalist Raul Duke and attorney Dr. Gonzo, who take it to the next level to cover a couple events in Las Vegas. The two drives from California to Las Vegas with a suitcase of illicit drugs including LSD, ether, mescaline, cannabis, cocaine, amyls, uppers, downers, and a whole collection of assorted alcohol to the Mint 400, a race in the desert. The journalist, Raul Duke who is Hunter S. Thompson’s character, and attorney Dr. Gonzo, go out to cover the story, but instead decide to find the American Dream through fear and loathing.

            Through out the novel, you watch these two get crazier and deeper into their drug induced experience, going days at a time totally losing control.  They constantly talk about the failure of the early 60’s counterculture and how it was so much better than the current times, story taken place in 1971.  They lose track of why they were sent out in the first place and start to solely focus on finding the American Dream.

            This is truly an outrageous adventure with never a dull moment.  It’s an easy read, though at times gets confusing since the characters are on a different level at points.  It is humorous, serious, puts you on edge, and straight up great and interesting.  This is highly recommended if you are open to a different style of writing.  Hunter S. Thompson does not disappoint and is truly a genuine man who isn’t afraid to express himself and his view on life.

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