Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

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

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

erinwolf1997's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

4cardz's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Content Warnings

angel_kiiss's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Content Warnings

sassylk's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging tense slow-paced

1.75

god this was just so male.. incredibly dull even in the so-called ‘action’ parts, i had to force myself to get through the last 50 pages. the storyline was non-existent, and the descriptions of all the drugs were just repetitive. almost DNF but i was too far in and wanted to be able to say i’d read it.

Content Warnings

cicely's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny fast-paced

4.0

Content Warnings

jefflypuff's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark funny medium-paced

2.5

I honestly don’t know if I liked this book... it was all over the place and quickly moved from funny to maddening, from believable to unlikely, and would quickly jump between places/characters that haven’t been introduced yet

On one hand

it did feel like I was on the drug trip with them

, but it didn’t seem particularly fun... perhaps that’s the point of the book?

I’m less enthusiastic about the book after finding out it is allegedly nonfiction, because frankly it seems very very unlikely- although

If he did even half the drugs he claims then maybe he THINKS that’s how it happened

Content Warnings

More...