Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson (1971-08-01)

Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson (1971-08-01) by Ralph Steadman, Hunter S. Thompson

19 reviews

annie_l_h's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

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

3.0

I was looking for a complete 180 after a previous book that I read this year, and figured that this novel would be the perfect way to add more wildness and unpredictability to my list of read books this year. While it was certainly a change in pace for me, it’s very much a surface level novel of just drugs and two unlikeable men gallavanting around Las Vegas. I thought there would be more to the plot, but really it’s just these two men getting high on a shocking amount of illegal substances and wrecking cars. After a while it just got monotonous; who cares that they’re high and being menaces to society anymore? Why should the reader even read this? For me it still felt a bit boring despite all of the adventures and drug fueled explorations around town.

Content Warnings

roseknows124's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

Content Warnings

lori_j's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny 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? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

jaimc's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny tense medium-paced

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

2.5

Content Warnings

kshertz's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

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