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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
The author uses problematic descriptors of minoritized groups, and while it is hard to tell if this is his chosen language or merely his conveyance of the Pranksters' chosen language, it's problematic and uncomfortable nevertheless. White, heterosexual, cis men are at the forefront of this book and seemingly this historical moment. These men are generally difficult to like. I did appreciate some of the symbolism and patterns, which I would not have recognized had this book not been for a class. Who knew nonfiction could have symbolism? I also appreciated how the writing tone varied, and always fit the tone of the scene very well. That was impressive on Wolfe's part. I can't agree with Wolfe or this book as a revolutionary moment in journalism/writing, but maybe if I had read it at the time of publication I would? But it didn't totally suck. 2.5 stars.
Changed how I looked at things. Inspiring and cool and raw
I’ve always wanted to read this book, have always been fascinated by the early days of the psychedelic movement, and since I moved to Oregon 28 years ago, Ken Kesey was always a bit of a local celebrity.
But I found Tom Wolfe’s 1968 language anachronistic, dismissive, racist and misogynistic. And with the long perspective of Kesey’s eventual decline, the descriptions of his egoic antics just seem kind of sad. Spoiler alert. I’m with Timothy Leary and Ram Dass. Spiritual enlightenment vs. rave scene.
That being said, Kesey, the psychedelic movement, the Grateful Dead and all these influences were so formative in the way California and Oregon have evolved. The permissive drug culture here (both pros and cons) have shaped migration patterns, the economy, cultural mores and individual expression in a unique way.
I often wonder when I contemplate our current homeless crisis (Portland/Oregon #4 largest unhoused population in the nation per last I read) how many people come here for the freedom, that magic bullet, the blissful ideal presented by Kesey and his Merry Pranksters, only to hit rock bottom, with “nothing left to lose” when they wake up (hopefully in a waterproof tent) to a time space continuum sadly rooted in 21st century 3D reality.
Good book for historical reference points. Tough read. But, as one of the characters taking acid for the first time exuberantly points out. “We’re all Heeeere!” Who am I to judge?
But I found Tom Wolfe’s 1968 language anachronistic, dismissive, racist and misogynistic. And with the long perspective of Kesey’s eventual decline, the descriptions of his egoic antics just seem kind of sad. Spoiler alert. I’m with Timothy Leary and Ram Dass. Spiritual enlightenment vs. rave scene.
That being said, Kesey, the psychedelic movement, the Grateful Dead and all these influences were so formative in the way California and Oregon have evolved. The permissive drug culture here (both pros and cons) have shaped migration patterns, the economy, cultural mores and individual expression in a unique way.
I often wonder when I contemplate our current homeless crisis (Portland/Oregon #4 largest unhoused population in the nation per last I read) how many people come here for the freedom, that magic bullet, the blissful ideal presented by Kesey and his Merry Pranksters, only to hit rock bottom, with “nothing left to lose” when they wake up (hopefully in a waterproof tent) to a time space continuum sadly rooted in 21st century 3D reality.
Good book for historical reference points. Tough read. But, as one of the characters taking acid for the first time exuberantly points out. “We’re all Heeeere!” Who am I to judge?
funny
informative
medium-paced
really bizarre writing style and not what i normally read but fairly entertaining.
read for school.
read for school.
adventurous
medium-paced
The writing is tough to read at times and the racism/sexism is plentiful. Interesting enough topic, but this book makes 60s counterculture boring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Homophobia
Wrong author telling the wrong story. I love Tom Wolfe but this one just didn't work with him driving this bus. Over the top in every way and became boring quickly. 2 stars barely !
I remember thinking at the time that it was amazing that the dude could write so well about drugs without having ever done drugs . . . but I don't think I had done drugs at the time, so what the heck does THAT mean?
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism