Fear and Loathing

Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson is one of my favorite books. It was the very first reading I was assigned as a college freshman, and I've read it numerous times eince that fall of 1995.

The book follows Thompson and his trusty (or shady,) sidekick Dr. Gonzo on their drug frenzied trip to Las Vegas in search of the American Dream. The vivid word pictures painted by the doped up author take the reader on a roaring ride through the desert and deposits him in the middle of sin.

The duo does just about every drug available on the street, in excessive quantities, and still deliver an exciting, philosophical story. If you are into adrenaline then this is an enjoyable story.

Thompson uses his own style of reporting, Gonzo Journalism, to depict a journey so full of amazing highs and turbulent lows that keeps you reading on. It is unimaginable to think of someone ingesting the copious amounts of illegal substances that he writes about, and not only being coherent enough to still put together a story, but to actually survive the ordeal.

I have this book in my own personal library and enjoy reading it every time I get the opportunity. It is artistic and intellectual. It gives you a sense of hope. If a drugged out journalist with nothing more than a tape recorder and writing instruments can make it big in America today then maybe I can be next!