Gonzo: The Life of Hunter S. Thompson
by Corey Seymour, Jann S. Wenner
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Book Reviews of Gonzo: The Life of Hunter S. Thompson
Book Review: Who in the devil was Hunter S. Thompson?
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book in a total panic. I'll not say it's for everyone, I'll not even say it's for most, but I enjoyed it. Every now and then one should peek into the dark corners of our world.
I'm not as well read as I had thought. The minute my newest book hit the airways and store shelves, my inbox starts overflowing with letters from people saying things like, "Take a book, leave out the intellect and research, and you're as interesting as Hunter S. Thompson." And "If a reader didn't like Hunter S. Thompson, they would hate Bob Miller." Then comes the coup d'état, "The more I read of Miller's work, the more I like it. Like Hunter S. Thompson, Miller is a born curmudgeon, cynic, and rebel." --Ejner Fulsang, author of "A Knavish Piece of Work". Mr. Fulsang is a West Point graduate. I'm not sure that a college graduate had ever read one of my books before, let alone a West Point graduate.
Book Review: Take the ride
Summary: 4 Stars
Some reviewers here seem to take exception to Jann Wenner's comments in this oral biography of Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Having been a fan of Hunter for years, I didn't find anything insulting or derogatory in what Wenner had to say. Let's be honest here, someone as wild as Hunter is bound to ruffle a few feathers along the way.
I thought GONZO presented a well-rounded picture of a talented artist who eventually became prisoner to his public persona. Somewhere along the way, the focus shifted off Thompson's writing and came to bare on his chemical-fueled lifestyle. It seems clear reading this that Thompson came to somewhat regret his public image, wishing instead to be known for his writing and not his diet of alcohol and narcotics. It makes for a tragic story and an interesting read. That is, of course, if you're interested in Thompson the man and not Thomopson the public image.
Book Review: Jann Wenner is a fool
Summary: 1 Stars
He so wanted to be like Hunter S. Thompson but took advantage of the good doctor several times over. One I'd like to point out can be found in Songs of the Doomed, where Wenner fired Thompson on his way to Siagon at the end of Vietnam. As Hunter put it, "You shouldn't work for someone who would fire you en route to a War Zone."
Hunter also disapproved of the changing face of Rolling Stone. The magazine had moved from San Francisco to New York and instead of relying on the journalism, they became dependent on advertising and the business side of things. The outlaw magazine became an establishment magazine and Hunter didn't work well with that environment.
So, with that sort of background, don't buy this book. Scan over it if you want - in a bookstore or something, but don't support the rotten bastard who used Thompson and then chopped his job (and his funds).
Book Review: Best Biography
Summary: 5 Stars
From reading this book, it is clear Jann Wenner wanted to paint the most accurate portrait of Hunter as possible, warts and all. Hunter is presented as a very loving person that was willing to sacrifice for others, yet he did have a dark side. I don't care what anyone says about Hunter's death, happy and content people don't commit suicide. Hunter's life was a tragedy in the end because he couldn't write anymore. When I think of Hunter I can't help but think of Johnny Cash and Warren Zevon because their best work came towards the end of their lives. Hunter's first priority should have been his writing because that's what he was - a serious writer in the tradition of Faulkner and Hemingway. As much as he hated the Uncle Duke portrayal of himself, that's what he soon morphed into, and in the end it killed him.Book Review: Great stories...
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is jam packed with great stories about the doctor. If you liked the commemorative Rolling Stone issue, you'll like this book.
All the Jann arguments for hating this book are lame. Ever worked for a family member? You can care about someone and still tell them to shove their job where the sun don't shine... the bitterness goes away.
Putting Anita on a pedestal is even more lame. If she is so much better than everyone else that was a part of Hunter's life, why is she delaying all the TRUE gonzo books in the works?
The book is a good read. It is petty to base the merit of a book on hearsay.