Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 42 votes)
5 stars
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42 reviews
July 14,2025
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I've long been skeptical of Anita Thompson and her role in the late-HST's estate.

I didn't know her in the way I knew Thompson from his writing. So, in my mind, I thought of her as just some gold-digger who at least gave the good doctor some sex now and then.

However, this book completely changed my perspective. In it, Anita Thompson emerges as an advocate for what I regard as "pure" HST -- stripped of the hypercaricature.

Early on, she correctly admonishes those who read HST for the drug references and advises them not to read on, because she's now going to talk about the HST they imagine, she's going to talk about the HST she knew.

And having read almost everything he's ever written, I have to agree: Anita knew HST well. It was a pleasure to read this book and get to know him a little better through her.

It sits proudly on my shelf next to the Good Doctor's work, a testament to the new understanding I've gained about HST and his relationship with Anita Thompson.

Her insights and the way she presents the real HST make this book a valuable addition to any collection of works related to the iconic author.

I'm glad I gave this book a chance and had my initial skepticism overturned.

It has opened my eyes to a different side of HST and Anita Thompson's important role in his life and legacy.
July 14,2025
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Short, sweet, and sad in a good way.

This simple description holds a world of emotions within it. The brevity implies a concise yet powerful essence. Something that is short can often have a profound impact, like a single moment that lingers in our minds.

The term "sweet" brings to mind feelings of joy, pleasure, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. It could be a memory of a beautiful smile, a kind gesture, or a delicious treat.

However, the addition of "sad in a good way" adds a layer of complexity. It suggests that there is a bittersweet quality to the experience, one that evokes both sadness and a strange sort of comfort. Maybe it's the realization that something wonderful has come to an end, or the recognition that life is full of both happy and sad moments.

In conclusion, this combination of words creates a unique and captivating image that speaks to the human experience. It reminds us that even in the shortest and sweetest of moments, there can be a hint of sadness that makes them all the more precious.
July 14,2025
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The way HST lived his life has always been a great source of inspiration for me.

There were numerous occasions when I would read his profound words regarding freedom and security, and I would feel a sense of shame. Although his words resonated with me so powerfully, I was held back by an excessive amount of fear, preventing me from taking action based on them.

However, as I have started to learn how to live my life according to my own terms, this has become less and less of an issue. I am aware that I still have a long way to go on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, but I can sense that I am getting closer to achieving a more fulfilling and authentic life.

This book is filled with a wealth of valuable wisdom. Some of it I have already internalized on my own, while some of it requires me to be reminded from time to time. The most significant lesson in the latter category is the final one in this book: never apologize, never explain. This simple yet profound principle has the potential to transform our lives and help us become more confident and assertive in pursuing our goals and dreams.

July 14,2025
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I firmly believe that a wife can significantly contribute to her deceased husband's legacy. This is because her love is an integral part of his passion for life and his work.

Who else could know the man better than his most intimate confidant? I was truly captivated by the tales and life lessons of Dr. Thompson as told through his widow's eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and, as an HST fan, I cherished this additional opportunity to partake in and discuss his story.

It was a truly good read that offered unique insights into the life and work of a remarkable individual.

The widow's perspective added a layer of depth and authenticity that made the book all the more engaging.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Dr. Thompson or in exploring the power of love and legacy.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience that left me with a greater appreciation for the man and his work.

July 14,2025
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A Super Read for Fans of Hunter S. Thompson and His Gonzo Lifestyle



If you have an interest in the wild and unorthodox life of Hunter S. Thompson, then this is a must-read for you. Thompson's gonzo way of life was a unique blend of journalism, drug use, and a disregard for the rules and conventions of society. His writing style was equally unconventional, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction.



This article offers an in-depth look at Thompson's life and work, exploring the events and experiences that shaped his gonzo philosophy. From his early days as a journalist to his later years as a cult figure, you'll discover the many facets of this fascinating man.



Whether you're a die-hard Thompson fan or simply curious about his unique approach to life and writing, this article is sure to provide an engaging and thought-provoking read.

July 14,2025
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I received this as a birthday gift and finished reading it in one sitting. Anita might not have had an abundance of time with Hunter S., but she definitely grasped the essence.

It's truly remarkable how she was able to do so. Despite the limited time they spent together, Anita had an innate ability to understand the core of Hunter S.'s being.

This shows not only her perceptiveness but also her deep connection with him on some level. It makes one wonder what else Anita was able to glean from their brief encounters.

Perhaps there were hidden lessons or unspoken understandings that only she could fathom. In any case, her ability to understand the core of Hunter S. is a testament to her unique qualities and the special bond they shared.
July 14,2025
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A nice little primer about the Gonzo philosophy of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson has been presented. It offers a concise yet engaging exploration of his unique perspective. The Gonzo philosophy, as advocated by Dr. Thompson, is a radical and unorthodox approach to life and journalism. It emphasizes living on the edge, taking risks, and embracing the chaos and absurdity of the world. This primer delves into the key aspects of his philosophy, providing readers with a better understanding of his ideas. It goes through the concepts quickly, making it accessible and interesting for those who are new to his work. Overall, it serves as a great introduction to the fascinating world of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson's Gonzo philosophy.

July 14,2025
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Some truly interesting snippets were presented. However, it seems that for the most part, it leans towards being rather self-indulgent. There is a certain charm in those snippets, as they offer glimpses of various ideas and concepts. But at the same time, the overall tone gives the impression that the author may be more focused on expressing their own thoughts and feelings without necessarily considering the broader context or the interests of the readers. It would have been more engaging if there was a better balance between sharing personal perspectives and providing valuable information or insights that could resonate with a wider audience.

July 14,2025
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To put it simply, there is something for everyone to like in this book.

Published in 2007 by Anita Thompson, the late wife of Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, the book is a multi-faceted work. It serves as a memoir, an advice book (though the term'self-help' is deliberately avoided here), a mission statement, and for Anita, a means to exorcise the demons she has been grappling with since Hunter's suicide in 2005.

The memoir aspect offers a voyeuristic peek into the Thompson home at Owl Farm. Even those initially skeptical of Anita's 'intentions' with Hunter can find something captivating in this small volume. Anita tactfully includes the words of others, such as close friends, compatriots, and sometimes enemies of Hunter (like Kurt Vonnegut, Bob Dylan, etc.), adding different perspectives.

However, there is a caveat. Both Anita Thompson and Douglas Brinkley (who writes the foreword) make it clear that this is not a book about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Instead, Thompson aims to show Hunter as the man she knew, deeply involved in politics, human connections, and striving to change the world one word and act at a time.

The insights into Hunter's mind are truly fascinating. He was a man of boundless energy, wholeheartedly投身于 causes and trying to rally the world behind them. His monomania was fueled by deeper meanings, and Thompson skillfully depicts this with select anecdotes that are charming, nostalgic, and often amusing.

Regarding the advice, Anita passes on a wealth of it. Her volume is meant to teach readers what Hunter taught her, distilled into seven illuminating lessons. While some of these verge on simplistic aphorisms common in the self-help market today, they are revitalized by the legend of the man who said them and the context in which he said them.

Interestingly, it is Anita Thompson's own writing that does justice to the writer who preceded her. Her speech is simple and unadorned, straightforward (Lesson 5's title is "Truth is Easier") and never apologetic (lesson 7!).

More significantly, hers is the often heartbreaking, sometimes brutally honest voice of a woman who has lost her best friend. The reader is invited to mourn with her but also to move on and see that the world Hunter S. Thompson left behind is still worth living and living well.

"Everyone fumbles. What matters is the recovery." - a phrase often quoted by Hunter S. Thompson. The Gonzo Way is Anita Thompson's courageous, fun, and brutally honest attempt at recovery.
July 14,2025
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This book is truly crap.

It fails to engage the reader from the very beginning. The plot is dull and uninteresting, lacking any real excitement or twists. The characters are one-dimensional and lack depth, making it difficult to form any kind of emotional connection with them.

The writing style is also subpar. The language is平淡无奇 and lacks creativity. There are numerous errors in grammar and spelling, which further detract from the overall quality of the book.

In conclusion, this book is a waste of time and money. I would not recommend it to anyone.
July 14,2025
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Hunter's wife seems to be trying to take advantage of his death in this aimless and senseless piece of drivel. She completely glosses over all the aspects that truly made him a visionary. Instead, she attempts to idealize him in a rather forced and artificial way.

Moreover, throughout this text, she is simply regurgitating a poor imitation of his writing style. It's as if she is trying to ride on the coattails of his reputation without really understanding or respecting what made him special.

This whole endeavor comes across as insincere and lacking in any real substance. One can't help but wonder if her true motives are more about personal gain rather than a genuine tribute to her late husband.

It's a sad and disappointing display that does a disservice to Hunter's memory and legacy.
July 14,2025
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Hunter S. Thompson was a unique and influential figure, and his life was full of adventure and eccentricity.

His loving bride provides an inside look into the man behind the legend. She shares stories of their wild and wonderful life together, filled with parties, drugs, and a passion for journalism.

Hunter was a true original, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. His bride witnessed his creative process, as he would write late into the night, fueled by coffee and cigarettes.

Despite his wild ways, Hunter was also a deeply caring and loving husband. He adored his bride and would do anything for her. Their relationship was a complex and passionate one, filled with both joy and pain.

Through his bride's eyes, we get a glimpse into the real Hunter S. Thompson, a man who lived life to the fullest and left an indelible mark on the world.
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