Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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If nothing else, this book is truly noteworthy for the "Midnight on the Coast Highway" epilogue. It comes as close to perfection as anything one can possibly imagine. Arguable, yes - but there is simply no denying the talent that Thompson exemplifies within these pages when it comes to sheer linguistic ability. His words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and captivating picture in the reader's mind. The way he describes the scenes, the emotions, and the characters is nothing short of masterful. It is as if he has the power to transport the reader directly into the story, making them feel as if they are right there on the coast highway at midnight. This epilogue alone is worth the price of the book, and it is a testament to Thompson's incredible skill as a writer.

July 14,2025
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"The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955 - 1967" is an extraordinary collection of letters penned by Hunter S. Thompson, a literary icon of the 20th century. These letters, which cover over a decade of his life, offer a unique and intimate perspective into his complex mind. They present a raw and unfiltered account of his experiences, deep musings, and arduous struggles.


One of the most striking features of this book is Thompson's unwavering candor. The letters remain unedited, allowing the reader to witness the inner workings of his mind as he confronts personal challenges. Whether it's dealing with tumultuous relationships, financial woes, or grappling with his sense of identity and place in the world, Thompson's honesty is refreshing. His sharp wit, infectious humor, and irreverent attitude shine through in every letter, making it impossible for the reader not to be completely captivated by his distinct voice.


The book also provides a fascinating exploration of the cultural and political landscape of America during the 1950s and 60s. As a journalist, Thompson had firsthand experiences and interactions with other prominent figures of the era, such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs. These encounters offer a valuable window into the counterculture movement and the broader social changes that were transforming America at that time. Through his letters, we gain a deeper understanding of the zeitgeist and the forces that were shaping the nation.

July 14,2025
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So here we have a remarkable collection of highlights from the correspondence of Hunter S. Thompson spanning from 1955 to 1967.

This extraordinary individual had the foresight to keep copies of his letters starting from his teenage years! It is evident that he had a distinct plan in mind.

The content within these letters is as captivating and entertaining as any of his written works. It is rather amusing to note that even as a youngster, his tone and mannerisms, as expressed in these letters, struck me as that of a grumpy old man. This serves as a reminder that the way someone sounds, when they seem old, is often a reflection of the era in which they grew up.

Hunter S. Thompson was always ornery, constantly snarly, and perpetually ready to enhance his already notorious bad reputation just for the sheer fun of it. However, one thing is for certain, he was never, ever boring. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this collection of his letters and getting a glimpse into his early years and the evolution of his unique personality.

July 14,2025
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I started reading this when I was working with Suave at the library in Glassboro over the winter break of my junior year in college.

At that time, I was really engaged in it. However, then I didn't pick it up again until about a month ago.

Now, I am taking it slow because it is truly fantastic.

It brings back memories of how quickly I devoured the letters volume 2, "Fear & Loathing in America".

I really wish I had had the foresight to save a copy of every word I ever wrote.

Looking back, those writings might have been a precious record of my thoughts and experiences at that time.

Maybe I could have seen my growth and changes more clearly.

But it's never too late to start now.

I will try to be more conscious of keeping my written works in the future.

July 14,2025
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This book can be classified as a stream of consciousness record of a brilliant and highly opinionated person.

It dates back to a time when I was a young and naïve kid and extends through the beginning of my military service.

The latter stage was when I was gradually becoming aware of this country and the world around me.

Interestingly, Thompson's observations and thoughts 50 years later were extremely accurate.

I faintly recall that people around me regarded him as a "crazy person," but I was too preoccupied with life to study him and reach a conclusion.

In hindsight, that is regrettable and a loss for me.

The main reason I decided to spend the time reading and attempting to understand this collection of letters was the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

This gritty and realistic movie served as my motivation to try and understand the mind of Hunter S. Thompson.

I found this book captivating even though I didn't understand many of his references.

I believe it's a matter of personal preference whether or not to read this book; it depends on whether or not Thompson intrigues you.

July 14,2025
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HST Evolution

This piece offers an excellent insight into one of America’s most lyrical writers. However, I find myself completely at a loss as to what that really means. It's not even remotely clear to me. Selah.

Perhaps this writer's works are filled with such beautiful and profound language that it's difficult to fully comprehend. Maybe their words have a depth and complexity that requires multiple readings and a deep immersion into their literary world.

Or perhaps it's just that I lack the necessary background or understanding to truly appreciate the genius of this particular writer. In any case, I'm left with a sense of mystery and wonder, eager to learn more about this lyrical figure and their contributions to the world of American literature. Selah.
July 14,2025
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Absolutely fantastic.

I had neglected the two collections of HST's letters for a considerable period of time. I had wrongly assumed that there wouldn't be much remarkable content in the majority of his personal correspondence. Oh my god, I was completely incorrect.

This collection simply serves to strengthen the fact that Thompson was an incredibly outstanding writer.

His letters are a treasure trove of his thoughts, emotions, and unique perspective on the world. They offer a fascinating glimpse into his life and the creative process that led to his remarkable body of work.

Reading through these letters, one can't help but be impressed by his vivid language, sharp wit, and profound insights.

Thompson's writing style is truly one of a kind, and it shines through even in his personal correspondence.

This collection is a must-read for any fan of Thompson's work or anyone interested in the art of writing.
July 14,2025
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If there's only one thing you're ever going to read by this man, make it this.

It's his life biography, written in real time in prolific letters to everyone and anyone who would listen in his life.

These letters offer a unique and intimate look into his thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

They are a treasure trove of information for anyone who wants to learn about him.

If you want to learn anything about Hunter S., here is the best place to do it with the most accuracy.

You'll be able to understand his motivations, his struggles, and his successes.

It's truly amazing how much you can discover through these letters.

So don't miss out on this opportunity to get to know Hunter S. on a deeper level.

Pick up this book and start reading today.

You won't be disappointed.
July 14,2025
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This is my very first review, albeit a short one, that I have penned on this site.

I simply cannot recommend any book or collection of Hunter S. Thompson's papers, ephemera, and the like more highly.

If you have had the pleasure of reading any of his work, then you must read this.

Every single letter that they have managed to find of his, including the return correspondence, has been gathered and compiled in this rather extensive and massive collection.

It offers a unique and fascinating insight into the mind and life of one of the most iconic and influential writers of our time.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply someone who is interested in great literature and the history of writing, this collection is an absolute must-read.

It is a treasure trove of information and inspiration that will leave you captivated from start to finish.

So don't hesitate, pick up a copy today and discover the magic of Hunter S. Thompson for yourself.

July 14,2025
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My last encounter with Hunter S. Thompson took place during my high school days.

Back then, I delved into "The Rum Diary" and, of course, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." It's not that I wasn't initially impressed. However, after reading "The Proud Highway," I have become completely enamored with Thompson's writing.

This remarkable collection of his correspondences is truly insightful. His letters are not only incredibly well-written but also politically charged at times. And to add an extra layer of intrigue, there are even a couple of love letters thrown into the mix.

It's simply amazing! Thompson's words have the power to transport you into his world, making you feel every emotion and thought he expresses. It's no wonder that his writing has had such a profound impact on so many people.

"The Proud Highway" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to gain a deeper understanding of this iconic author.
July 14,2025
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**Title: The Act of Theft**

Once upon a time, there was a person who had a very bad habit.

This person stole a lot from this place.

They would悄悄地 enter buildings, rummage through drawers and closets, and take anything of value they could find.

It didn't matter if it was money, jewelry, or important documents.

Their actions caused a great deal of distress and loss to the owners of the items.

People began to notice the disappearances and became very worried.

The police were called in to investigate, but the thief was very clever and managed to avoid being caught for a long time.

However, as time went on, their luck began to run out.

They made a mistake that led to their capture, and finally, justice was served.

This story serves as a reminder that stealing is wrong and will always have consequences.
July 14,2025
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This is a truly one-of-a-kind autobiography.

It consists of HST's self-archived letters and correspondences with various people in the world during the early stage of his writing career. These people include his family, editors, landlords, lovers, colleagues, politicians, and even the Hell's Angels.

The book contains around 300 pages of letters arranged in chronological order. If you're not deeply interested in HST, it might seem like a dull read. However, this is by far the most comprehensive and honest exploration of HST as a human being.

Unlike the caricature that became his public image, this autobiography reveals the real HST, warts and all. It offers a unique perspective into his thoughts, feelings, and experiences during a crucial period of his life.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of HST or simply curious about his life and work, this autobiography is definitely worth a read.
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