The work in question, unfortunately, is rather scattered.

It lacks the cohesion and unity that one would expect from a well-crafted piece.

Compared to his other works, which are often lauded for their elegance and coherence, this particular one falls short.

The ideas seem to be disjointed, as if they were not properly developed or integrated.

There are moments of brilliance, but they are few and far between.

Overall, it is a disappointment, especially considering the high standards set by the author's previous efforts.

It is possible that with further refinement and reorganization, this work could be improved, but as it stands now, it is not on par with his other outstanding creations.

This article contains the most excellent party story ever committed to yellowing recycled paper. It's truly a gem that stands out.

I've read Fear & Loathing a few times, but this one has a different charm. It's more like a glass of rum on a Sunday afternoon. You might not really feel like drinking initially, but once you do, you're glad you did it anyways.

As for a recommended chaser, a good Neil Young LP like After the Gold Rush or On the Beach would be perfect. The combination of this story and the music of Neil Young can create a unique and unforgettable experience. It's like a harmonious blend of words and sounds that takes you on a journey.

Whether you're looking for a captivating read or a way to unwind on a Sunday, this article and the suggested LP are sure to satisfy. So, give it a try and let yourself be immersed in this wonderful world.

One of several compilations of short stories, magazine articles, and other such works, this particular one was assembled in 1990 and encompasses the span of Hunter S. Thompson's career up to that moment. Titled Songs of the Doomed, it is decidedly a mixed bag - and perhaps more on the miss side than the hit. Some of it is shockingly bad, especially considering it's the output of such a renowned writer. Specifically, the excerpts from a couple of novels he attempted to pen back in the 1950s are excruciating. I likely wouldn't have bothered to finish them if I weren't a bit obsessive-compulsive.

Your best strategy here is to peruse a page or two of each section. If it doesn't seem promising, simply abandon it. Maybe that's not the most glowing recommendation, but if you can come across this somewhere for free or for just a few dollars (after all, Thompson himself doesn't exactly need the money at this stage), I'd argue it's still worthwhile for the truly excellent parts. These are the moments when HST is at his gonzo, uproariously funny best, and thus perhaps the most optimal way to spend your time, without a doubt.

This book may not serve as an ideal introduction to HST for those who lack prior knowledge of his personal history and writing.

However, if you are already familiar with the renowned doctor, this collection proves to be highly enjoyable as it encompasses a diverse range of elements.

It offers a comprehensive look into the various aspects of HST's work, presenting a little bit of everything.

Whether you are interested in his unique writing style, his fascinating life experiences, or the wide array of topics he explores, this collection has something to offer.

It allows you to further immerse yourself in the world of HST and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of his contributions.

So, if you're already a fan of HST, don't miss out on this engaging collection.

Songs of the Doomed, by Hunter S. Thompson, is not a book that should be casually picked up by someone who is eager to deeply explore his work. Even though it is a sort of "best of" compilation of his published writing endeavors, the collection is highly uneven.

On the other hand, if you are a die-hard HST fan, well-acquainted with his body of work, it can be a rather enjoyable book. It is organized in chronological order, which has the wonderful effect of bringing back vivid memories of his greater literary achievements.

I personally had a great time delving into these stories, which are filled with the typical HST humor and sharp wit. His unique writing style and perspective shine through each and every piece, making it a truly engaging read for those who appreciate his brand of journalism and literature.

Hunter S. Thompson was an incredibly wild and不羁的 man. He was the epitome of Gonzo journalism at its very best.

This book presents a scattered compilation of his writings, which makes it suitable for reading in a sporadic manner. Some of the stories are better than others.

Take, for example, the experience of trying mescaline for the first time just two hours before boarding a plane. As he put it, "The physical sensations of lifting off the ground would be unbearable in this condition."

However, it should be noted that some of the racist language in his works is rather discomforting. Nevertheless, his unique style of fully immersing himself in the muck, the blood, and the beer offers a perspective that is truly unlike any other, even if it is mainly due to the controversy it generates.

If Hunter S. Thompson were alive today, it is certain that his commentary on Nixon and Bush Sr. would seem mild in comparison to the scathing remarks he would make about Trump.

Quite possibly the greatest final sentence in any book ever. This simple yet profound statement holds a certain allure. It makes one wonder which book could have such a remarkable concluding line. Could it be a classic novel that has stood the test of time? Or perhaps a modern masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on its readers? The possibilities are endless. A great final sentence has the power to sum up the entire essence of a book in just a few words. It can leave the reader with a sense of closure, while also inspiring further thought and reflection. It is a literary device that can make or break a book. When done well, it can elevate the work to new heights and ensure its place in the annals of literature.

The experience is truly worth it, even when one has to sit through the (extremely prevalent) repeats from earlier collections. The real gem lies in the excerpt from Thompson's unpublished early novel Prince Jellyfish. This is a charming bildungsroman, and if one were to compare it, it would be like Percy's The Moviegoer, with very little of the gonzo style that Thompson is often known for. In fact, it is so captivating that I would go to great lengths to obtain a complete copy of it.

It's as if this excerpt offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world that is both familiar and yet has its own unique charm. The story seems to unfold in a way that engages the reader from the very beginning, making one eager to know more about the characters and their journey.

Despite the presence of the repeats, the allure of Prince Jellyfish is such that it makes the entire viewing or reading experience worthwhile. It leaves one with a sense of anticipation and a longing to discover the full story that Thompson has to offer in this unpublished work.

Disjointed and eclectic, this hodgepodge of essays, articles, and short stories gives the impression of being as chaotic as one can only imagine the inside of Thompson's mind truly was. Spanning over several years, perhaps even decades, one can trace his gradual descent into an increasingly muddled dementia-like state, which is part of the poignancy. 'America' serves as the unifying topic of discussion in this collection, yet Thompson himself emerges as the tragic hero. As he slowly loses control of the mental faculties that once made his writing so vivid and immediate, we witness his downfall with a sense of both sadness and fascination. The disjointed nature of the pieces reflects the fragmented state of his mind, and the eclectic mix of styles and subjects adds to the overall sense of chaos. It is a powerful and disturbing collection that offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a troubled genius.

Probably the best collection of notes and stories from HST.

This remarkable compilation holds a special place in my heart. I vividly remember carrying this bad boy around with me during most of my junior year of high school.

It was like a trusted companion, always by my side. The notes within its pages were a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. They helped me understand complex historical concepts and events in a more engaging way.

The stories, on the other hand, brought history to life. They painted vivid pictures of the past, allowing me to imagine what it was like to live in different eras.

This collection not only enhanced my learning experience but also sparked my passion for history. It made me realize that history is not just a series of dates and facts but a rich tapestry of human experiences.

Even now, whenever I think back to my junior year, I remember this collection of notes and stories fondly. It will always be a part of my high school memories.

Just re-read - Great book!

This simple statement holds a world of meaning. When we re-read a book, it's like embarking on a familiar yet new journey. We notice details we might have missed the first time, gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motives.

It's a chance to immerse ourselves in a story that has already captured our hearts and minds. A great book has the power to transport us to different times and places, make us feel a whole range of emotions, and even change the way we think.

Re-reading allows us to relive those moments and appreciate the author's craftsmanship all over again. It's a form of self-care, a way to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life.

So, the next time you come across a book that you loved, don't hesitate to pick it up and re-read it. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Don't. Just don't.

And if you do, make sure it is not the audiobook read by the author.

It was a truly disappointing experience.

For a few hours, I was subjected to mostly incomprehensible mumbling that was mixed with music.

The combination was strange and made it extremely difficult to follow the story or understand the author's intended message.

I found myself constantly struggling to make sense of what was being said, and the music only served to further distract and confuse me.

I would highly recommend avoiding this particular audiobook at all costs.

There are many other well-produced and engaging audiobooks out there that will provide a much better listening experience.

Save your time and money and choose one of those instead.