I liked this, but did I really like it? Three stars or four? Finally I decided on three.

'Hell's Angels' was a book I think I may have read many decades back, but I wasn't sure about that either. Thompson's reportage truly struck chords with me. While reading this book, I had music in my head on numerous occasions.

From the late sixties through to the mid-eighties, two wheels were my mode of transport. During that time, I should have been killed on at least a few occasions. Me and Kev had many a midnight thrash, racing in the streets. Instead, it was Kev who was killed on the track at Donnington Park.

A 1966 publication that typified the beat generation, from Kerouac and William S. Burroughs to Wolfe's 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test'.

The motorcycle black madonna, the two-wheeled gypsy queen and her silver-studded phantom cause the gray flannel dwarf to scream. As he weeps to wicked birds of prey who pick up on his bread crumb sins.

Hell's angels, if you think you need a better world, why don't you just make one like the Hell's Angels? Live your own law, lick your own paw. Fancy seeing all of you slugs, well I don't know. Fancy seeing all of you mugs. Drinking all your government drugs, well I don't know, helping all your government thugs.

No cash, a passion for trash. The tough madonna whose Cro-Magnon face and crab nebular curves haunt the highways of the UK. Whose harsh credo captures the collective libido like lariats. Their lips pushed in a neon-arc of dodgems. Delightfully disciplined, dumb but deluxe. Deliciously deliciously deranged.

Twin-wheeled existentialists steeped in the sterile excrements of a doomed democracy, whose post-Nietzschean sensibilities reject the bovine gregariousness of a senile oligarchy. Whose god is below zero, whose hero is a dead boy. Condemned to drift like forgotten sputniks in the fool’s orbit, bound for a victim’s future in the pleasure domes and ersatz bodega bars of the free world. The mechanics of love grind like organs of iron to a standstill.

This book offers a unique and vivid exploration of a subculture, filled with colorful language and powerful imagery. It makes one question the norms and values of society, and forces us to look at the world from a different perspective.

Although I gave it three stars, it's a book that will stay with me and continue to be a topic of discussion and thought for a long time to come.

If you've ever had even the slightest interest in motorcycles or gangs, this is an absolute must-read. Thompson's journalistic style required some adjustment on my part. I constantly found myself thinking, "That's illegal!" and "Well, that's not very professional!" However, because he fully immersed himself in the culture, he was able to capture a remarkable depth of the infamous motorcycle gang. Thompson vividly illustrates both their complexity as a group and their chilling simplicity through his in-depth interviews and keen observations of the Angels.

Today, with television shows like "Gangland" and "Locked Up" readily available, I initially struggled to understand why he kept emphasizing the public's shock at the Hell's Angels and the media frenzy they created. After all, they seemed like just another gang, didn't they? But when I discussed it with my dad, he explained that there was truly nothing like the Hell's Angels at that time. In the eyes of the general population, simply owning a motorcycle was enough to brand someone as a criminal. They didn't have a plethora of shows dedicated to gangs and drug violence; they only had newspapers and the Hell's Angels.

I was completely fascinated by his account of the Angels mingling with the radical Berkley scene. I was also surprised to discover that Allen Ginsberg and Ken Kesey partied and dropped LSD with the Angels. (Perhaps I shouldn't have been that surprised, especially when it came to Ginsberg, but I had no prior knowledge of this.)

This book would make a fascinating study for a college class focusing on post-WWII American culture and history. As an English teacher, I deeply regret not having read this book sooner. If I had, I could have connected it with "The Outsiders" when I was teaching 7th grade. Obviously, Thompson's book is not suitable for middle school students, but had I been more familiar with it, I could still have introduced the concept of the outlaw motorcyclist and potentially found other literature on the Hell's Angels that was more appropriate for that age group.

Alright. It dragged on a bit, which was a bit of a downer. However, there were also some really good parts that made it somewhat worthwhile. On the other hand, there were some extremely awkward and shitty parts that really detracted from the overall experience. To be honest, I'm just glad it's finally over. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don't think I would want to go through that again anytime soon. But at least I can look back on it and say that I survived. Maybe there are some lessons to be learned from this experience, but for now, I'm just happy to move on and focus on better things.

Hunter S. Thompson's first book is truly a remarkable piece of work.

I almost gave it a full 5 stars. However, I must point out that in the final 100 pages, HST padded it with approximately 50 unnecessary pages. These pages were filled with statistics that didn't really add much value, fantasies that seemed out of place, and a ridiculous chapter about a riot in a Sierra national park that, in reality, never occurred.

Despite this minor flaw, the rest of the book is just about perfect. It showcases Thompson's unique style and his ability to bring a story to life. You can clearly see in this book that when he emerged on the publishing scene, he was a true flame breathing dragon of a journalist. His writing is passionate, engaging, and full of energy.

Overall, I still give this book the highest recommendation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in journalism, literature, or just a good story. Despite the few pages that could have been better, the rest of the book more than makes up for it. It is a classic that will be remembered for years to come.

A Hell's Angel on foot can present a rather comical sight. Their slovenly histrionics and inane conversations might hold some interest for a few hours. However, beyond the initial oddity, their daily routine is as tiresome and disheartening as a costume ball for deranged children. There is a certain pathos in a group of men congregating every night in the same bar, taking themselves extremely seriously in their shabby uniforms, with nothing to anticipate except the possibility of a brawl or a round of favors from some intoxicated cleaning woman.

It's astonishing to think that this was penned over half a century ago. In many respects, it is very much a product of its era. Some of the expressions and jargon have long since devolved into self-parody or have been diluted by overuse in popular culture. Given that it was the mid-60s in California, there are some notable appearances by other counter-culture figures such as Allen Ginsberg and Ken Kesey, which undoubtedly add a touch of extra color.

This book does manage to debunk some myths and uncover certain truths. But more than anything, it seems to demonstrate the heedless power of the mass mainstream media. It shows how swiftly and completely the media can mold opinions, fan the flames of hatred, and spread ignorance, all under the misleading guise of "News". Time and again, Thompson reveals how absurd and blissfully unaccountable the media is for what they manage to print, clearly conflating the freedom to lie with freedom of speech.
I enjoy reading Thompson, yet I have not come across any of his works that truly live up to the exaggerated praise. I feel that he is one of those individuals whose image and legend tend to overshadow and outshine his actual abilities. He is undoubtedly talented and played a significant role in New Journalism with his style of embedded journalism, making himself part of the story and so on. However, in terms of his actual writing, it can be a bit inconsistent. This work has its fair share of dull and meandering moments, and it could have benefited from better editing. There is clearly an element of padding, but still, it is an interesting and rather important piece of work that is very much representative of its time.

Li was mostly suffering from the flu last week and finally finished the rest in a hurry today.

I bought this book because I really liked "Sons of Anarchy". However, the book often tries to impose on the reader the image of Angel as if it were teaching what a satyr or a big-foot is. In this context, I see them as stupid and boring. The book itself is dumbing down. I think only by compressing all the organs of the face in frenzied sneezes and a slight fever can one reach the end of the reading.

It seems that the author's attempt to create a certain image fails to resonate with me. Maybe I expected something more profound and engaging from this book. But instead, it just left me with a sense of disappointment.

I hope that in the future, I can find books that can truly touch my heart and expand my mind, rather than ones that make me feel frustrated and unfulfilled.

I suspect that "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is not only the most well-known but also the most beloved among all of Hunter S. Thompson's books.

This is an extremely solid book that any of his fans will surely enjoy. It is also a substantial piece of reporting on the phenomenon of biker gangs.

Hunter S. Thompson assumes the role of a relatively unobtrusive journalist. He describes and endeavors to explain the biker gangs in a balanced and objective way. He examines all the aspects of their behavior that appear to be significant to him. In his opinion, the bikers are mainly outcasts in normal society. The gang becomes the family they lacked as children and would be unable to establish as adults.

This is not Gonzo journalism. The bikers are the subject rather than the author's experiences with them. This is a great book. It serves as evidence that Hunter S. Thompson could have been a genuine journalist if he had so chosen.

DNF at 1%
I managed to get through about 6 minutes of this book before I clearly realized that it was not something for me. The very first page of the book reads like a kind of beat poetry, which is rather unusual. It describes a scene of "Jamming crazy through traffic and ninety miles an hour down the center stripe, missing by inches... through the eye of a beer can and up your daughter's leg". And that's when I encountered the first reference to rape. What's more, there would be two or three more such references in quick succession. It is the tacit approval of rape, emphasized by its conspicuous repetition on the first three pages of the book, that made me understand clearly. This book and I are simply never going to see eye to eye. To avoid getting extremely pissed off, I decided to just put this one back on the shelf and walk away without any hesitation.

"Big chopper" and "boss hog".

No, I'm not describing a pig in a helicopter but my latest read.

These terms actually refer to motorcycles, which is the central theme of this book.

The author does an excellent job of bringing the world of motorcycles to life.

From the detailed descriptions of the different types of bikes to the thrilling accounts of rides and races, it's a real page-turner.

I don't quite have the energy to write a full review at the moment, but I can say with certainty that this is a great book.

The writing is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the story is full of excitement and adventure.

I would highly recommend it to any friend who has an interest in motorcycles or just enjoys a good read.

It's a book that will keep you entertained from start to finish and leave you wanting more.

So if you're looking for a new book to add to your collection, give this one a try.

You won't be disappointed.

Hunter Stockton Thompson was an American journalist and author. He is highly renowned for his book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," which was later adapted into an ultimate film starring his friend and admirer, Johnny Depp. Thompson is widely credited as the originator of Gonzo journalism. This unique style of reporting involves the reporter immersing themselves in the action to such an extent that they become the central figures of their stories. This is precisely what Thompson did while researching "Hell's Angels." He spent nearly two years deeply engaged in the story, delving into the drugs (even though he perhaps didn't need much encouragement), the shock tactics, and the obscenities that the Hell's Angels practiced to intimidate the public, the police, and rival gangs. He became closely associated with the biker outlaws, riding with them, loafing around, plotting against any form of authority, and eventually being "stomped in" and initiated.

The Library Journal had high praise for the book, stating that it "takes the reader inside the most notorious of California's motorcycle gangs, an animal crowd on big wheels... all noise and hair and bustout raping instinct. In eloquent, forceful detail he describes their machines (Harley Davidson), runs, codes, argot, origin and recent history, a day-to-day existence... This is a fascinating book, but not for the queasy."

Thompson's writing is highly illustrative and colorful. The opening lines of his work are truly captivating: "California, Labor Day weekend... The Menace is loose again, the Hell's Angels... like Genghis Khan on an iron horse, a monster stead with a fiery anus, flat out through the eye of a beer can and up your daughter's leg with no quarter asked and none given... Ah, these righteous dudes, they love to screw it on... tense for the action, long hair in the wind, beards and bandanas flapping, earrings, chain whips, swastikas and stripped-down Harley's flashing chrome as traffic on (CA highway) 101 moves over, nervous, to let the formation pass like a burst of dirty thunder..."

"They rode with a fine, unwashed arrogance, secure in their reputation as the rottenest motorcycle gang in the whole history of Christendom."

Regarding their "picnics," Thompson noted that they have long been known for certain beastly forms of entertainment. Any young girl who shows up at a Hell's Angel bonfire camp at two o'clock in the morning is presumed, by the outlaws, to be in a state of heat and, as Thompson reiterated, is considered fair game.

When it comes to righteousness and authority, Thompson wrote that "they have a simple rule of thumb; in any argument a fellow Angel is always right. To disagree with a Hell's Angel is to be wrong -- and to persist in being wrong is an open challenge... A stranger can't take offense or he'll have to fight four or five Angels, not just one. People should understand this."

Thompson was not adverse or uncomfortable with his own "outlaw status." In fact, in "Kingdom of Fear," he traces his life's journey as a rebel, which was fueled by his associations, heavy drinking, and prolific use of drugs.
Thompson is well-known for his promotion and use of psychedelics and other mind-altering substances (and to a lesser extent, alcohol and firearms), his libertarian views, and his iconoclastic contempt for authority. He wrote several "Fear and Loathing..." titles, including "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72," "Fear and Loathing in America: The Brutal Odyssey of an Outlaw Journalist, 1968 - 1976," and "Kingdom of Fear: Loathsome Secrets of a Star-crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century." I could be wrong, but I think Thompson's greatest fear and loathing was perhaps for himself. Thus, at the age of 65, on February 20, 2005, he committed suicide by self-inflicted gunshot.

Thompson's life and work have left a lasting impact on the world of journalism and literature, and his unique style and perspective continue to be studied and admired by many. His stories of the Hell's Angels and his own experiences as an outlaw journalist offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that is both wild and dangerous. While his actions and views may have been controversial, there is no denying the power and influence of his writing.

Thompson's legacy will continue to live on through his books and the countless people who have been inspired by his work. His ability to capture the essence of a moment and bring it to life on the page is truly remarkable, and his contributions to the field of journalism will not be forgotten.

Whether you love him or hate him, Hunter Stockton Thompson is a figure who cannot be ignored. His life and work are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the lengths that some will go to in order to tell their story.

As we look back on his life and career, we can only wonder what might have been if he had lived longer. Would he have continued to push the boundaries of journalism and literature? Would he have found a way to come to terms with his own inner demons? Only time will tell.

But one thing is for sure: Hunter Stockton Thompson will always be remembered as one of the most unique and influential figures in American history. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of writers, journalists, and rebels for years to come.

I say I'll write a review, but who knows.

This was an interesting look into the era in which it was written. It presented a bold statement that the Hell's Angels were a new "prototype" of frustrated, undereducated men.

The description of this subculture and their characteristics was quite thought-provoking. It made me wonder about the social and cultural factors that contributed to the emergence of such a group.

Hopefully, I'll expand on this at some point. I want to explore more deeply the implications of this new "prototype" and how it might have influenced society during that time.

Perhaps I'll also look into the historical context and see if there were other similar groups that emerged around the same time.

Overall, this initial look at the Hell's Angels has piqued my interest, and I'm eager to learn more.

The Edge...

It is an enigma that defies honest explanation. For the sole individuals who truly comprehend its whereabouts are those who have ventured over it.

The others - the living - are those who exerted their control to the furthest extent they believed they could manage. And then, they either pulled back, or slowed down, or took whatever action was necessary when faced with the choice between Now and Later.

This concept of the Edge is both alluring and terrifying. It represents the boundary between the known and the unknown, the safe and the risky.

Some are drawn to it, eager to test their limits and discover what lies beyond. Others, however, are content to stay within the confines of what they know, afraid of the consequences that might come with crossing that line.

Yet, regardless of one's stance, the Edge remains an ever-present mystery, waiting to be explored by those brave enough to take the leap.