Londons Falling

Total coverage?

Rating: 3/5
Comments:
I picked this book up without reading much about it, and without reading what Anita Thompson had to say (wow). Yes...this is another book about Hunter S. Thompson, one of many to be released since his death, and one in a longer line to come. The Jann Wenner connection made it sound 'juicy' from the get-go.

Overall, having read most of the book (you don't have to go front-to-back since it breaks up the life and career of HST into succinct chapters of quotes), I don't get the real feeling it's a hatchet job through and through. Sure, Wenner and HST, after a glorious beginning, had problems, with Wenner trying everything he could to lure the writer back to Rolling Stone. But I found a lot of love and affection for HST coming from most, if not all, of those interviewed. Yes, Wenner is making another buck off HST, and will likely continue to pen something on the man here and there, or at least contribute forwards for years to come. But this is about perspective, and this summary of the writer's life is no more 'definitive' than any other.

The book is divided into periods---'Hell's Angels' or 'Fear and Loathing--Vegas' or 'Height of Gonzo' or whatever. The book is a collection of quotes from many people in the writer's life, including Wenner, of course, as well as neighbors, editors, other celebrities, his family, etc. Each chapter jumps from person to person and they provide a detail, a memory, a thought, etc, like a documentary, going from talking head to talking head with flashbacks and postcards. Yes, Wenner is the biggest talking head, but he has much to say (even if yes, some of it is hatchet work to put Hunter's legend in perspective). After all, following the successful adventures under the Rolling Stone flag, the Gonzo mania drove Hunter away from his earlier dreams of being a serious figure and into a 'role' for the rest of his life and career.

The book flows very well from thought to thought, and it goes way back, and way to the end. Especially insightful are the final two chapters, discussing the last few years of HST's life. While I think short-shrift is made of his later work---the ESPN writing and his collections and interviews---it does provide key insight into his last few years of physical decline. Though his seemingly mind was still sharp (despite the Herculean chemical intake), his body was giving out on him and the resulting pain became too much to bear. These details, though obviously very personal and painful, do provide some welcome context and gravity to the author's suicide in early 2005.

Still recommending it for HST fans. Okay, it doesn't carry the seal of approval of everyone who ever knew him, but it's still people talking about Hunter, and providing some new insight, and should be read skeptically and with other bios and material on the legendary writer. Despite the criticism, it does not come off as a hateful Wenner screed that some have made it out to be. After all, why would Wenner want to totally destroy the man? He's still selling his books...

Take the ride

Rating: 4/5
Comments:
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.

"I slept with all my assistants..."

Rating: 5/5
Comments:
For anybody who's read through H.S.T's entire library, for anybody looking for another part of the story, for anybody looking to add to their accumulated knowledge of Dr Gonzo...this book is for you...It's a great, extremely accessible book.

The only people that should stay away from this title are those that are so uptight & tightly wound, that are so concerned with preserving a myth rather than telling a story, that would rather read (or release or publish or allow) the same monotonous versions of the same rehashed stories time & time & time again...

(...monotonous is probably an exaggeration, especially in HST's case...)

I don't understand all this great decrying of this book based on the fact that HST's wife "disapproved".

Who cares?

There's many stories here from the people that knew Hunter Thompson best, & they each have the right to see & tell things as individually as the man they're busy describing....

When they each & all come out & say they were conned & baited & paid off, I'll change my humble opinion.....

Until then, I'll continue reading & laughing & cursing & waiting for releases of the next couple Hunter books to be allowed...or at the very least, morally approved of....