Gonzo - Johnny Depp, Corey Seymour & Jann S. Wenner

Gonzo

By Johnny Depp, Corey Seymour & Jann S. Wenner

  • Release Date: 2007-10-31
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 52 Ratings

Description

Few American lives are stranger, more action-packed, or wilder than that of Hunter S. Thompson. Born a rebel in Louisville, Kentucky, Thompson spent a lifetime channeling his energy and insight into such landmark works as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - and his singular and provocative style challenged and revolutionized writing.

Now, for the first time ever, Jann Wenner and Corey Seymour have interviewed the Good Doctor's friends, family, acquaintances and colleagues and woven their memories into a brilliant oral biography. From Hell's Angels leader Sonny Barger to Ralph Steadman to Jack Nicholson to Jimmy Buffett to Pat Buchanan to Marilyn Manson and Thompson's two wives, son, and longtime personal assistant, more than 100 members of Thompson's inner circle bring into vivid focus the life of a man who was even more complicated, tormented, and talented than any previous portrait has shown. It's all here in its uncensored glory: the creative frenzies, the love affairs, the drugs and booze and guns and explosives and, ultimately, the tragic suicide. As Thompson was fond of saying, "Buy the ticket, take the ride."

Reviews

  • It’s complicated…

    4
    By Deni6'4"
    I don’t know how to feel about this book. It’s complicated. On the one hand, it was an interesting and compelling read. On the other hand, I found it sad and depressing. Clearly the man had unique talent and was an iconic writer, personality and creative force. But wow, what a dichotomy in terms of a human being: at times kind, generous, hilarious and loving, but also routinely mean, tortured, selfish, and manipulative. Not to mention the decades of raging drug/alcohol abuse. It’s hard to not come away feeling that HST needed serious help early on in life, and that his resulting GONZO persona, lifestyle and excesses were really just ways to cope rather than as political statements on unbridled individual freedom (that led to decline and death at age 67). I will always wonder what a sober, healthy Hunter might have produced later in life — perhaps a different kind of masterpiece. In the end, his ex-wife said it: Hunter’s life was tragic.
  • Epic

    5
    By Up2nogood247
    There is no author whose words have touched my life like Hunter S. Thompson's. If you call yourself a Gonzo fan, this is a must-read. Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die.
  • Excellent fun

    4
    By Thurston in C-Ville
    This book is full of more incredible stories than any other book I have read. Hunter was one of a kind and really the only celebrity that I wish I could have taken drugs with out at Owl farm. Read this book and you just might understand your own vices better.
  • Amazing life from perspectives

    5
    By Mr Peters
    This is a book like no other. It is told from the people that surrounded his life, celebrities and neighbors etc ... The best part is you get to see the inside of his life all the crazy antics and mannerisms. I couldn't put it down, period. Buyah!