Gonzo: The Life of Hunter S. Thompson

I'm of two minds about this book. Hunter gave his life keeping Raoul Duke and the Gonzo image alive. Is it fair to draw back the curtain and peer into the wings after the last act? I don't know. I am a huge fan of Hunter's writing, and that is what is important. That's what Hunter would want us to cherish and remember. His brilliant prose did not come easily, it was crafted carefully, and arduously. All great writers benefit from great editing and criticism. Jann was a part of the process and seeks proper recognition for his efforts toward that end. Without Jann, and Rolling Stone, who knows what would have become of Hunter. Many wanted to believe that Raoul Duke was real, that he could just keep on tripping, forever young, and indestructible. Hunter Thompson was an addict, an alcoholic, a narcissist, and a user in every sense of the word. He was a troubled soul and an extraordinarily difficult person. His life was filled with enablers. Could he have written without them? Could he have stopped using? Sadly, his fans were his greatest suppliers, free drugs pushed at the addict from every direction, an impossible situation. I found it hard to read this and not feel we had all been complicit in his destruction by applauding his self-immolation. Would Hunter have wanted us to read this book? I don't think so. This book shows him to be just a pathetic and pitiful addict as a man, with all that entails. I want to remember the incredible talent and brilliance, not the clown act, or the drug addict/alcoholic, or the narcissist who was cruel and manipulative to most of those near to him. If you really want to know, read the book. Otherwise, read Hunter's work, and leave the man to rest in peace.

This book presents Hunter Thompson, the good and the bad. Everything in this guy's life was extreme: his writing, his moods, his activities (drugs, alcohol, explosives, etc.). Frankly, my only negative comment about this extremely entertaining biography was Johnny Depp's overly saccharine introduction. Oh, how Johnny loved Hunter. I guess people don't want to speak ill of the dead, but, let's face it, someone who absorbs so many substances on a daily basis is not going to be Mr. Nice Guy all the time. Johnny all but canonizes the guy. I'm sure Hunter Thompson was a party animal extraordinaire. I admit it - I've daydreamed about hanging with Dr. Gonzo. This book will cure you of those pipe dreams PRONTO. His long suffering wife Sandy goes into depth about how it was to live with this out of control individual for 17 years. She typed his stuff, made the phone calls and kept the writing machine running and put up with abuse along the way. When her own sanity was at stake and she had to walk away, Hunter turned on her like a rabid dog. Hunter's son, Juan, also has a running commentary which is less explicit than his mother's. You've left with the feeling that there's a lot left unsaid. What struck me, as pointed out by his son, was how unusual (and from my view, selfish) it was for Mr. Thompson to shoot himself in the head while his family was in the house after he couldn't tolerate his pain and deterioration.

From reading this book, it is clear Jann Wenner wanted to paint the most accurate portrait of Hunter as possible, warts and all. Hunter is presented as a very loving person that was willing to sacrifice for others, yet he did have a dark side. I don't care what anyone says about Hunter's death, happy and content people don't commit suicide. Hunter's life was a tragedy in the end because he couldn't write anymore. When I think of Hunter I can't help but think of Johnny Cash and Warren Zevon because their best work came towards the end of their lives. Hunter's first priority should have been his writing because that's what he was - a serious writer in the tradition of Faulkner and Hemingway. As much as he hated the Uncle Duke portrayal of himself, that's what he soon morphed into, and in the end it killed him.

Not really knowing much about Hunter S. Thompson, I read some excerpts from this book in Rolling Stone & knew I had to read the whole thing. I could not put this book down. Hearing from his family, closest friends & associates (who obviously loved him through it all) about all his bittersweet escapades made me laugh out loud. He surrounded himself with amazing people who were both intelligent & sincere. One could do much worse than live the life he lived, warts & all. Extremely well done book. Great read!

Hey, I thought this was Jann Wenner and Corey Seymour's opportunity to wreak post-demise havoc on HST considering how much abuse had to have been heaped upon them by The Man...but...no. It's a full-circle worldview of the man behind the Gonzo myth, meticulously well-researched and simultaneously joyful, thoughtful & sad. It's also not scrubbed down or sanitized, and that's probably the part that most intrigued me. A must-read for both casual fans and completists. Bravo, gentlemen.