Hell's Angels Paperback – January 1, 2009

Unfortunately, my first venture into the world of motorcycle outlaws came with their depiction in Sons Of Anarchy, but had I read this book before watching, I probably would have disregarded Sons as nothing more than Sopranos with motorcycles, so far from the truth that it baffles me as to how much America is fascinated with the fabrication of motorcycle outlaws, but thus is the way of America. But Hunter S. Thompson's depiction of the Hell's Angels showcases what it truly means to be an outlaw. This book was great for so many reasons. The reason why I like Hunter S. Thompson is because he makes fiction out of non-fiction, shows the impossibilities of cartoons in a very realistic light because after reading this book, you don't believe that characters such as Terry The Tramp, Sonny Barger, Tiny could even exist, but at the same time, when you realize that these outlaws were once real people, you soon realize the expertise in which Hunter can so masterfully bring out in memoirs. This book is a great read, very much so capable of separating the real thing from FX

In order to consider yourself a fan of the great late doctor then i must insist that you purchase this book and read it as it the gateway into the "gonzo" way of writing/reporting. Being his first published novel I would suggest that you read this, F&L in Las vegas, F&L on the campain trail '72, and the rum diary to give yourself a basis for the rest of his memoir styled books. With that said this is a very good book and a quick read, understand going into it that this is a book about the Hell's Angels, not the girls scouts so may not be for everyone, however, Hunter does a good job portraying both the good and the bad, and the misunderstood sides of this outlaw biker gang. There is a lot of straight facts about this or that and it is not simply a day in the life of HST riding around with the Angels. This book is more or less a biography about the angels and a select few members that Hunter met with and traveled with for a year, but keep in mind it is not so much a novel as it is a lengthy news report on the Angels, riddled with personal experiences. As i said this is a must read for HST fans, or anyone with an interest in the great writer, as this is the book that first put him on the map. not to mention just a good book all together.

The cover isn't lying when it says "a strange and terrible saga." While the beginning is pretty slow and it takes a bit of persistence to get through, there comes a point where the book grabs you and doesn't let go! It's like a train wreck... You'll be unable to look away and enthralled by this crazy world of sex, drugs and motorcycles.

Thompson is a good author, Good book for the time.Edgy, good storyline. Gotta remmber it was embellished but a good story. added to my Collection.