Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

By: Hunter S. Thompson

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

Maverick author Hunter S. Thompson introduced the world to "gonzo journalism" with this cult classic that shot back up the best seller lists after Thompson's suicide in 2005. No book ever written has more perfectly captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. In Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race, Raoul Duke (Thompson) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (inspired by a friend of Thompson) are quickly diverted to search for the American dream. Their quest is fueled by nearly every drug imaginable and quickly becomes a surreal experience that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. But there is more to this hilarious tale than reckless behavior, for underneath the hallucinogenic facade is a stinging criticism of American greed and consumerism.

©1971 Hunter S. Thompson (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The best book on the dope decade." (The New York Times Book Review)

terrific narration

McLarty brings this book to life. Thompson is hilarious, biting, dark.

Funny story, not sure if it's as relevant today

Great reflection on a time and place in American history. Informative, funny, scary, quick and worth the read. I am not sure it is an American classic but short enough that it's worth the investment.

Excellent voice acting

At first I was put off by narrator Ron McLarty's delivery, since he sounds nothing like Dr. Hunter S Thompson. But after the first 20 minutes, I was enjoying the story and especially McLarty's voice characterizations so much that I that I revelled in this audiobook. As for the story, well, if you're into gonzo journalism, this is the best there is.

Genius book

This has long been one of my favorite books and this audio representation is very enjoyable

really annoying that this requires a heading.

love the book. I also really like the narrator just not for this book.. it's really hard to follow Bill Murray and Johnny Depp.

Gonzolicious

Reading Thompson's masterful psychedelic play on words is like watching a literary fireworks display, no matter what disasterous direction the story is headed. An American classic.

better than the reviews

I don't normally write the reviews, but I just wanted to write one for this audiobook. The reviews I read before I downloaded it complain about the quality of the narration. I have to disagree. I thought the narration was great and Pitch Perfect for the story. the reader is like a cross between Johnny Depp at 8 seasoned character actor. I was very impressed and he made all the characters come to life

Gonzo masterpiece

This is Hunter at his best. It’s a great book and it’s got more depth to it than the movie adaptation that focuses primarily on the drug aspect. Hunter had much more to offer than being the druggie writer, which he wasn’t. Enjoy this wild ride

Reader’s Voice

His voice for a Nevadan, Georgian and anyone not Duke or Dr. Gonzo is a southern accent... very noticeable and unendurable. Overall the BOOK IS AMAZING. STORY AMAZING. This was my first audible.

I like the book a lot.

This is a really good book. It's destined to be one of my favorites.

I like the narration. The book is like an adventure.

Although it's been a long time since seeing the film, the book feels very fresh as it's unlike anything I've read before.

It is a wild book, which I find to be a part of its appeal. It depends on one's outlook though. It's better reading it than to actually live it.

As with any book, it takes a while to get into. It's not easy to put down once it gets going. I'm glad I stayed with it.

The book is actually a two-parter.
Specifically chapters 7 and 8 in the second part are just consistently funny; the exchanges and close-calls. I vaguely remember any of it in the movie. Also, I don't recall chuckling much during the movie either. Not that I don't like the movie, you see, but this book is something else.

The humor in the book is pretty significant. It isn't a knee-slapping, falling-on-the-floor, laugh-out-loud funny, but it's subtle, which is interesting considering the subject matter. It's almost a dry humor and I often appreciate that. The book doesn't try to be funny, but it is in certain parts.

I like the way I imagined Hunter S. Thompson's Raoul Duke. He seemed very approachable for some reason. Drugs are a big part of the book, but I didn't find it alienating at all, really. It gets bizarre especially as he describes certain living arrangements. Although briefly, the whole thing with Lucy was pretty out-there. Overall, I love it.