3.5 stars. Fear and Loathing in Hawaii, which oddly made me want to go there.

Short, fun read in classic HST style.

I absolutely hated “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and Im not a pretentious moralist or member of anti drug community.it was just desperately unfunny, boring, forced and looked like childish attempt of someone to tell you about his/her bad trip .Actual one and drug-influenced .so you get,I love say it one more time : I absolutely hated that book!
“What it has to do with “the Curse of Lono” one might ask ?
“Nothing!Absolutely nothing!”
Hence 4 stars.

One of the good doctor's later books, and one that suffers from the many circumstances that underwent his life. I love Hunter S Thompson's writing but this is a mess even by his standards. Judging by how this book has the reviews for all his previous work on the back but absolutely none for the very work it's trying to sell, it's clear even the book knows this is a lesser affair.

His journey to find the heart of Hawaii, through marathon running, boating, fishing, and the myth and culture of its people, is fraught with a man who seems less present for most of the proceedings. The low word-count of this book is apparent, and events feel sparse and glossed over sometimes. The illustrations by Ralph Steadman are great as always, but end up feeling like filler more than a worthy accompaniment, since there's so little writing from the writer. Add in as well excerpts from Mark Twain and about Captain Cook's voyage, and it becomes clear we have a very anaemic work that wears baggy clothing to hide its insubstantiality.

It endeavours to find a point that's barely perceptible, brushing up against all sorts of topics relevant to the island life but never really getting a good grip with them, not tackling them as it feels he should. He is detached, the problems are all spectres over an island that he does not see or reckon with while schmoozing at the hotel bar.

It feels that ends up being the point in the end, at least somewhat. Arguably the highlight of the whole book is the finale where Thompson feels like he's the one in charge and engaging with where he is, with who he's with. Everyone gazes in horror or embarrassment at the crazed man, and it feels it's as it should be. It's during these moments the lighter has finally struck and the fire of the old familiar Doctor Gonzo is burning again, but it's all too late now.

Fear and Loathing in Hawaii but boring and not very funny.

Great read! This has to be the only book that has made me curious about visiting Hawaii. I always thought the only reason the islands existed was so that conservative Americans could have the experience of visiting another country without stepping off of U.S. soil. Anyway, it is some of Hunter's best work and only AFTER I found it at a garage sale for one dollar did I learn that it is rare and hard to find and such, so that made it more pleasant. Of course other reviewers online make it sound as if his story is unusual and it sounds similar to many of my vacations, so maybe they are exaggerating that as well.