Rating: 
Summary: The Flip Side of Americana
Review: The Hell's Angels and the outlaw biker gang phenomenon have always made for interesting discussion. One needs only to recall some of those B movies made in the 1960's about the Hells Angels and how many "ordinary" folks fantasized about living the life of a biker gang memeber. This book was written as sort of an expose'into the lives of "typical" biker gang members. It follows the history of the group from the end of World War II up to about 1966. I found it an enjoyable, easy read when I first read it 20-some odd years ago. I think the reader will come away with the understanding of why some individuals find the biker lifestyle an expression of total freedom, albeit within the seedier side of society. Anyone with an interest in the subject matter would find this a good book to buy.
Rating: 
Summary: BIG BLUFF
Review: If you're expecting an introspective study of a complete infiltrate on the Hell's Angels day to day, forget about it, this is basicly the report of two big reunions of the Angels in the early 60's, with some articles of the time. And ONLY till that date, no further. TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTING. Tedious, boring, in fact didn't finished it.
Rating:
Summary: Strange and Terrible indeed
Review: A fortifying piece of pure American gonzo literature, no doubt about it. In this one year epic of HST's dealings with the vile, wretched, destruction mongers of the world; a consequential admiration seems to develop for the "mutants" that Thompson brings to life. Social degenerates, too legit for extermination yet so malicious that fear itself would never discover the Hell's Angels(Only their unfortunate victims). Blessed with such a cast as Terry "the tramp",Ralph "Sonny" Barger and hundreds upon thousands of willing destructionites the Angels were certainly at the forefront of idealistic individuality by way of sheer brutality. Armed with strength in numbers, a general disregard for societies norms and an unwavering sense of self righteousness the Angels ran roughshod over the meek 99%ers that make up the establishment. The general dicontempt of press held by the Angels scared many an ambitious journalist away but not Thompson. In rechanting this grotesque yet entertaining account of America's most notorious congregation, HST displays his gusto for getting to the heart of the story as well as a true grit in the face of personal injury. In cliche; An insightful look into the habits of an outlaw motorcycle gang's rise to American media fame. Truly, the most recommendable piece of reading material for any of HST's admiring fans and a sick and twisted look into the 1%er way of life{...} "The Hell's Angels...blood, gang rape...glance over at your wife, your children in the back seat, could you protect them against a gang of young toughs gone wild on booze and drugs?...remember those pictures? Big ugly street-fighters not even afraid of police, loving a fight, swinging chains and big wrenches, knives - no mercy at all".
Rating: 
Summary: not the best place to start
Review: I read this book years ago. It was the first HST book I read and if you're new to his writings and new to his style, as your lawyer I would advise you not to start here. Don't get me wrong - it's a great book, however you need to be interested in the topic. This is the book that began the reign of gonzo journalism. Written in 1966, Hunter does a great job of relaying his exploits as he is allowed to co-mingle with the members of the Hell's Angels. He does a nice job of telling their histroy, the importance of Harley's and how these men are real men - not devils. Well.... maybe a few of them. Although the book is basically dated, if you want to know more about the "outlaw" biking culture this is a great read. If you're just getting into HST you should try FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and I'm sure you won't stop from there.
Rating:
Summary: Good starter for the subject
Review: No one thing in this book is exactly shocking or so abnormally evil pertaining to what most would suppose to be the lifestyle of a Hells Angel member. Although it is bulked with tales of rape and wild parties, Thompson's experience tones these images of what would be media's perspective of "shocking headlines" into explainable mishaps, blown out of proportion rumors and often fake allegations against the HA club, though a criminal eliment of many HA members is evident none the less. Thompson's firsthand story sifts the wheat from the chaffe in rumor and folklure. In short, it describes basic habits and desires of societial drop outs, plain and simple, while touching the wannabe trends of countless others who strive to associate themselves with these infamous, unique outlaws.
Rating: 
Summary: This Is The Real Thing!
Review: Hunter S. Thompson writes a truthful, unsentimental and ultimately sad story of the Hell's Angels in the mid 60's. After describing the activities of the outlaws, exploits which we are mostly familiar with and which pale by comparison to today's youth gangs, he concludes that the Hell's Angels are losers; lonely and uneducated. I was surprised at H. S. Thompson's ability to describe the personalities behind the outlaw biker facade. He makes the sad point that the HA's would be the first group eradicated by the very political factions they reflected, if those factions ever came to power. Of course, the Angels weren't remotely aware of this. Thompson writes with a simple, hilarious style. I found myself laughing out loud at sentences of brilliant understatement. I had no intention of reading this book, which was loaned to me by a friend, but once I started, I couldn't stop reading.
Rating:
Summary: Does he ride like he writes?
Review: From what I know, Hunter Thompson is a great author but this must not have been his best work. He drag's something simple out for what seems to be days and yet he seems to summarize the events that actually lasted for days. The book has alot of references to outside material and it almost seems like he is writing it from an outsiders view sometimes. This book only documents a years time and that leaves alot of the Angel's history left untold. If you've read everything else on the Angel's then go for it otherwise finish the rest first.
Rating:
Summary: Very Original!
Review: This turned out to be a very interesting book. The author was a rider with the Hell's Angel for a short duration. He was able to relate his time as an angel into a very readable book. This writing tells of the partying,drinking,and drugs that make up the everyday life of being a member of the Hell's Angels. Hunter is also able to show the dangerous sides of being part of this notorious group.After reading this book and hearing Thompson's experiences you will know that he went to great lengths to bring this story.All in all a very exciting and readable story. Read it you will be greatly entertained.
Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: The book starts out slow with basically an overview and history of the Angels and well motorcycle gangs. But it picks up the pace and doesn't let you go. We enter the brutal and vicious world of the Hells Angels. We see this slice of life through the weird and off beat eyes of HST. Even while he gets closer and closer to certain Angels there is always an air of uneasiness around him and we found out the hard way. A great read if you're into the Anegls, HST, or the 60's. The culture of the time is on display and presents a backdrop for the rise, fall and resurrection of the Angels.
Rating:
Summary: ok/but slow
Review: The book had some exiting parts in it ,but he always seemed to not be there for the real deal.Read bargers book for the indepth stuff to bad barger and thompson could not of got together and wrote a book,bargers storys and thompsons writing skills would have been a killer book.RIDE ON BRO'S Bradski
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