Rating:  Summary: No halo on this Angel. Review: Straight forward, plain talking, Barger is not out to justify anything he has done in this very interesting book. It comes through very clear - Barger has lived his life, his way. You can accept it, reject it or condemn it, but you will find it to be fascinating reading. This book will be enjoyed by the hardcore biker, the biker wannabe and anyone who would like to live their life their way.
Rating:  Summary: Barger loser to the end Review: I have read about everything I can on the Hells Angels and Mr. Bargers book really brings nothing new to the plate. Basically he has discribed a life style that , rather than being different, is one that constantly seeks attention and try's all they can do to draw attention to themselves. I find this amazing, for I would think the Hells Angels would want the opposit. Thus, just like all such groups, the more you bring attention to the law, the more the law will pay attention to you. Thus, in the long run, Mr. Barger and the Hells Angels have lived a life of constant police servalence, the very thing I would think they would not want. But, when you become an Angel, I guess the real test is just how outlandish and outragious can you act, rather than a group of riders that enjoy riding motorcycles, and want a strong brotherhood. Harley Davidson does owe Mr. Barger and all a lot of money I guess, because the current riders all want to look and sound like Mr. Barger, but don't have the guts to really be a Mr. Barger. In the final analysis, he has at least walked the walk. In the end, this book is just anouther attempt to blame everyone else for Mr. Bargers life, and hopefully as he continues to age he will someday realize, that you pay for your actions and mess with the law long enough and they will get you.Paul Posey Augusta, GA
Rating:  Summary: The truth about the Angels - Finally! Review: As a psychologist and the father of a Hell's Angel, I was extremely gratified to read a real story about the Angels, written by the man who knows the most about them. Action, excitement, no bull****, and humor. Sonny tells it like it is. I recommend this book for anyone interested in motorcycles, brotherhood, and the truth about one of America's most important subcultures.
Rating:  Summary: Sonny's side of the story is finally heard Review: Eager to hear the story of the HAMC from someone inside, I read this book in one sitting and was - for the most part - not disappointed. The book contains the obligatory responses to what's been written in the past and it's writing style is occasionally clumsy. All that aside, it is still the story of a living American legend and cultural icon in his own words. In the end, what comes through to the reader is that Sonny is neither a god nor a monster, simply an extraordinary man.
Rating:  Summary: A very good read Review: I received the book in the afternoon and read it until I finished it hours later. I enjoyed the book very much.
In The Wind, Riley G Blood Brothers MC International President
Rating:  Summary: Hell's Angel Review: One of the best books I have read about the feeling of being a rebel and then being one too. Only in America could Sonny Barger walk tall and free. And all on a motorcycle! This book was all about freedom for me. Sonny tells it like it really is. A really great book for all.
Rating:  Summary: Honesty Prevails Review: Honesty & truths are so often non-existant in the media that is submitted to the masses. Sonny, Mr. Barger, conveys the truth as it really occured.
Rating:  Summary: An old man who has selective memory Review: "Sometimes you have to fight to be free". Bless you Sonny, but you know the real truth and you have left all except the most innocent facts out of this book. The Hells Angels are a horror and a growing one at that.
Rating:  Summary: Hells Angels Review: I was born in Oakland California in 1940. I saw the Angels around 1958, when I was working as a custom auto painter/pinstriper. The club was a small group of "very real" guys who had the first "Choppers". I painted and pinstriped several of the clubs "Bikes" and got to know some of the members, along with Ralph (Sonny). This was one group that wasn't going to change to the so called "modern world", yet Ralph was very hip to the latest ways. He also studied the ways of several world leaders, and learned from their mistakes. (my own observation). The book was very well written for the subject matter, and shows a lot of the personal life of a very dedicated person. The so-called "Blood & Guts" of the book was mild compared to some of the things that man has created. The Angels believed in one thing, "Don't screw with us and we won't bother you." Once you have read the "Good Parts," you will find that there is a real "inner depth' to the club and it's Chief. I have written my autobiography "It Ain't Gonna Work" which clearly shows that many of us have traveled down the same path.
Rating:  Summary: I could get beat up for this... Review: I bought this book as part of a life-long fascination with motorcycles and the culture that surrounds them. What I got was a treat for the first few times I read it, but as the fun wore off, the reality was glaring through.
This is a fun read. It's well written and doesn't drag on in areas like other autobiographies/biographies. It covers a lot of the more well known Hell's Angels fiascos (Altamont, the Monterrey rape trial, etc). And it does show that a life of crime does not come without reprocussions.
That said, it's self-serving for Barger and as the book wears on, his egomania gets annoying. I would never say this to his face though, as I don't benchpress his reported 290 pounds, nor am I surrounded by biker buddies who lack self-restraint.
Of the more interesting notes in the book are his opinions of Harley-Davidsons. Apparently he only rides them because that's what is expected of a Hell's Angel. He goes into detail about the superiority of Hondas and Triumphs. Odd from the poster child for the Harley rebel culture.
My advice is to check out the book from the local library. If you really like it, then buy it. But, take it from a guy who read the darn thing about 50 times (it was a good book for the bathroom): the fun is short lived.
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