Overall, I really did not enjoy Fear & Loathing. It is not the type of book that I would pick up and just start reading for enjoyment. I was not big into how random it was and how I never fully understood what was going on and if what was going on was real or not. I found it hard to stay focused on the book because of how crazy the novel was. It took me a while to get into it and was not a very easy read.
On the other hand, I am glad that we had to read it for class. If it was not for class, I know that I would have never picked this book up and read it. I think it is good for me to open up a little bit and read new literature. I learned a few things from reading this book, such as someone can survive on that many drugs, and from our class discussions. I am glad that a book like this has sparked such class discussions because that makes class a lot more interesting.
Looking back on this novel, I really don't think I connected with it much. Like, I don't feel like I connected with any certain character. I found it very interesting that these people were able to live a life like they did. It makes me realize that there must be other people out there doing it as well.
Overall, this was not a book that I would go back and read again. I am looking forward to the movie, maybe it will help me realize what happened a little bit better.
Eric
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I actually enjoyed the book and thought it was very interesting and yes, at times confusing, but everything they went through was crazy. You say you don't really relate to any of the characters, but if you possibly take out the drugs, you might be able to connect to Thompson in a way that we are all looking for the "American Dream", but find it very hard to find or obtain.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about the book being hard to follow. I really couldn't get into reading it either. I also would not of read it if it wasn't for this class. After watching the film it was easier to understand. I also found it interesting how people can live that type of lifestyle. It was a nice to read a type of book your not use to reading.
ReplyDeleteI would never have read this book either, I agree that for a class is the only reason I would ever read this book. I am glad that we did have to read this, it helps expand my comfort zone. It makes us all look for ways to connect to something outside of our normal life. I had a very hard time dong this at first, but I think I eventually got there.
ReplyDeleteI didn't relate to the book either. Im glad I read it though because I wouldn't have finished it on my own. I feel that some parts are etched into my memory forever. Like the part where they mention screwing a polar bear. It was an eye opening look into a life style I new little about.
ReplyDeleteI found it very hard to stay focused on the book also. I agree that I wouldn't have read the book or finished it if not for this class. So, it is probably good to leave our comfort zones once in a while to learn about new things, even if it was to learn about drugs. I didn't fee any connection either to any of the characters even to the point of finding the American Dream, cause nothing that came up is even remotely part of what my dream is.
ReplyDelete@Nora: Thank you for pointing out the value of leaving the comfort zones of our own beliefs and life experiences to learn new things. But the book is about so much more than drugs. What about the runaround chasing the American Dreams gives many Americans? Even if that is not your own experience, can you empathize with those who chase their dreams to no avail? What about those Americans who will never realize the American dream? The sad truth is that for some people, no amount of hard work will pull them out of poverty without outside help. Aren't those things we can empathize with if not relate to? We all discussed Americans' tendency toward excess before we even started talking about the book. Even if we don't consider ourselves to live a life of excess, this is the way many people tend to view our nation. Think about all the trash we produce, all the food we waste, the fuel we burn, all the natural resources we abuse. I doubt many Americans can truly say they do not live a life of excess. The drugs are a symbol for something greater than themselves. Excess. Escape. Temporality. Enlightenment. Degradation.
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