"Kingdom of Fear," by Hunter S Thompson

Non-fiction, 2003

A string of anecdotes told through different narratives and styles, including letters, transcriptions and articles. Thompson's typically irreverent, painting himself as an anarchist tear-about, blazing guns, elk hearts and managing a San Francisco strip club, always keeping one brutal step ahead of the establishment. There's a slew of famous and not-so-famous allies, hangers-on, chancers and acquaintances, all of whom are smudged into the frantic pace and paste of a Gonzo approach and a free spirit increasingly disbelieving in the post-Twin Tower political response and American landscape. Tougher to get through than some of Thompson's other books, but some great passages along the way. 

"The Rum Diary", by Hunter S Thompson

Novel, 1998

Pre-Gonzo and pretty straightforward story of a journalist boozing, fighting and 'loving' his way through Puerto Rico. This is Hunter S Thompson long before the hilarious twitching paranoia and cynicism of his more celebrated writing. This book's fine, although feels very sketchy in places, exactly as if markers were being left to finish later. While enjoyable enough, the novel doesn't hold a candle to later work, which is far more gusty, gutsy and original. Still, a diverting read and an easy one too.