A meaner Kerouac, a less funny HS Thompson or Abbey. I'm glad I didn't read this when I was younger. ( )

Great characterizations, a headlong rush through lost lives, Kerouac-like. Not really very likable, but very well done. ( )

A great read, with an ending that stunned me to the point that I read the book all over again the very next day, which is the first and only time I've ever done that. A highly pleasurable read too, this one can be finished in a day if you set aside three or four hours, time which is of course hard to find but well worth it for this one. Posted on my blog, I wrote a short essay for a course in university called "The Open Road in North American Narrative," placing this novel in context with other road narrative films and books, from "On the Road" to "Easy Rider" to "Sideways." You can read that essay here:

http://larsaumueller.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/this-is-an-essay-i-wrote-for-a-cou... ( )

This is my first read of Harrisons, and I will have to say it was perplexing. I love his prose....he is an incredible wordsmith. I hated the subject of the book though....the drugging drining driving pointless adventure....something Hunter Thompsonesque, who I dont enjoy. In between however, is a glimpse of an incredible writer...I hope the next read is more enjoyable however...without the drivel. ( )

Trying to explain why Harrison's writing is so compelling, is useless, I don't have the ability with words he does. The actual story line of this book holds zero interest for me, but in this man's hands, I devoured it in an afternoon, mesmerized by his words. ( )