Tom Wolfe's much-discussed kaleidoscopic non-fiction novel chronicles the tale of novelist Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters. In the 1960s, Kesey led a group of psychedelic sympathizers around the country in a painted bus, presiding over LSD-induced "acid tests" all along the way. Long considered one of the greatest books about the history of the hippies, Wolfe's ability to research like a reporter and simultaneously evoke the hallucinogenic indulgence of the era ensures that this bo... (show more)
Reviews (618)
One of the most engaging accounts of 60s culture I've ever read. I can't help but feel that I could be lost in the cult-like atmosphere of the Merry Pranksters.
The first book by Tom Wolfe I've ever read. It was really exciting. I would definitely read it again.
Doesn't just describe this era, he captures the way it felt to live through it and conveys it through the words. Amazing writer.
Wow! An extraordinary account of the journeys of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters. Recommended for those interested in origins of LSD and its rise in the US, or for those interested in an insightful, psychedelic journey.
I got a few chapters in and had to stop. I was honestly incredibly bored with the narrative.
This is a wonderful book about the “hippie era”, but richly inspired by copious amounts of LSD. A relatively true account of the Ken Kesey (Author of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest) The Grateful Dead, covering their cross country road trip, as well as the Acid Tests. At that time en America, LSD was legal. Descriptions of the LSD trips are hilarious!
I like to re-read this one occasionally. Is it weird that it's a soothing book for me? Plus Tom Wolfe just NAILS IT. And I love the description of Kesey meeting Leary...
An amusing depiction of the hippies and whatnot. It gets repetitive after a while though...
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