BuzzFlash Reviews
March 1, 2006
Hey
Rube: Blood Sport, the Bush Doctrine, and the Downward Spiral of
Dumbness--Modern History from the Sports Desk (Hardcover)
by Hunter S. Thompson
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This is the last book by Hunter Thompson -- an exemplar of the hard-partying, drug induced, honest, exhibitionist, politically acerbic, sports loving side of America. He was the "gonzo" in "gonzo journalism."
Thompson knew politics well. He wrote, ""Nixon was a professional
politician, and I despised everything he stood for -- but if he
were running for president this year against the evil Bush-Cheney gang,
I would happily vote for him."
In the latter years of his life -- before he committed suicide and willed
his ashes to be shot from a cannon while Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine
Man" played in the background -- Thompson had a gig as a columnist
with, of all employers, ESPN.
Thompson loved sports. He loved politics. And ESPN gave him the chance
to mix them all up into one potent brew. Thus, his final tome, "Hey
Rube" was born.
One online reviewer wrote:
"Anything Hunter wrote was acerbic and psychedelic, but somehow hopeful and downright hilarious. I suggest you read all of it, including this collection of ESPN articles. Read especially Hunters article on the last election:
Some samples,
...Republicans have never approved of democracy, and they never will. It goes back to pre-industrial America, when only white male property owners could vote...
...Did you see Bush on TV, trying to debate? Jesus, he talked like a donkey with no brains at all...
Hunters Fear and Loathing of Bush and the Republicans since the 60s shot to the heart of political commentary. Not bad for a Sports Writer."
But remember, this is a collection of columns ostensibly about sports, so be prepared for wild ruminations on game days and athletes, along with reflections on America's bizarre brand of politics.
Thompson knew
that most of the metaphors used for political conflict come from the
arena of sports. The two were inextricably intertwined
in his mind. He could be passionate about both separately; or passionate
about they each shed insight into the other.
He was no tree-hugging lefty. He loved guns, hunting and all sorts
of politically incorrect pastimes.
Thompson was just a guy who was larger than life and defied convention.
With "Hey Rube," you get his last work, with
warts, pigskin, voting booth, and all.
You can read more about Hunter Thompson's exotic life at Wikipedia.
A special purchase has allowed us to sell "Hey Rube" below the 2004 original price, including shipping.
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