If you enjoy reading novels by Hunter S. Thompson then you might also like the following authors:
If you’re a fan of Hunter S. Thompson, you’ll definitely want to check out Tom Wolfe. Like Thompson, Wolfe was a trailblazer in the New Journalism movement, which combines vivid, literary storytelling with immersive, on-the-ground reporting.
His book “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” pulls you right into the heart of the 1960s counterculture, capturing all its wild, colorful energy in a style that feels a lot like Thompson’s gonzo approach.
Both authors love pushing the boundaries of traditional journalism and have a sharp eye for the quirky side of American life.
If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson’s fearless writing, you’ll also appreciate Norman Mailer’s bold style. Mailer, a major figure in American literature and journalism, broke new ground with books like “ The Armies of the Night.”
That book, which won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, chronicles Mailer’s involvement in the 1967 anti-Vietnam War march on the Pentagon; it blends personal experiences with political commentary.
Charles Bukowski wrote with raw honesty and didn’t shy away from the messy parts of life. His novel, “Post Office,” follows Henry Chinaski, a hard-drinking and sharp-tongued man who works as a mail carrier.
The story takes readers through long, miserable shifts, toxic relationships, and bouts of self-destruction. Bukowski’s unapologetic style paints a vivid picture of a man who lives on the edge, offering a glimpse into the struggles and absurdities of everyday life.
It’s gritty and unfiltered, reminding me of the chaos you’d find in Hunter S. Thompson’s work.
Jack Kerouac was a writer who captured wild, restless moments in life. His book, “On the Road,” is about two friends, Sal and Dean, who set off across America in search of freedom and excitement.
Their adventures take them through jazz clubs, long stretches of highway, and nights filled with strange, unforgettable encounters. It’s a story about chasing something bigger than yourself, and it shows the rawness of living outside the rules.
If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson’s energy and love for the unpredictable, Kerouac’s work might speak to you.
William S. Burroughs was a writer known for his wild imagination and raw, unapologetic storytelling. His book “Naked Lunch” is a chaotic and surreal journey through a nightmare world of addiction, corruption, and bizarre characters.
The narrative isn’t linear, jumping from one strange scene to another, but there’s something hypnotic about the way it pulls you in. You’ll meet figures like the slimy Mugwumps and get thrown into unsettling places like Interzone, a city that feels lawless and alive.
It’s weird, it’s dark, and it sticks with you. If you enjoy the wild energy and rebellious tone of Hunter S. Thompson, this might grab you in a similar way.
Ken Kesey was an author who captured the chaos and spirit of the 1960s in his writing. His most well-known book, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” takes readers into a mental hospital where power dynamics and rebellion play out in unforgettable ways.
The story follows Randle McMurphy, a charming troublemaker, as he challenges the oppressive rules of the institution and the authority of Nurse Ratched. The clash between the two leads to moments that are full of tension, humor, and heartbreak.
If you enjoy wild, countercultural stories with bold characters, this is worth a look.
This novel was adapted into a highly acclaimed film of the same name in 1975, directed by Miloš Forman. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor
George Plimpton had a knack for throwing himself into unusual situations and writing about them with humor and insight. One of his standout books, “Paper Lion,” captures his time pretending to be a quarterback for the Detroit Lions during their NFL training camp.
Plimpton, who wasn’t an athlete, offers a behind-the-scenes look at professional football through his own participation and outsider’s perspective.
He talks about the camaraderie of the players, the grueling pace of practices, and the surprising moments of hilarity on and off the field. It’s part memoir, part sports adventure, and it paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to live out a wild, almost impossible dream.
Hunter Davies is a British writer known for his work on a range of subjects, including biographies, travel, and popular culture. One of his books, “The Beatles: The Authorized Biography,” offers readers an inside look at the lives of the Fab Four during their rise to fame.
Davies was the only writer allowed full access to the band, their families, and their inner circle. The book includes personal moments from John, Paul, George, and Ringo, along with stories about their early struggles and the intensity of Beatlemania.
It’s a fascinating look at the world’s most famous band from someone who saw it all firsthand.
Timothy Leary was a psychologist and writer who became a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
His book “The Psychedelic Experience,” co-written with Ralph Metzner and Richard Alpert, draws from the Tibetan Book of the Dead and frames it as a guide for exploring altered states of consciousness through LSD.
The book mixes ancient spirituality with modern psychology, offering instructions for navigating the stages of a psychedelic trip. It paints vivid pictures of ego dissolution and rebirth, making the journey sound almost otherworldly.
Leary’s work, like Thompson’s, captures the wild energy of an era and a desire to push beyond conventional ways of thinking.
Edward Abbey was known for his sharp wit and rebellious spirit, qualities that often shine through his writing. One of his standout books is “The Monkey Wrench Gang.”
It tells the story of a group of misfits who band together to sabotage industrial developments threatening the wilderness of the American Southwest. The characters are wild and unpredictable.
Doc Sarvis burns billboards with homemade firebombs, while the mysterious George Hayduke dreams of blowing up a dam. Packed with humor and anti-establishment energy, this book speaks to anyone who craves chaos in the name of protecting nature.
If you enjoy the raw edge and rebellious tone of Hunter S. Thompson, Abbey’s work might be right up your alley.
Cormac McCarthy writes raw, intense stories that push the boundaries of human experience. One of his standout books, “No Country for Old Men,” follows Llewelyn Moss, a man who stumbles upon a scene of carnage in the desert.
He takes a briefcase filled with drug money, setting off a violent chain of events. The story pits him against Anton Chigurh, a hitman with an unsettling code of ethics. The book explores themes like fate, survival, and morality, all set against the harsh backdrop of West Texas.
It’s dark and unpredictable, with characters who draw you in, even as their choices spiral out of control.
This novel was adapted into an award-winning film of the same name in 2007, directed by the Coen Brothers.
Dave Eggers is known for his sharp, energetic storytelling. His memoir, “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” is a raw and lively account of his life after losing both parents to cancer within weeks of each other.
He takes on the responsibility of raising his younger brother, and the book captures their chaotic and unpredictable life together. The writing jumps between humor and intense emotion, creating a story that feels unpredictable and alive.
Fans of Hunter S. Thompson might enjoy Eggers’ pace and the way he makes his personal struggles feel wild and unforgettable without losing the human touch.
P.J. O’Rourke was a sharp and witty author known for his humorous take on politics and culture. If you enjoyed Hunter S. Thompson, you might like O’Rourke’s “Parliament of Whores.”
In this book, he breaks down the workings of the U.S. government with biting humor and sharp observations. From his brutally honest depiction of politicians to his reflections on bureaucracy, the book gives a hilarious look at how everything functions—or doesn’t.
His writing mixes satire with real experiences, making you laugh while you learn a bit about the chaos behind the scenes.
Kurt Vonnegut had a knack for blending dark humor with sharp social criticism. In his book “Slaughterhouse-Five,” he tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes “unstuck in time” after surviving the firebombing of Dresden during World War II.
Billy drifts through moments of his life, from his experience as a soldier to his time on an alien planet called Tralfamadore. The aliens view time in a completely different way, which challenges how humans think about fate and free will.
The mix of war, absurdity, and philosophy makes it a strange and unforgettable experience.
Neal Cassady was a key figure in the Beat Generation and a close friend of Jack Kerouac. He had a wild and restless energy that showed in both his life and his writing.
His book, “The First Third,” gives readers a glimpse into his chaotic upbringing, his troubled family, and his time on the road. It’s written in a fragmented, stream-of-consciousness style, where you feel almost like you’re sitting in on his unfiltered thoughts.
Cassady’s stories bounce between moments of youthful mischief, moments of reflection on his relationships, and tales of running through the streets of Denver.
For anyone who likes Hunter S. Thompson’s raw and uninhibited storytelling, Cassady’s voice might feel like a natural fit.