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The Kitchen Readings: Untold Stories of Hunter S. Thompson – A Dangerous Biography of Professional Stunts and Firearms
Warning!* This book contains the following: Unsafe use of powerful firearms in combination with explosives Cultivation of illegal crops Impressionable minors being exposed to illicit activities Piloting of automobiles under impaired conditions Transporting large sums of cash across national borders *Stunts performed in this book were undertaken by professionals. Do not attempt them at home.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
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2583 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 9, 2014
A hilarious and wonderful insight into the personal life of Hunter S. Thompson, journalist/agent of chaos. The more I read about him, the more I'm fascinated: he's a guy that I could listen to stories about for hours, but damned if I'd ever want to actually know him. Sure, the conversations would be second to none, but god knows what type of business I'd be getting myself into if I signed that contract. Hunter Thompson was an honest to god madman. Truth be told, the world needs more madmen, but he had no boundary lines, and though the wielder of chaos seizes a freedom like none else, others are inevitably dragged into the whirlwind, and god knows what will become of them when the ride ends. Thankfully, it seems many people involved with Hunter came out better on the other end. By all accounts he seems like an intelligent man, though to add "kind" would be stretching it a bit. Incredible man. Would never want to know him. Love hearing about him secondhand, from a safe distance, much like an explosion.
July 3, 2017
This book left me feeling pretty much exactly the way other books by and about HST have left me feeling: regaled, repelled, and reflective. The man was clearly an eccentric, and a creative force, but there's something about HST that always leaves me feeling a bit sad. A good complement to this book is "The Proud Highway", which I feel offers HST fans more insight into his character. This one has its own rhythm, which I did get into, but it's a bit of a surface read.
There were glimpses in this book of my "favourite" HST, which is the one who offers sharp, funny, and poetic turns of phrase, and who had a definite sensitivity to the world. A great quote at the end of the book:
"My main luxury in those years - a necessary luxury, in fact - was the ability to work in and out of my home-base fortress in Woody Creek. It was a very important psychic anchor to me, a crucial grounding point where I always knew I had love, friends, & good neighbors. It was like my personal Lighthouse that I could see from anywhere in the world - no matter where I was, or how weird & crazy I got, everything would be okay if I could just make it home. When I made that hairpin turn up the hill onto Woody Creek Road, I knew I was safe." - Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in America
There were glimpses in this book of my "favourite" HST, which is the one who offers sharp, funny, and poetic turns of phrase, and who had a definite sensitivity to the world. A great quote at the end of the book:
"My main luxury in those years - a necessary luxury, in fact - was the ability to work in and out of my home-base fortress in Woody Creek. It was a very important psychic anchor to me, a crucial grounding point where I always knew I had love, friends, & good neighbors. It was like my personal Lighthouse that I could see from anywhere in the world - no matter where I was, or how weird & crazy I got, everything would be okay if I could just make it home. When I made that hairpin turn up the hill onto Woody Creek Road, I knew I was safe." - Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in America
July 16, 2017
A must read for Hunter fans.
I lived in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley for 29 years. This was quite the trip down memory lane. Hunter was always a legend. I waited on Hunter in the early 70s as a waitress at the Hickory House. I was a fan then after reading Hell's Angels and Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. My friends and I lived in Woody Creek and spent a lot of time at the WC Tavern. I really don't know if Hunter was there at times when I was there. It was great to remember all the good times there. This book helped me understand what happened in HST's life and to get closure. Thanks to the authors for sharing the real Hunter with us.
I lived in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley for 29 years. This was quite the trip down memory lane. Hunter was always a legend. I waited on Hunter in the early 70s as a waitress at the Hickory House. I was a fan then after reading Hell's Angels and Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. My friends and I lived in Woody Creek and spent a lot of time at the WC Tavern. I really don't know if Hunter was there at times when I was there. It was great to remember all the good times there. This book helped me understand what happened in HST's life and to get closure. Thanks to the authors for sharing the real Hunter with us.
January 23, 2008
Received an advanced copy of this book. It was pretty good, especially after reading the Jan Wener 'Gonzo' book. This book is a collection of stories about the Good Doctor told by his friends in Woody Creek. This is the real HST and not the caricature that you read about in his books or films. It's nice and touching in it's way, especially at the end when dealing with his death and memorial cannon shot (which from everything I've heard was way too Hollywood and not very HST at all.) It's was interesting to read about a friends view of HST and not a legendary one (which was the 'Gonzo' book.)
November 2, 2010
A portrait of HST by his buddies in Woody Creek, where the Doc lived most of his life. Its paints a warm picture of a genuine American eccentric, who, while not as loco as his own works portray him to be was nonetheless a highly odd character. A writer of immense talent, Thompson could be a difficult character, but he inspired a great loyalty in his friends and neighbours, and life was certainly never dull when he was around to liven up the place. An unashamedly uncritical look at the man, but a nice treat for fans to get to know a little of the man behind the myth.
October 17, 2022
While it’s not a new book, I just got around to reading “The Kitchen Readings” by Michael Cleverly and Bob Braudis. It’s a collection of short anecdotes about the infamous author, Hunter Thompson.
Cleverly and Braudis were longtime friends of Thompson from the town of Woody Creek, Colorado where he lived. They were part of his “inner circle” of friends and spent lots of time hanging out with him at his house or in town, saw many of the people coming and going in Thompson’s life at home.
In the introduction they tell us that Thompson wasn’t quite as awful and wild and crazy as the persona he built up, especially not at home, off the road. They sort of imply they’re going to tell more about his normal home life, and they describe how Thompson would often have people over to sit around his kitchen and read what he wrote. I expected a bit more of that, somehow.
Instead, the book is mostly short anecdotes about Thompson being crazy and wild. Short tales about his use of drugs, sleeping late into the afternoon, firing guns with wild abandon…. Most of the stories in the book pretty much back up the whole mystique about Thompson as a wild, crazy drug fiend. Pretty much the opposite of what based on the introduction and Walter Isaacson’s blurb on the back of the book.
Then at the end again, they remind that most of the time at home Thompson and whatever company of people he has over don’t behave with insanity like outsiders would expect, but sit around the table discussion politics, discussing sports, discussing cars and normal stuff men his age would sit around discussing.
Overall it wasn’t a very good book. While it’s got some amusing stories, Cleverly and Braudis are barely a fraction the caliber of writer their primary subject was.
Cleverly and Braudis were longtime friends of Thompson from the town of Woody Creek, Colorado where he lived. They were part of his “inner circle” of friends and spent lots of time hanging out with him at his house or in town, saw many of the people coming and going in Thompson’s life at home.
In the introduction they tell us that Thompson wasn’t quite as awful and wild and crazy as the persona he built up, especially not at home, off the road. They sort of imply they’re going to tell more about his normal home life, and they describe how Thompson would often have people over to sit around his kitchen and read what he wrote. I expected a bit more of that, somehow.
Instead, the book is mostly short anecdotes about Thompson being crazy and wild. Short tales about his use of drugs, sleeping late into the afternoon, firing guns with wild abandon…. Most of the stories in the book pretty much back up the whole mystique about Thompson as a wild, crazy drug fiend. Pretty much the opposite of what based on the introduction and Walter Isaacson’s blurb on the back of the book.
Then at the end again, they remind that most of the time at home Thompson and whatever company of people he has over don’t behave with insanity like outsiders would expect, but sit around the table discussion politics, discussing sports, discussing cars and normal stuff men his age would sit around discussing.
Overall it wasn’t a very good book. While it’s got some amusing stories, Cleverly and Braudis are barely a fraction the caliber of writer their primary subject was.
August 4, 2023
Oh, let me tell you about this wild ride of a book. It's like a rollercoaster through the craziness that was Hunter's life in Woody Creek, Colorado. Buckle up, folks, because this book absolutely rocks!
Now, if you're expecting the same level of insanity as Hunter's own works, you are in for a slightly tamer experience. But fear not; it's still one heck of an entertaining journey. These stories come straight from the mouths of Hunter's closest friends, and you know what they say about friends - they're brutally honest!
Imagine peeping into the personal life of the infamous journalist/agent of chaos, Hunter S. Thompson. It's like a bizarre sitcom you can't stop watching. The more you read, the more you realize that knowing Hunter would be like hopping on a crazy train with no return ticket. I mean, sure, the conversations would be legendary, but who knows what kind of pact you'd be signing with the devil himself!
So, here's the deal:
1. Read this book.
2. Laugh your heart out.
3. Be grateful you can enjoy Hunter's craziness from a safe distance, like watching a spectacular explosion from behind thick glass.
You'll be fascinated, entertained, and slightly relieved you're not in the middle of the hurricane that was Hunter S. Thompson's life. Cheers to the man, the myth, the legend.
Now, if you're expecting the same level of insanity as Hunter's own works, you are in for a slightly tamer experience. But fear not; it's still one heck of an entertaining journey. These stories come straight from the mouths of Hunter's closest friends, and you know what they say about friends - they're brutally honest!
Imagine peeping into the personal life of the infamous journalist/agent of chaos, Hunter S. Thompson. It's like a bizarre sitcom you can't stop watching. The more you read, the more you realize that knowing Hunter would be like hopping on a crazy train with no return ticket. I mean, sure, the conversations would be legendary, but who knows what kind of pact you'd be signing with the devil himself!
So, here's the deal:
1. Read this book.
2. Laugh your heart out.
3. Be grateful you can enjoy Hunter's craziness from a safe distance, like watching a spectacular explosion from behind thick glass.
You'll be fascinated, entertained, and slightly relieved you're not in the middle of the hurricane that was Hunter S. Thompson's life. Cheers to the man, the myth, the legend.
February 10, 2025
Really enjoyed re-reading this. Any Hunter S. Thompson fan would like it -- I'd recommend reading a Thompson book or at least story before reading it, though, so you can fully appreciate the absurd candor and antics of HST.
These stories are from the perspective of people who knew the person Hunter S. Thompson, not *just* the caricature or legend of him. Of course, there is plenty of overlap there, and it's quite insane how many of the legends or myths about him are actually spot on. I imagine these are the types of stories you'd hear or encounter if you ever ventured to the surroundings of Owl Farm. Perhaps my favorite section is the final one about the memorial gathering after HST took his life.
I guess I should say that one of the co-authors, Michael Cleverly, is the father of one of my favorite people, a dear friend from college (she also worked for Hunter for a time). So I am inclined to like this (it is my third reading). But even if I remove the bias, it's really enjoyable.
These stories are from the perspective of people who knew the person Hunter S. Thompson, not *just* the caricature or legend of him. Of course, there is plenty of overlap there, and it's quite insane how many of the legends or myths about him are actually spot on. I imagine these are the types of stories you'd hear or encounter if you ever ventured to the surroundings of Owl Farm. Perhaps my favorite section is the final one about the memorial gathering after HST took his life.
I guess I should say that one of the co-authors, Michael Cleverly, is the father of one of my favorite people, a dear friend from college (she also worked for Hunter for a time). So I am inclined to like this (it is my third reading). But even if I remove the bias, it's really enjoyable.
January 15, 2019
Reading The Kitchen Readings is like sitting beside a roaring fire with the boys (emphasize boys) and trading stories with each other about the one legendary man who couldn't make the party, all the while swilling huge amounts of booze or other substances that propel the night to a weird direction. The book is a raucous good time told in plain writing about a man and his friends who often had too good of a time, but the stories within always live in the shadow of HST's final fate. Though a fun read, only recommended for HST fans or readers who enjoy good bar gossip made writ. By the end, The Kitchen Readings becomes a touching memorial from Braudis and Cleverly, who knew Thompson well in life.
Buy the ticket, take the ride.
3 out of 5
Buy the ticket, take the ride.
3 out of 5
May 7, 2020
I enjoyed this behind the scenes look at Hunter S. Thompson, written by some of his friends from woody Creek Colorado. It was like having him back again, the intimacy of the stories, and the honesty of the narrators rang true. It's not the most polished or well written book in the world, but it was great to hear the memories of doc from people who knew him. And although they told many stories of unwanted visitors to woody Creek and owl farm, I wish I had been one of them. And this book gives you a little feeling of what it must have been like, as well as some great remembrances towards the end of both his final days, and the amazing funeral celebration put on by Johnny Depp, complete with a Gonzo fist cannon and hunters ashes being packed into fireworks sent off into the sky, a great writer, a great remembrance, and a nice read.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
August 30, 2023
Hunter S Thompson was a main character in this world while alive, and will continue to have that legacy for generations. An unpredictable, yet predictable, man valued by those around him. Though it may have never been seen on the surface, he had a good heart with good intentions. These stories prove it, for the most part. He's someone I, along with many others, wish to have met. Really enjoyed learning about HST on a more personal level.
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." I bought this book while attending electric forest and saw someone scribbled this on the inside, while presumably handing it off to their friend. Couldn't have said it better myself.
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." I bought this book while attending electric forest and saw someone scribbled this on the inside, while presumably handing it off to their friend. Couldn't have said it better myself.
June 11, 2021
I liked F&L On the Campaign Trail, but disliked F&L In Las Vegas as that was just nothing but drugs and chaos. The description of this was selling some "other side" of Thompson, so I started to read. What other side? The guy seems like he was an absolute twat. Apparently he can write well sometimes, but otherwise he's a childish jerk. I stopped after he shot a fox in a cage, set a friend's dog on fire and didn't show remorse, and shot another friend's cat up, giving it brain damage. Why is this guy idolised? Moving on...
October 15, 2020
A must for any fans of Hunter. The writer or the figure.
For what it is, a book full of Hunter stories by his closest friends in Woody Creek Colorado, it absolutely rocks. This book gives such a unique look at Hunter’s home life. The stories may not be as wild or depraved as some of Hunter’s own works, but they’re still wildly entertaining and since they’re coming from an outside source, probably have a little more honesty than some of what Hunter may pass as accurate depictions of events.
For what it is, a book full of Hunter stories by his closest friends in Woody Creek Colorado, it absolutely rocks. This book gives such a unique look at Hunter’s home life. The stories may not be as wild or depraved as some of Hunter’s own works, but they’re still wildly entertaining and since they’re coming from an outside source, probably have a little more honesty than some of what Hunter may pass as accurate depictions of events.
July 23, 2021
Poor representation of Hunter's life: one that's supposed to be grounded, realistic, and toned down, yet all it succeeds to do is elevate him from drug fiend to drug lord to drug god. Anti-gonzo. Only worth it for the epilogue, and that only because Hunter's funeral was so great and crazy that even Dan Brown, had he for some reason been there, could have made it sound interesting.
Not worth it. Read Hunter's own works instead.
Not worth it. Read Hunter's own works instead.
February 5, 2025
"Another practical rule was to never make reference to an HST quote in front of Hunter if you couldn’t instantly put your hands on it. Most of Doc’s books were right there, and you had better at least know which book to look in. Chapter and page was the only way to be totally safe. Hunter needed to be quoted accurately and would almost certainly want the whole shooting match read aloud. Being less than completely informed could be dangerous."
Want to read
March 12, 2025Warning!* This book contains the following: Unsafe use of powerful firearms in combination with explosives Cultivation of illegal crops Impressionable minors being exposed to illicit activities Piloting of automobiles under impaired conditions Transporting large sums of cash across national borders *Stunts performed in this book were undertaken by professionals. Do not attempt them at home.
June 7, 2018
Friends of Dr. Thompson share their stories and memories of life in Woody Creek and at Owl Farm. Hunter lived a life larger than most but was nonetheless a southern gentleman, good neighbor and a journalist rivaled by none. This book is a great companion for any fan of his writing.
November 12, 2018
GOLD!
Thank you, Cleverly & Braudis.
Thank you, Cleverly & Braudis.
September 22, 2019
An decent addition to die hard Thompson fans but on its own just a mish mash of random stories but fairly most of which very few had heard or read before.
June 28, 2020
Affectionate tribute by one of HST's long term friends in Colorado. Bit self indulgent.
Read
April 2, 2023Fun fast read. Some good stories in there and cool to hear the more human side of Hunter then the legend.
March 23, 2021
I was a big HST fan in my twenties, and for good reason. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail and Better Than Sex were preceptive, political insights to the liberal voting base. His firm belief in McGovern's platform in 1972 coincided with Thompson's desire for radical change.
Of course, HST's lifestyle was also a huge turn on for us who grew up reading his drug/booze/gun-toting tales of trying to find the American Dream in his books, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the Curse of Lono. His crazy antics were exciting, a bit treacherous, and clearly a statement against the anti-establishment he loathed throughout his life.
Then "we" grew up--Hunter never could. A spinning, out of control existence that tried to keep up with the myth, these tales--told by close Woody Creek friends and neighbors exemplify the dangerous fetish he had with guns, (many tales told are of Thompson almost killing friends and neighbors with accidental shootings--He, Thompson though he was just having fun.). Although his close associates accepted Hunter's actions and temper tantrums as Thompson just "being Thompson"--the narrators sound like glorified baby-sitters, willing victims to his 3 AM rants, blowing up propane canisters, drinking and driving...
Sometimes...you just have to grow up. Seems like HST never did.
Of course, HST's lifestyle was also a huge turn on for us who grew up reading his drug/booze/gun-toting tales of trying to find the American Dream in his books, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the Curse of Lono. His crazy antics were exciting, a bit treacherous, and clearly a statement against the anti-establishment he loathed throughout his life.
Then "we" grew up--Hunter never could. A spinning, out of control existence that tried to keep up with the myth, these tales--told by close Woody Creek friends and neighbors exemplify the dangerous fetish he had with guns, (many tales told are of Thompson almost killing friends and neighbors with accidental shootings--He, Thompson though he was just having fun.). Although his close associates accepted Hunter's actions and temper tantrums as Thompson just "being Thompson"--the narrators sound like glorified baby-sitters, willing victims to his 3 AM rants, blowing up propane canisters, drinking and driving...
Sometimes...you just have to grow up. Seems like HST never did.
Read
February 27, 2008Two friends of Hunter S. Thompson, including one who is the county sheriff, got together and researched and wrote 29 story glimpses of the gonzo journalist that will have you in tears and stitches: The Kitchen Readings - Untold Stories of Hunter S. Thompson.
The authors are Michael Cleverly, an Aspen-area artist, and Bob Braudis, the sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, where Hunter’s hometown of Woody Creek is located.
The kitchen of his house was the center of Hunter’s Owl Farm life and both Cleverly and Braudis were regulars there as were many other neighbors and townfolk whose reminisces the authors chose for their wild, wet and wicked narrations.
The stories are hilarious and if you’ve been a Hunter fan over the years you’ll probably finish this 274 page trade paperback off in two sittings.
The authors are Michael Cleverly, an Aspen-area artist, and Bob Braudis, the sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, where Hunter’s hometown of Woody Creek is located.
The kitchen of his house was the center of Hunter’s Owl Farm life and both Cleverly and Braudis were regulars there as were many other neighbors and townfolk whose reminisces the authors chose for their wild, wet and wicked narrations.
The stories are hilarious and if you’ve been a Hunter fan over the years you’ll probably finish this 274 page trade paperback off in two sittings.
December 15, 2008
My first comprehensive exposure to Hunter S. Thompson. I chose it over the new Life of Gonzo. I think I preferred the format - a bunch of stories, collected and narrated by two of his best friends. I thought it would be a nice, honest, heartfelt introduction to him; then, I could go and read the other bio. I'm determined to know more about the man before I read what he wrote himself.
I was moved. I cried. I remember that I was reading the book in the car outside of work, waiting for my parents. It was late, I had just finished the book, which ended with his death, and I was crying. I stepped outside the car, lit a cigarette and Jordan called.
Incredible timing - he was the force behind my interest in HST, after all. The book was actually a present for him, I just wanted to read it myself, too. I'm looking forward to him reading it.
I was moved. I cried. I remember that I was reading the book in the car outside of work, waiting for my parents. It was late, I had just finished the book, which ended with his death, and I was crying. I stepped outside the car, lit a cigarette and Jordan called.
Incredible timing - he was the force behind my interest in HST, after all. The book was actually a present for him, I just wanted to read it myself, too. I'm looking forward to him reading it.
January 27, 2015
I'm a big fan of Hunter S. Thompson's work so I immediately gravitated to this book when I first heard about it. Unfortunately, the book is extremely okay. I'm not sure if it's the format of the book (short stories and chapters) or how a number of them blurred together, it's just not as enjoyable as I thought. What also bothered me when reading was how the book was touted as being about the real Hunter Stockton Thompson and not the cartoon caricature that many people have in their minds of the man. However, my impression from the book is more of exactly that than anything else.
There are some fun stories in here for sure. Big fans of Thompson will likely get something out of it. However, anyone looking for a more comprehensive or better picture of the man are probably better off looking elsewhere.
There are some fun stories in here for sure. Big fans of Thompson will likely get something out of it. However, anyone looking for a more comprehensive or better picture of the man are probably better off looking elsewhere.
February 19, 2008
We're not used to reading about HST from anyone other than the good Doctor himself, and he is certainly the best at it - but now that he's gone, 3 years ago tomorrow, we're left with his inner circle, gonzo-lite by osmosis; slightly self-important, not particularly observant, but a painted picture non-the-less of Doc in his more private moments, his reactions to ardent fans, neighbors, cattle and authority. Sparse insights on his character, a trickle of information beefed up by the authors' personal tangents. Only for the hardest of hardcore fans.
July 16, 2008
Not the first and certainly not the last book to come out from people who knew HST, which, of course, would have pissed off HST (‘what goes on in the kitchen stays in the kitchen’).
Overall nothing really new in here, the usual HST stuff; basically the weird, rather sad tale of a man who wrote a few half-decent things and then felt content to live the rest of his life barely writing and coming across like a cartoon character (in more ways than one).
Overall nothing really new in here, the usual HST stuff; basically the weird, rather sad tale of a man who wrote a few half-decent things and then felt content to live the rest of his life barely writing and coming across like a cartoon character (in more ways than one).
April 12, 2009
I read this book straight through. Maybe it was so interesting to me because I lived in Aspen in the mid-70's and saw some of this from the side lines. I have always been drawn to and repulsed by Thompson's books and the stories about him. The stories from his closest friends were exactly what I expected. It made me wonder about the parts they left out - for example there was hardly any mention of the women in his life (other than his assistant) or his children.
February 7, 2008
its a decent read and naturally a must for any fan of HST. its a collection of personal remembrances of his life.
i have only a few issues with it:
the authors seem to feel the need to tell their life story and so forth. also their word choices throughout the book do not really fit in with the context and attracts more attention than the actual substance.
r.i.p.
i have only a few issues with it:
the authors seem to feel the need to tell their life story and so forth. also their word choices throughout the book do not really fit in with the context and attracts more attention than the actual substance.
r.i.p.
November 24, 2008
It should come as no surprise that the personal stories of friends of HST and his antics are just as, if not more, entertaining as his books. Yet what we get here is more than just tales of Gonzo crazy...we get tales of another side of HST, one rarely seen or read about beyond the walls of the Owl Farm kitchen. A great read for any HST fan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews