Books matching: hippie lifestyle
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- #1
Save:A colorful, freewheeling portrait of 1960s counterculture - important, memorable, but stylistically wild. Not for everyone, but an absolute classic for those on board with its wild ride.
'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test' by Tom Wolfe is a journalistic exploration into the counter culture of the 1960s, following Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters as they embark on a psychedelic journey across the United States and into Mexico. Wolfe captures the essence of the hippie movement, providing insight into the psychedelic experiences and the era of free love and experimentation.
Wolfe's writing style in the book is described as vivid, evocative, and journalistic, offering a unique perspective on the drug culture of the 1960s. The narrative delves into the lives of the characters, the use of psychedelic drugs, and the cultural icons of the time, creating a colorful and immersive portrayal of a significant period in American history.
January 1968•472 pages - #2
Save:A brilliantly written, often hilarious dissection of counterculture dreams meeting hard reality - worth trying for fans of literary and historical fiction, but it may not be everyone's trip.
In the book "Drop City" by T.C. Boyle, a California commune of hippies in the late 1960s decides to move to Alaska to live off the land, only to find challenges with the harsh Alaskan environment and clashes with the local residents. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of various characters, highlighting the struggles and interactions between the two communities. The author captures the essence of the counter-cultural '70s, exploring themes of communal living, freedom, and the complexities of idealism versus reality.
The morning was a fish in a net, glistening and wriggling at the dead black border of her consciousness, but she'd never caught a fish in a net or on a hook either, so she couldn't really say if or ho...2003•501 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, unsettling coming-of-age novel that explores the dark side of belonging and girlhood - powerful and memorable if you’re in the mood for something atmospheric and psychologically searching, not if you want a quick-paced thriller.
Set in the 1960s, "The Girls" by Emma Cline follows the story of Evie Boyd, a young teenager who becomes fascinated by a group of girls she encounters in a park. This group leads her to a Manson-like cult, where she seeks acceptance and belonging amidst the turmoil of her home life. The novel delves into the dynamics of the cult, the psychology of desire and obsession, and the consequences of being drawn into a dangerous lifestyle. Through a dual timeline narrative, readers witness Evie's experiences during that fateful summer and the impact it has on her in adulthood. The writing style is described as unique, disturbing, and honest, capturing the vulnerability and manipulation faced by young girls in a society where attention from men and unconscious manipulation are prevalent themes.
Cha ching, the slot machine in Connie’s garage went, like a cartoon, Peter’s features soaked in its rosy glow. He was eighteen, Connie’s older brother, and his forearms were the color of toast. His fr...June 2016•365 pages - #4
Save:A spontaneous, poetic ode to adventure, nature, Buddhism, and restless souls - The Dharma Bums is best loved by seekers, dreamers, and rebels, but won't win over those immune to Kerouac's messy, mystical charm.
In "The Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac, the novel follows the protagonist Ray Smith and his friend Japhy on a journey exploring Zen Buddhism and the search for meaning across America. The story shifts between city life, drunken parties, and Buddhist rituals to moments of serenity in the outdoors and nature. Through Kerouac's frantic narrative style, the book delves into themes of friendship, inner peace, and the quest for truth while showcasing the influence of Zen Buddhism on the characters' lives.
Kerouac's writing style in "The Dharma Bums" combines elements of beat poetry with a meandering yet reflective narrative that captures the essence of the Beat Generation. The book explores themes of asceticism, nature, and the tension between spiritual enlightenment and the desire for freedom. Through Ray Smith's encounters with Japhy and their travels across different landscapes, Kerouac presents a blend of philosophical musings, vivid descriptions, and introspective moments that invite readers to ponder on the deeper meanings of life and self-discovery.
When Gary Snyder, the Zen poet immortalized as “Japhy Ryder” in The Dharma Bums, first met Jack Kerouac in San Francisco in the fall of 1955, he sensed about him “a palpable aura of fame and death.” S...1950•231 pages - #5
Save:A beautifully written, nature-rich novel that intertwines the lives of memorable characters and delivers a heartfelt message about our connection to the environment. Ideal for those who enjoy thoughtful, lyrical fiction - even if it sometimes wears its message on its sleeve.
"Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the lives of different women, each connected in subtle ways, much like the ecosystems they are part of. The book combines themes of ecology, romance, and nature seamlessly, with each character having a unique voice and depth. Kingsolver's storytelling weaves together three seemingly disparate stories, focusing on strong female characters and the interconnectedness of nature and human relationships.
Her body moved with the frankness that comes from solitary habits. But solitude is only a human presumption. Every quiet step is thunder to beetle life underfoot; every choice is a world made new for...2000•464 pages - #6
Save:A manically funny, offensive, and bizarre 1970s time capsule - equal parts comedic masterpiece and fever dream. Not for everyone, but unforgettable if it clicks with you.
The Fan Man by William Kotzwinkle is a wild and chaotic journey following the drugged-out hippie, Horse Badorties, as he navigates through various neighborhoods in New York City, constantly in sync with the tao of life. The book is described as a continual drug-induced brain patter with minimal plot but abundant humor and eccentricity. Horse Badorties is portrayed as a unique and memorable character, obsessed with creating a Love Chorus of 15-year-old girls for a bizarre concert featuring medieval church music set to the pitch of Japanese handheld fans.
The writing style of The Fan Man is noted for its raucous, politically incorrect, and satirical nature, with Horse Badorties' clueless yet endearing antics providing a mix of hilarity and absurdity. The book captures the essence of the free-spirited hippie culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s, embodying themes of nonconformity, eccentricity, and the pursuit of unconventional dreams.
I am all alone in my pad, man, my piled-up-to-the-ceiling-with-junk pad. Piled with sheet music, with piles of garbage bags bursting with rubbish and encrusted frying pans piled on the floor, embedded...1974•197 pages - #7
Save:A riveting memoir about surviving - and thriving - in a dysfunctional family. Both painful and uplifting, 'The Glass Castle' is a modern classic of resilience that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.
Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.
I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the...2005•349 pages - #8
Save:A brilliant but baggy New York epic - ambitious, witty, and occasionally exhausting. If you crave complex writing about imperfect activists and the cycles of dissent, give it a try. If not, grab another Lethem.
Dissident Gardens by Jonathan Lethem is a novel that spans generations, focusing on characters involved in various dissident movements such as Communism, war protesting, and the Occupy movement. The narrative jumps around in time and place, creating a collection of interconnected stories that delve into the lives of unsympathetic characters. Lethem's writing style is praised for its beauty and complexity, with some readers finding it Proustian in its layering of behaviors and revelations of character facets.
Quit fucking black cops or get booted from the Communist Party. There stood the ultimatum, the absurd sum total of the message conveyed to Rose Zimmer by the cabal gathered in her Sunnyside Gardens ki...January 2001•385 pages A chilling, unputdownable real-life survival story that will stay with you - fascinating, haunting, and not for the faint of heart. Adventure and true crime fans should make this a must-read, but prepare for a wild, emotional ride.
'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer is a gripping personal account of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition, where several climbers lost their lives due to a sudden storm. Krakauer, a journalist and experienced climber, vividly describes the harrowing journey to the summit, highlighting the extreme physical and psychological challenges faced by the climbers. Through his detailed narration, Krakauer delves into the commercialization of Himalayan adventures, the allure of climbing the world's highest peak, and the tragic consequences of nature's unpredictability.
The book provides a chilling insight into the calamitous events that unfolded on Everest, showcasing Krakauer's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to evoke intense emotions in readers. The narrative transitions from a tale of adventure to a heart-wrenching story of survival and loss, offering a profound exploration of human nature, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of conquering the unconquerable.
August 1996•366 pages- #10
Save:A cult classic full of wit, oddball wisdom, and counterculture sass - brilliant for some, but far too strange or meandering for others. If you crave quirky, you'll love it; if you want tight storytelling, maybe look elsewhere!
'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues' by Tom Robbins is a quirky and surreal novel following the adventures of Sissy Hankshaw, a woman born with unusually large thumbs who uses them to hitchhike. The story intersects with intriguing characters such as the all-female inhabitants of a ranch designed to test feminine hygiene products. The book delves into themes of freedom, happiness, individuality, and gender issues, all wrapped in Robbins' unique writing style that combines humor, philosophical musings, and explicit scenes.
The plot of the book revolves around Sissy's journey as she navigates through bizarre and outlandish situations, including encounters with eccentric characters like Bonanza Jellybean, the Countess, and the Chink. The writing style is fast-paced, complex, and filled with wordplay and metaphors, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Despite some readers finding the book weird and over the top, it remains a cult classic that challenges societal norms and explores feminist themes in a playful and philosophical manner.
It is not a brain. The brain, that pound and a half of chicken-colored goo so highly regarded (by the brain itself), that slimy organ to which is attributed such intricate and mysterious powers (it is...1976•383 pages
