Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test is a landmark work of New Journalism that chronicles the psychedelic adventures of Ken Kesey and his band of followers, the Merry Pranksters, during the 1960s counterculture movement. The narrative follows their drug-fueled cross-country journey in a brightly painted school bus named Furthur, as they promote the use of LSD and challenge societal norms.
The book blends firsthand reporting with literary techniques to capture the essence of the era’s experimentation with consciousness, community, and rebellion. Central themes include the clash between individual freedom and societal constraints, the exploration of new spiritual and philosophical frontiers through psychedelics, and the fragmentation of the American Dream.
Although the book generated a good discussion about the rise of the counter culture in America in the late 60's and early 70's none of us managed to finish reading the book. The idiomatic language used, the lack of a narrative and the reportage style was off putting. We all understood and apprieciated the detail, but didn't find it easy. Those of us who had experience of acid completed our education!
Marks out of 10 - between 1 and 8
Words used of describing it: self indulgent, impossible read, essential for understanding, illuminating, disappointed, difficult read.
Next Book
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Next Meeting
Wednesday 25th June at Mandy's
July at Naila
Sept at Emma
Oct at Cindy
Nov at Rowena (hopefully)
