Customer Reviews

Altered States of America: Outlaws and Icons, Hitmakers and Hitmen (Nation Books)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection of articles by former pot smuggler and convict Richard Stratton, shows his talent as a gritty and skilled writer. The subject matter is drawn from articles from "Prison Life", "High Times" and other edgy magazines. He does get you to think about the problems with the drug laws and the prison system, but the constant conspiracy theories gets a little hard to swallow. An interesting read, if you like the darker side of the law.

A collection of articles and interviews by convicted drug smuggler Stratton is often compelling. Profiles of rebels and criminals like Eddie Bunkerand Hunter Thompson.are filtered through Stratton's often icnredible life experiences. I feel the need to read Norman Mailer after eading both of the interviews contained herin. If you read this, you may realize that there is a difference between an outlaw and a criminal .

This book is a collection of articles and essays written by Mr. Stratton over many years. It was helpful that the author dated the essays in the table of contents.
Mr. Stratton seems very knowledgeable about his subject matter. His articles help place in historical context the people, mostly men, who were dominant figures in organised crime in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s.

I find organized crime interesting. It subverts the dominant culture, it manipulates the dominant culture, and it is a subculture of secrets that is paradox to the dominant culture.
Mr. Stratton's writing style is conversational and topical. Although at times I longed for more profundity,I understand that this may not have been Mr. Stratton's style or purpose.
I will read more of Mr. Stratton's writings, not because of his writing style or literary skills, but to learn more about the times of which he writes and the characters who people these times.

I am not able to personally able to review this book as it was a christmas gift for my husband but he finished it last night and loved it.