Leaving Las Vegas by John O'Brien
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Book Reviews of Leaving Las Vegas
Book Review: The Best Account of "End-Stage" Alcoholism Ever Written
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book years ago, and have never forgotten it. As a non-alcoholic myself, it was an incredible education in how someone stays drunk, from the time he wakes up until the moment he falls asleep dead drunk. O'Brien described, in incredible detail, things I had no idea about, such as how an alcoholic carefully proceeds from bar to bar, and how he hides and "minimizes" what he is drinking to non-drinkers. The only criticism I have about the book is the character of the prostitute. She wasn't as well-drawn, and there was no real explanation or development of the attraction between them. There are probably many lonely hookers and alcoholics in Las Vegas; so what drew these two so close together? But even so, I am sure I will never find a better book revealing the life of a man whose every waking moment revolved around a bottle of booze. Highly recommended.Book Review: Terse, brutal... as hard to pick up as it was to put down
Summary: 5 Stars
The movie gives a lot of attention to the love affair before dashing its viewers against rocks. Here, hugs and kisses are few and far between. O'Brien's book injects its moments of passion and accepting love as brief moments of hope laced with doubt, when the overall tone should be enough to foreshadow its bleak and painfully real conclusion. It is written with the raw journalism of somebody who has seen what's on the bottom of the pool and has resurfaced to call for help. I offer this book five stars instead of, say 4, because it sticks to its guns throughout. It never flinches as it paints portraits of characters so desperately needy that somewhere inside you know they will never make it, with or without each other. This is true of more people than we care to admit. I don't know if I have the stamina or the desire for another reading. But I won't ever forget it.Book Review: A second viewing is a must
Summary: 5 Stars
I actually did not enjoy this movie the first time i viewed it. I thought it was too dark, morose, and disturbing. However, much like Clockwork Orange, once you get past the disturbing violence and darkness, you are able to appreciate it for what it is. This movie is the greatest, the most moving tragic love story I have ever seen, read or hear of. One of the reviewers of the book version, Chris Benton of Delaware, summed it up absolutely brilliantly: "no-joke an exploration of two terminally wounded souls whose demons find near-transcendant solace with eachother."Book Review: Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is great and the author has a great way with words in describing details. I personally thought Leaving Las Vegas the movie was the best movie I have ever seen. Reading the book just added some more insights into perfection. I love books and movies that have to do with real life, most of the stuff written today or put in the movies are awful with totally unreal characters or actors trying to act in unreal situations.Finally we have Leaving Las Vegas which shows not everything is peaches and cream.Book Review: A Dark Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
"Leaving Las Vegas" is a dark tale that is not meant for the timid reader. It is real, it is gritty, it is graphic, it is depressing, and it is beautiful all at the same time. This book seriously deserved more credit than it recieved in its year of release, for it is a beautifully written account of unconditional love and loss in Sin City. Compulsively readable, and shatteringly honest, this is a book that will stay with you because of its frank and gorgeous language.