Publication date: September 18, 2024
Categories: Lifestyle
For those who love a good read, there's nothing like cracking open a book while you're floating on a cloud of smoke. Whether you’re diving deep into the mind of a countercultural legend or getting lost in surreal narratives, these books will take you on a journey just as wild as the weed you're smoking. Here’s a list of 10 fantastic books for stoners, ranging from the darkly philosophical to the humorously absurd—perfect for any session, from a casual smoke to an all-night, mind-bending exploration.
10. The Book of Disquiet — Fernando Pessoa
This is a book that’s strangely fitting for stoners—it’s introspective, poetic, and mournfully beautiful. The Book of Disquiet is a fragmentary, existential text that explores the inner world of its protagonist through a series of disjointed thoughts and reflections. For those in a contemplative mood, this one will take you deep into the labyrinth of the mind.
9. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test — Tom Wolfe
This non-fiction account of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters’ cross-country trip in their psychedelic bus is one of the definitive books about the counterculture of the 1960s. It’s an immersive journey into the heart of the acid revolution, filled with mind-bending experiences and outlandish characters. Perfect for anyone looking to explore the deeper aspects of psychedelia and its influence on modern culture.
8. On the Road — Jack Kerouac
The quintessential book for the free spirit—and the ultimate stoner classic. On the Road is a whirlwind of cross-country adventure, rebellion, and soul-searching, written in a frantic, free-flowing style that mirrors the wild, aimless travels of Kerouac and his companions. If you’ve ever felt the itch to hit the open road and escape the mundane, this is the book that will feed that hunger.
7. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas — Hunter S. Thompson
You knew this one was coming. Fear and Loathing is a masterclass in gonzo journalism, but it’s also one of the best reads for those deep into a good trip. Hunter S. Thompson’s stream-of-consciousness prose, fueled by a cocktail of drugs and paranoia, will have you on the edge of your seat while you float through his tale of excess and absurdity. If you’re looking to get lost in a world that makes no sense but feels oh-so-right, this is the one to reach for.
6. Hurry Up (So We Can Get Back) — Jeff Tweedy
This memoir by Wilco’s lead singer and songwriter is poignant, funny, and often profound—just like his music. Tweedy dives into his life of music, addiction, and personal reflection, weaving stories of his struggles with mental health and his journey to self-acceptance. Perfect for an introspective smoke session, it’s an album turned into a book, and if you love his music, this will resonate with your soul.
5. The Catcher in the Rye — J.D. Salinger
You can’t go wrong with Salinger’s classic about alienation, youth, and the struggle to make sense of an often-cynical world. Holden Caulfield’s disaffected teenage voice has been the anthem for generations of outsiders and dreamers, and it hits even harder when you’re in a hazy, reflective state. For anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider or searched for meaning, this book will resonate.
4. Rimbaud Complete — Arthur Rimbaud
Arthur Rimbaud is the ultimate poet for stoners, with his intoxicating blend of mystical imagery, surreal visions, and rebellious spirit. His work transcends traditional poetry, plunging into psychedelic and hallucinatory states. Whether it’s his famous A Season in Hell or his lesser-known works, Rimbaud’s words will have you questioning everything—life, love, and the boundaries of reality.
3. Less Than Zero — Bret Easton Ellis
This novel defines the dark, decadent underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles. With its disaffected, nihilistic characters, it’s the perfect read for when you’re feeling disillusioned by the world around you. Ellis’s exploration of excess, alienation, and detachment will hit hard, especially under the influence of something heavy. It’s a book that encapsulates a lost generation’s search for meaning in the emptiest of places.
2. Bhagavad Gita — Various Translators
This ancient Hindu text is the philosophical bible for stoners. A conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, it addresses everything from karma and dharma to the concept of life, death, and the pursuit of enlightenment. After a few tokes, the spiritual depth of the Gita will expand your perspective of the world, making you ponder the nature of existence and your place in the universe. It’s a journey through the cosmos of the soul.
1. Hell’s Angels — Hunter S. Thompson
The godfather of Gonzo journalism took on the notorious motorcycle gang in this wild ride of a book. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to get high, ride with rebels, and dive into the unpredictable world of chaos, this is the book for you. Thompson’s razor-sharp observations and crazed storytelling will have you laughing, cringing, and questioning everything you thought you knew about America’s fringe culture.
