Anita Thompson didn't write some cutesy book about her husband. She didn't slap together stories from his famous and powerful friends. She isn't trying to be the new Hunter S. Thompson either. With her book The Gonzo Way, she explores Hunter's effect on American culture, his ability to find the fun in any given situation, and most importantly the philosophy he used to live his life.

If all you know of Hunter S. Thompson is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas then Anita Thompson's homage to her late husband is going to surprise you. He was an incredible man, and the acid dropping ether-head you've read or heard about is one tiny slice of the HST pie.

More pics after the jump.

Anita Thompson was a total sweet-heart at Book Soup last night. She was so genuinely excited about the new book that before i even had a chance to say, "Hola, me llamo John," she rushed over to me and asked if i could take her picture in front of the shop. Unable to find a business card in her purse, she asked, "Want a book?" She then pulled out a fresh copy, proceeded to sign it to me, and included her email so that i can send her the pics i took.

The book reads like a window into Hunter's life behind the scenes. You get to see the side of Hunter that was a caring family man, or the best friend most will ever have, or the wise, deep, spiritual, old soul that touched so many lives. The book is not a "How to be Hunter S. Thompson" but rather a "How to live life to it's fullest / Guide to being yourself" and gives us all a chance to experience life the gonzo way.

Pick up The Gonzo Way from Fulcrum Books, or Amazon, or your local book store.

Pictures by John Wayne Maioriello