Stoner Book Club Reading Suggestions

There are a seemingly infinite number of fantastic books that could be considered a fascinating stoner book. On the one hand, we have informative books that explore the history of cannabis, factual information about the plant and ideas on how to get creative with cultivation. On the other, we have fictional pot related stories and books that explore psychedelia in all its functions. But it’s my guess that if you’re looking for a good stoner book, it’s good to start with some classics. These classic stoner books are all must reads for those who have a love for the culture and counter culture as it were.

1. The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell by Aldous Huxley

This is a philosophical essay that explores Huxley’s experiences with mescaline. He recounts a trip that he took on an afternoon in 1953. The book goes into his revelations, insights, visions and a reflection on their meanings for art and spirituality. This is an incredibly beautiful and insightful book that explores the deeper aspects of self. It is a perfect stoner book for anyone looking to broaden their perceptions.

2. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

This is a wild story that is based on autobiographical experiences following a man and his attorney as they go on a journey to Las Vegas to explore the American Dream…in a completely drug induced haze. They discuss the failure of ‘60s counter culture among other things. The fusion of autobiographical and fictional elements within the journalistic style developed into a genre known as gonzo journalism. The book was later adapted into a cult classic film by Terry Gilliam starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

3. Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon

This is a detective story that has heavy themes around drug culture and counter culture. Set in LA during the ‘70s, the Manson family feature throughout, along with other iconic attributes of the time.

4. The Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda

This is Carlos Castaneda’s master’s thesis in anthropology. The work is a firsthand account of his experiences with Don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian sorcerer. The first half of the book explores the teachings of Don Juan whereas the second half of the book goes into great specific detail about his surreal experiences with a variety of psychedelic plants and roots. This is a fascinating look into psychedelics from a spiritual perspective.

5. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe

This book follows Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters as they travel across the country in a multicolored school bus, using LSD and other psychedelics. They participate in acid tests, where LSD is put in Kool-Aid and participants experience a group high. It is all written as a firsthand account and a perfect stoner book for anyone wanting to go on a wild ride.

6. Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood

Following stoners in the post apocalypse, this book explores the story of Snowman, who lives near a group of human like creatures called Crakers. The novel explores his life and the strange world that sets the space for this adventure.