Wayward Angel: The Full Story Of The Hells Angels

George Wethern may appear to be "coming clean" in this book, but just like in every book written by ex-OMG'ers, the bravado as he describes his days with the HAMC is a bit of a turn-off. As Sonny Barger used to say, "Why do they lie about us? The truth is bad enough." Well, neither Sonny nor George seems capable of just laying it out there for us to see in some un-trumped-up manner. At least Sonny's books don't purport to be tell-alls. What is Wethern's excuse?This book really fell apart at the end. Wethern took a wrong turn. Rather than talking at length about the details of his cooperation with authorities, and his feelings about his "ex-brothers" as well as their feelings for him, he spends little time on it. Instead, we are treated to page upon page of trailer park-esque writings between him and his wife. Who cares?I also believe that the book was not particularly well edited.Still, this is sort of a landmark writing because it blows a little lustre off the mystique, and there is not a lot out there by ex-insiders that purports to tell any truth. I do recommend "Under and Alone" by William Queen if you want a little more honesty about what it's like "inside."As for Wethern's being a "rat", the people in question were all criminals to some degree anyway, so why get hung up on that? I do like the brotherhood aspect of OMGs and I am not particularly fond of rats, but there are reasons why George turned. Wethern was not the only one to not live up to the "brotherhood" ideal.

I have read this book and it portrays the "boys" as they really were in the early days! Hey, a guys got to do what a guys got to do to make a living in the world! Of course, there are people out there that don't understand what it's like to be or feel like an outcast and then be accepted by others without question!... and they're most likely the ones who will criticize this book!Some of these guys came from poorer areas and some not so poor but still felt unaccepted by mainstream society. A lot were rejected for their participation in the Vietnam War and others for their views of the world. Where else were they to go? Maybe your house in the "burbs" for the weekend?George Wethern expressed his views of the everyday life in the Club of the 1960's. It appears that some of the acitivities done during this time peroid were done out of the necessity of building and estabilishing the structure of the club including the way opposition was dealt with. It's the same for all businesses who are trying to estabilish themselves. Hey, how many bodies have other big businesses buried in their growing years and haven't been discovered as of yet?

This book is essentially George Wethern's autobiography from his days as vice-president of the Oakland, California Hell's Angels.The story of any organization is like a jigsaw puzzle. You have to find this piece, examine it, and place it here; find that piece, examine it, and place it there. Finally, when all the pieces are in place, you have a picture, an understanding. George's book is essentially a piece of the puzzle known as the Hell's Angels.George writes about his association with the Angels, his drug use and other illegal activities right up to the time he is arrested by the feds and tries to save his and his family's asses by testifying against his fellow Angels and entering the Witness Protection Program. Is George a rat for squealing on his friends or did he do the right thing? You'll have to decide this for yourself.The book seems detailed, is graphic and hard-hitting. It certainly holds your attention. Will the full and complete story of the Angels ever be known? Perhaps, but only to those who were there and did that.

Unlike Yves Levigne, who denegrates the Hells Angels in every book he writes, yet makes a ton of money doing it without having the cajones to live it, George was an OG in the Hells Angels. I remember reading in the papers when he jammed pencils in his eyes in penitance for his turning state's evidence. But, whether you agree with his actions(turning states evidence) or disagree(because you don't rat out your friends), the fact remains George lived it, which only an Angel can do. There are some pro's and con's considering everyone wants to put their best foot forward. But, it is fairly written in that he doesn't try to hide too much about his actions or the club's. A very interesting read for those who would like to know more about the early days of the Hells Angels.

I enjoyed this book, and don't regret reading it, but the author comes out looking like a terrible person. He tries to explain away some of his actions by saying that he was on drugs, which just doesn't ring true. You can't blame all of your actions and betrayals on "drugs". When the time came to pay for some of his crimes, he took care of himself and screwed all of his "brothers". I realize you have to consider your family, but he spent YEARS in this criminal lifestyle and never considered the effect on them, until he was faced with doing time himself. It's hard to have empathy for someone who COMPLAINS when the guy HE shot 7 times is depressed and feels like giving up.

As someone who has spent considerable time reading about OMG's and getting to know some of the people who ride with them, I can honestly say this book could have been more in depth and more revealing, had the author chosen that route. However, he doesn't reveal anything that most people who are educated on OMG's don't already know. Also, the book really doesn't offer anything up to date on where the author is now and what he's been doing with his life since writing this book. A much better inside look at OMG's is offered in more recent books, most notably UNDER AND ALONE by William Queen. For folks who aren't acqainted with the one percenter lifestyle, this book might be informative, but for those of us who are, it was just more of the same.

Written by an ex-Hells Angel chapter President, this book is a fascinating glimpse into the world of this notorious motorcycle club. It’s very interesting reading about the history of the club, and the author’s rise through the ranks. Well written.

Being a fan of this genre and subject I've been burned many a time with fictional accounts. This book, written by a former friend of Sonny Barger and ranking member of the HA turned "rat", makes for interesting if disconcerting reading. If like I, you read it alongside Sonny's first book on the Angel's then you'll find the differing records of some of the events notable. Like all good factual writing should be, it's better than fiction. Recommended.

found this book a bit hard going, havent finished it just yet, probably go back to it at a later date and finish it

A very good look at the outlaw biker world

The angels are the world's most feared and know motorcycle gangs,I gave this a five star review because it was an eye opener for anyone who was thinking of going down this road,Do you , don't you ? And if your accepted .GOOD LUCK !!!