The Last of the Hippies by: Sophie Parkes

You may know C.J. Stone for being a past Guardian columnist, but it is this book where he really allows the reader into his past. An autobiography, The Last of the Hippies is a quirky insight into the life of the extraordinary Brummie, complete with graphic details of his past drug habit and rampant sex life. It is also a hilarious novel, packed with anecdote after anecdote, entwined with illustrations and thought-provoking quotes from typical Hippy sources.

The book is particulary useful for younger hippies, such as myself, to learn about what the hippy movement was really like when in full swing in the sixties and seventies, and gives excellent acounts of Glastonburies-past, various Pagan rituals and vividly paints pictures of the unusual characters Chris met on his journey from uni student through to squatter. Although a thoroughly good read and a solid recommendation to any British hippy, I can’t help to disagree with one of Chris’ major points – the Hippy movement is far from dead and it is a shame that writer feels he is no longer a hippy. In my opinion, once a hippy, always a hippy. But nevertheless, it is a riveting tale; so much so, I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one day!!