Wayward Angel: The Full Story Of The Hells Angels

by George Wethern and Vincent Colnett

Book Overview

An inside account of the Hell's Angels, told by one of its most notorious leaders.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599214636
• ISBN13: 9781599214634
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

True History

Back in the late seventies or early eighties (can't remember which) when this originally came out, we all went down to Delaurer's bookstore on Broadway back home in Oakland.A number of ladies whose significant others were in the local chapters were there buying up every copy they could so the public wouldn't have any insight into the club and it's workings.Reason I mention it is that books on famous clubs are all over the place, Ralph has gone to Cave Creek and is now a best selling author etc..Bill Queen did two years with the Mongols and now gets his own movie..If you're biker history buff and want the real story on the Oakland chapter, then this in combination with "Hells Angel" would be the best choice. Leave the rest for the RUBS and Johnny come lately wannabes and their softtails.

Will the Full Story Ever Come Full Circle?

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.

Whoa! *$%!ing great!

One evening recently my ol'lady and I were at a freinds house and the subject of the club came up. As I was sharing one of my stories growing up in Oakland's Fruitvale area riding around and partying with some of my freindly club members. My buddies wife handed me this fairly large book and said I must read it. I did and just couldn't put it down untill my alarm went off the next morning. This would even make as great movie like Easy Rider.

No B.S. From This Author

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.

Not for the faint at heart

This book reveals the secrets and lifestyles of the notorious Hells Angels that for so long have been shrouded in scandal, mystery and fear. Written by an ex Hells Angel himself, Wethern recounts his lifestyle with the Angels from the first beginnings of the gangs operation in California, his friendship with well known gang president Sonny, orgies, criminal activity and the rapid decline of the gang and Wethern himself as drugs became the way of life and huge source of power and income. Wethern, now hidden somewhere in the states with new identity for him and his family in fear of his life as a result of co-operating with police and officials and giving informatiuon and indeed writing this book that blows the lid on the activities of a gang that is unmerciless in it's punishment of offenders, it's disregard for police, women and just about anything, but that is fiercely loyal to the brotherhood of gang members and loyalty to the president at all costs. In what would seem an act of clearing his conscience Wethern tells his tale in a way that exposes the reader to not only the innner workings of this secret gang, but also the brokenness, regret and fear that comes from living the life of a wayward angel.