On the Road (1957)

Why haven't I read this? It's been on my shelf for years and years.

There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars. ( )

This is the kind of book that I really need more cultural context to be able to enjoy. It comes highly recommended by many friends of the artistic and musical bent, and though I appreciate the journeys taken by the characters, I cannot really relate to the attitudes and circumstances described. ( )

I appreciate how this was a defining literary work for its time but it didn't appeal much to me. ( )

This is not a book I can give an adequate review of. I can relate that I was very impressed and wowed by the language - there are beautiful passages in here. I ended up fascinated by the journeys across America in the late 40's and that obsession caused me to buy a box of old maps at a swap meet mumbling "Thank you, Jack Kerouac" as I parted with my birthday money.

I ended up needing to own this book - needing to underline passages in this book - so I did what for me is unthinkable. I bought my own new copy of this book. (Buying a new book is unusual for me. Especially a fiction book. Especially one I've read!) I also bought used copies of some of Kerouac's other books. I bought a book about the Beat generation.

I don't know what came over me. The book, on a superficial level, is about a few guys crossing the US, having fun, partying, picking up girls, doing some drugs, wrecking some cars, listening to jazz. They're friends, but will sure abandon each other if the right girl comes along. Of course, Denver in the old days fascinates me and that was part of the charm.

And the language! And the sadness which progresses as the book goes along. There's funny times and good times but overall there's something a bit depressing at the constant search for IT, for something other, for the next high. I can't explain why I felt sympathy for Dean Moriarty when he's definitely not the best of friends - he seems mentally ill, has issues with alcohol and drugs, is manipulative, although charismatic and fun - definitely not someone I'd want my husband hanging out with but who could resist him? Mike (if younger) would be right there with him, I'm afraid. (He has yet to read this book but he always fondly refers to Neal Cassady as The Bus Driver because of the Prankster's movie.)

So 5 stars because this book moved me in a way a book hasn't touched me in a long time. ( )