The classic novel of freedom and the search for authenticity that defined a generationSeptember 5th, 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of On the RoadInspired by Jack Kerouac’s adventures with Neal Cassady, On the Road tells the story of two friends whose cross-country road trips are a quest for meaning and true experience. Written with a mixture of sad-eyed naiveté and wild … with a mixture of sad-eyed naiveté and wild ambition and imbued with Kerouac’s love of America, his compassion for humanity, and his sense of language as jazz, On the Road is the quintessential American vision of freedom and hope, a book that changed American literature and changed anyone who has ever picked it up.
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This is another classic for good reason. Jack Kerouac shows what life is like being on the road in America. If this novel doesn’t make you want to hit the road, stick out your thumb and travel, then nothing will.
“I have 1 word for Jack Kerouac: Edit.”
I approached this book with a little tredidation; the whole one roll of streaming consciousness idea scared me. However, found the book to be accessible and conversational. It was a great travelogue of a time gone but still remembered.
The only reason I finished this book is because I hate giving up on a book. It was horrible and I couldn’t wait to be finished. 300+ pages of boring rambling about the same thing over and over again.
The all-time great road book. The best book Kerouac ever wrote. If you read one book by Kerouac, let it be this one. Don’t listen to Truman Capote. Just start reading. There is something truly spectacular about this book.
Still a keeper
What a great time to be alive and able in America. Strange people and events. Easy and relaxing reading.
Everyone should read this book.
I just couldn’t get in touch with this book. Read 40% before I decided to put it down and let myself off the hook. I understand that it is a highly regarded book, but I couldn’t get into it and it was meaningless to continue trying. I rarely give up on a book.
Very good
The book that launched a lifestyle
I’ve heard so much about this book but I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoyed parts of it but other parts I was just ready for things to get on with it. I did like the characters for the most part.
OK
This book is well known. No review needed!
Liked it.
My favorite part is when they go out to jazz clubs and listen to some tenor men. The descriptive language is fantastic.
Could not relate to this book it’s from another time and era that holds no interest to us now. Only read half of it and that was more than enough
Interesting as cultural history, not as literature.
I read this several times when I was young. It was a heavy influence on me and many others in my generation, to get out and see the world, to go “on the road.” It wasn’t my favorite Kerouac; I believe “Dharma Bums” was my favorite. But this was right up there.
The book that changed my life. First read it when I went out on my own after colleg- still reread it every few years since ro keep me moving.
This book is an American classic, I have read this book at least ten times.