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Probably THE Great American Novel. The "beat" generation is making a comeback with today's generation, so the idea of hitchhiking across the country and truly experiencing America (minus the tourist attractions) has been highly romanticized. The protagonist, Sal Paradise, is meant to represent the literary "every man". He's a struggling writer who has decided to take some time off and meet his friends in Denver. So he hitchhikes because he does not have money or a car. Along the way, he chronicles his misadventures in love, friendship, and basically the entirety of human nature. It was written using a stream of consciousness style that can make it difficult for some people. He tends to ramble somewhat, or rather, to backtrack. Some sections of the book were extremely short, while others were very long. I even remember an entire paragraph that takes up two pages. The plot and characters are probably a little bit dated by today's standards, but the mood is there. While I say that the plot and characters are dated, they can also be extremely relevant to the x and y generations. If you are interested in a story, a real story that chronicles real people in real situations, this is a great novel. If you prefer fiction that is a little more out there, this is still a great novel. I recommend reading it all at once if possible. It is the best way to experience his writing style.Read full review
The book has a unique style of course from such a great American author ! Steam of consciousness and just a creative way to express the young adult of the forgotten ages !
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I keep waiting for something to actually "happen" in this book. The story reads like a diary. Sal leaves New Jersey - nearly broke most of the time - and makes his way to the West Coast of the United States either by train or bus or hitch hiking.........the characters he meets along the way are rather mundane, skid row types. He seems enchanted by many of them. The jobs he takes to earn a few bucks are also non descript. I am mid-way through the book and not sure if I care to finish it. It does get good reviews - at the time it was published.........but I find it quite simplistic and rather boring.
Ok came in badly beatup condition, story is interesting, but lags and jumps around a lot,trying to read all the classics.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I just finished reading the legendary novel "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. It's his most famous piece of work and it's easy to see why. The book is an easy read compared to some of his later, more experimental work like The Subterraneans or Big Sur. The characters are vivid and go through a fair amount of development over the years the book takes place. If you wanna read Jack Kerouac, this is the place to start.
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