Post by Charlynn on Dec 2, 2010 18:44:13 GMT -5
On the Road
I am not a fan of non-fiction books. In the past, when I've read works that fit into this genre, it was either because I needed to for a class or because I wanted to learn more information about a particular time period in history, mainly the Civil War. Now, there are MANY good historical books for this era out there, but, when it came to picking a book to read for this class, I wanted to go a little further away from my comfort zone. For years, I've heard references to Kerouac's book in movies and television, it's on many must read lists, and it is also a book with a long history of being challenged/banned. Plus, an added bonus, I found a hardback copy on sale for $7.99. I'm a sucker for a good hardbook deal.
Anyway, On the Road is a classic example of beat generation literature. Following WWII, there was a portion of the population who introduced a shift in American culture. People who belonged ot the beat generation were known for experimenting with drugs and alternative forms of sexuality, there was an interest in Eastern religion, they rejected materialism, and they were known to favor vivacious and thorough explorations of living and expression... as shown in Kerouac's best-selling, famous work. In it, he portrays his own experiences. From the wild and ardent friends he made, to his many trips across the country, to his various sexual escapades, to the constant parties he attended, it was almost as though Kerouac (and those he associated with) were seeking something unattainable - the ultimate truth, a higher realization of themselves. Whatever it was, in this book, it's put down on page for all the generations afterward to experience as well.
A classic or not, I did not enjoy this book. Perhaps I'm too grounded and structured to appreciate the journey Kerouac was expressing, but I became frustrated with the aimlessness of both the people he met (and Kerouac himself) and their actions. While they might have seen a purpose in their actions, I did not. All they did was talk in nonsensical, existential circles, drink, smoke, carouse, and take advantage of others who were not living under their mindset. Whether the beat generation inspired great art or not, after reading this book, I'm tremendously glad I was never a part of it. With that said, though, I can see the value of On the Road, and I'll be able to keep it in mind for someone who is more of a free spirit, someone who likes to read non-fiction, someone who is interested in the post WWII years. I just won't be reading it again myself.
I am not a fan of non-fiction books. In the past, when I've read works that fit into this genre, it was either because I needed to for a class or because I wanted to learn more information about a particular time period in history, mainly the Civil War. Now, there are MANY good historical books for this era out there, but, when it came to picking a book to read for this class, I wanted to go a little further away from my comfort zone. For years, I've heard references to Kerouac's book in movies and television, it's on many must read lists, and it is also a book with a long history of being challenged/banned. Plus, an added bonus, I found a hardback copy on sale for $7.99. I'm a sucker for a good hardbook deal.
Anyway, On the Road is a classic example of beat generation literature. Following WWII, there was a portion of the population who introduced a shift in American culture. People who belonged ot the beat generation were known for experimenting with drugs and alternative forms of sexuality, there was an interest in Eastern religion, they rejected materialism, and they were known to favor vivacious and thorough explorations of living and expression... as shown in Kerouac's best-selling, famous work. In it, he portrays his own experiences. From the wild and ardent friends he made, to his many trips across the country, to his various sexual escapades, to the constant parties he attended, it was almost as though Kerouac (and those he associated with) were seeking something unattainable - the ultimate truth, a higher realization of themselves. Whatever it was, in this book, it's put down on page for all the generations afterward to experience as well.
A classic or not, I did not enjoy this book. Perhaps I'm too grounded and structured to appreciate the journey Kerouac was expressing, but I became frustrated with the aimlessness of both the people he met (and Kerouac himself) and their actions. While they might have seen a purpose in their actions, I did not. All they did was talk in nonsensical, existential circles, drink, smoke, carouse, and take advantage of others who were not living under their mindset. Whether the beat generation inspired great art or not, after reading this book, I'm tremendously glad I was never a part of it. With that said, though, I can see the value of On the Road, and I'll be able to keep it in mind for someone who is more of a free spirit, someone who likes to read non-fiction, someone who is interested in the post WWII years. I just won't be reading it again myself.