On the Road

by Jack Kerouac

Review of On the Road by Jack Kerouac

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       I'm working my way through the top 50 on this list before I turn 30 (in nearly 5 years time).  Found this book a nice way to start my reading list, not overly taxing, and a relatively enjoyable story.  Looking forward to making my way through the list.  I'll award this book a 6.5/10.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac was reviewed by 30before30

       The other reviews simply dont give justice to this book, any fans of 20th Century American literature, or indeed readers with any taste should discard them immediately. On the Road is one of the greatest pieces of written works ever (if not the greatest). Written over three short weeks in a mad rush on one long scroll of paper it redefined the way novels could be written with Jack Kerouac's spontaneous prose (inspired by the rapidity of Bebop Jazz), which gave the novel the fast flowing narrative which made it a bestseller when it was published and which has never been fully recreated by any other author since. That is not to say that it has not been an influence to other writers, poets and musicians such as Hunter S. Thompsom, Tom Wolfe, Ken Kesey, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Johnny Depp, Tom Waits as well as laying out the template for such famous road movies as Easy Rider and Paris, Texas. On the Road is a simple must, a book that everyone must read.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac was reviewed by Christie

       Not much to say about this book. other than it's a great piece of escapist, feel-good literature which perfectly captures the spirit of its chief characters in the age it was written. Doubtless a great read for late-middle-aged ex-hippies who happen to find themselves in prison.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac was reviewed by Paul B.

       What can i say? Well this; On The Road has no discernable plot but the sheer beauty of the writing and the beat philosophy of subjective spiritual improvement and personal freedom as symbolised by the road,  nailed me when i was sixteen (a good age to first pick it up) and does still in every re read. memorable characters, (they don't have to be sympathetic, dean isn't) great dialogue with its jazzy forties natural american speech rhythms and a freedom and atmosphere and space about it which make it the greatest piece of americana in literature.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac was reviewed by Donald Lauchlan

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