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May 21, 2021BayouJohn rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
In counterpoint to other's reviews of this "classic", I just don't get it. So tedious, repetitive, tiresome, pointless, self centered aimless wandering. Kerouac's bohemian wanderings with his posse of drunken, drug addled, thieving and purposeless lost pals leave me cold. I realize this is the anthem for the beat generation and all, and a sad generation it is. What went around came around, as always. In the cold light of day their freedom, adventure and beat lives left a trail of despair and wreckage for those paying for their fun. This in the form of money borrowed from poor relatives, pregnant frightened girlfriends, broken promises. All paid dearly for their beat lifestyle. Apart from this daytime reality, there are much better tales of life on the road and aimless wandering by better writers looking to find themselves and a purpose in life. With many of these I've felt a kinship, as I have personally spent many days on the road -- hitching, biking, motorcycling, etc, and all that comes with it during the night. With this book I didn't feel that kinship. I felt for those disappointed, worried and shattered that they left behind.