Rating: 
Summary: Personal fiction
Review: This feels very much like Catcher in the Rye in terms of the casual, youthful, accessible first-person narration and the general sense of sadness / loss that pervades the story. Dean Moriarty and the narrator (Sal) travel across the country multiple times, even venturing down to Mexico. The two play off of each other, with Dean showing glimpses of maturity followed by long spans of juvenile delinquency whereas the narrator seems to steadily grow older. Other than the aging / loss of youth theme I latched onto there are probably deeper interpretations to derive (the search for ones ancestors?). But this is a nice novel you can read at face value and not worry about the deeper meanings. A good read, somewhat depressing; my only complaint is that the ever-shifting background of other characters is never well-defined and they never really develop their own personalities, nor do the towns and bars they stop in. Perhaps that facelessness of surroundings as they travel is one of Kerouac's points. Sal does seem excessively degenerate / immoral / promiscuous at times but the couple of tender scenes with his aunt somewhat offset this.
Rating: 
Summary: The country as seen through a highway blur
Review: When you read books that have been proclaimed as "classics" for as long as you've heard of the book you always go in a little suspicious . . . you don't want to simply like it because "everyone else does" and at the same time you don't want to reject it as some kind of weird knee jerk reaction. Kerouac's books is one of those polarizing novels that will have some shouting from the rooftops its masterpiece status while others will simply dismiss it as "That book about driving". Simply put though it is one of the most exhilerating reading experiences I've had in a while. Mostly episodical, it tells the most definitely autobiographical story of Sal Paradise (Jack himself) and his adventures with his circle of friends, notably Dean Moriarty (Neal Cassidy, I think) as they go about their lives after World War II, try to find stuff to do, try to settle down, fail miserably and whenever they can crisscross the country on semi-quests that never seem to amount to anything and only send them staggering back home wondering why they did it. If you read a book for plot, don't bother because there really isn't, there's mostly characters and themes here and Kerouac's astounding prose. Coming in great gulping gasps of words, you find yourself almost as breathless as the narrator as he fires off description after description of the things they see and the places they go and the people they meet, from the hitchhikers to the jazz clubs, from the cities to the brothels but mostly the road. The novel is about searching really, as a bunch of young men try to figure out what to do with their lives and resist as much as they can growing up and growing old . . . with the center of the book held down by Paradise and Moriarty, wtih the former functioning as the clear eyed prism by which we see the country and everyone else and the latter acting as the catalyst for everything, a startling whirlwind of a man that if Cassidy really was a tenth like Moriarty, then he was a wacky man indeed. Part travelogue and part social commentary, nothing I've read so accurately portrays the very feel of a country and the rush of youth when it seems like you could do whatever you darn well wanted to set out to do. Both the genius of Kerouac's prose and the ceaseless passion of his writing are the twin glues that hold this novel together and will cause it to latch firmly into your mind and refuse to let go long after the trip is finally over.
Rating:
Summary: On the Road is a great book
Review: The open road. The idea of traveling cross country with nothing but a bag on your back and a few dollars in your pocket. The thrill of going to sleep in one city and waking up in another the next morning
Sound exciting? Well, if it does, Jack Kerouac's On the Road, is a book that should be added to your summer reading list.
At first glance I thought this book was going to be another book about a man who goes on a cross-country trip to find a deeper meaning in life. And of course by the end of the novel he not only has discovered this "meaning" but he has realized that he has been truly fulfilled.
However, I was proved more than wrong. This novel is a poignant and though-provoking look at the average American who wants nothing more but a better life for himself. Set in the late 1940's to early 1950's this novel has proven itself as the true novel of the Beat Generation.
The book opens almost randomly, with no real beginning. It starts with Sal Paradise, who is the narrator, and Dean Moriarty meeting one another. From there, the adventures begin.
Sal gains instant admiration for Dean, who is a carefree and jubilant man; the epitome of the man that Sal wants to be. The novel continues on with Dean heading out westward and Sal, who decides that he no longer wants to lead his stagnant life, but rather one filled with excitement and mystery going West as well.
Sal heads out on his journey with nothing less than fifty dollars in his pocket and hope in his heart. He goes through numerous cities including Chicago as well as Des Moines, Iowa where he realizes that he, "was halfway across America, at the dividing line between the East of my youth and the West of my future," (17).
Sal is trying to reach Denver where Dean is staying with one of his friends. When Sal finally reaches Denver, the novel really begins to take shape. The core of the novel is revealed in the residing pages.
Kerouac describes their adventures so vividly that you almost imagine you are there with them, regardless if it's in Denver or Mexico. Their adventures are nothing short of exhilarating and encapsulate the numerous fantasies that American's deem with the open road.
However, their disillusionment takes them on an adventure in which the toils of friendship are tested and the realities of society are portrayed.
Sal and Dean form an unbreakable bond, and although Dean deserts Sal at one point, they share their life stories with one another. They become confidants and their relationship is strengthened due to their love of the open road.
Inevitably, the journey must end. Through all Sal's yearnings for a better, more fulfilled life, this journey only brings him to the realization that no matter where he is, the problems of society are inescapable. Sal, who went on this journey to escape the East, realizes that the East is no different from the West.
Kerouac's writing is nothing short of fantastic. Although Kerouac has a tendency to use extremely long sentences within even longer paragraphs, this writing style works in terms of the context of the book. The long, flowing language allows the reader to continue on the "journey" as though they were there.
Kerouac's description of characters also allows the reader to feel an attachment to them, especially to Dean. Kerouac makes them as human as possible by instilling flaws in them and presenting them as everyday people, those who have dreams, make sexual jokes etc. This allows for a greater emotional insight into the depths of the characters.
Finally, Kerouac does not have a "fairy-tale" ending. Despite the fact that Sal goes on a long and adventurous journey, he goes home with the knowledge that there are problems everywhere, and that society is flawed no matter where he is. And although Sal comes to this realization, Dean is left unenlightened and continues out on the road.
Kerouac's descriptive use of characterization and imagery, as well as his establishment of a unilateral theme, make this novel one that is truly deserving of the term "classic." This novel is a thoughtful outlook into the heart's and minds of American's and will be around for years to come. I recommend On the Road to basically everyone as it is one novel that everyone should read and learn from.
Rating:
Summary: kerouac scmerouac
Review: I can say nothing of this book that hasn't already been said. I can say what it did for me, however, as that is my own personal experience. Its probably not a unique expierence, but it's ALL MINE.
I bought this book at my campus book store one day, as I had some time between classes and I was not compelled to study. I'm really, really glad I was bored that day, or else I would have never experienced this book. It took me a few pages to get into Kerouacs style, as this was the first book by him that I have had the pleasure of reading. Once I caught on, it was good, very good. Except the part when the space martians come. That was weird. After reading this book, I had the sudden urge to jump in my car and go cross country, to the great city of San Francisco. Unfortunately I have not lost touch with reality and realise that doing such would probably cause me to lose my job, not to mention that my car wouldn't make it there. And that's where Kerouac comes in again. I can just read the silly book again, and pretend i'm travelling across the country in style, with or without Dean Moriaty, dodging them pesky aliens with their probes on a great journey to San Francisco California, then back again, and for kicks, driving yet again to San Francisco. This book is good for young teens, too, as they will probably be to naive to understand the significance of "TEA". Kids these days don't do drugs, or have sex, right? Right. All in all, this book is fantabulous.
Rating:
Summary: Infectious, addictive and joyful
Review: The first thing i have to say is that this review is biased, anybody with an aversion to the travellers way of life will probably not connect with this book. However anybody who feels the disaffection and frustration that there is more to life than school, work and retirement, with a family and a place to drink somewhere inbetween should read 'On the road' with the greatest of haste. Then buy copies for all of your friends and make them read it too because Kerouac has a gift to give you.
The book isn't really a novel in the conventional sense, theres no proper beginning, middle or even an ending. Its just the characters leading their lifes with such carefree abandon, such passion, gentleness, lust for and love of life that i never thought possible till Kerouac showed the way. But now i'm preaching, something Kerouac never does, it is true that this book isn't for every body, but if you like girls, booze, fast cars, jazz and a bit of hash now and again its for you and will cure those modern blues better than any selfhelp book or yoga class ever could
Rating:
Summary: Lust For Life
Review: On the Road tells the story of Sal Paradise and his trips across the country with his idol Dean Moriarty. The novel is based heavily on Kerouacs life and features several well known "beat" writers like Carlo Marx(Allen Ginsberg) and Old Bull Lee(William Burroughs.) This novel was highly enjoyable for one reason, the infectious passion the author has for life's experience. Kerouac writes some beautiful and romantic passages idolizing partying with his buddy Dean all over the country. Apparently Kerouac wrote this in a burst of inspiration,(he even taped his typewriter pages together) and it shows with his genuinely emotional writing. But spontaneous Prose? Anyone who has ever struggled to write knows good writing is not spontaneous, it takes time and a lot of effort to shape your ideas into a cohesive and focused effort. Granted this is good writing but it could have been better. Sometimes this novel reads like a first draft. At times Kerouac seems to ramble on, and it's breathless and tiring to read. If Kerouac would have taken the time to sit down and edit this potentially wonderful book and cut some of the extrenious information then this could have been much much better.
Still I liked this novel. Four stars for an almost classic. It really shows a lust for life, can you dig?
Rating:
Summary: a stroy close to my soul
Review: When i first picked this book up on the recomendations of a friend of mine i thought 'god this looks boring' i wanst really in any want to read it but felt that as a classic i should at least read it once.
I was pleasantly suprised by it as i fell into the story , fell in love with the people and couldnt stop myself from crying at the end. Its a tragic and beautiful story for anyone that likes this style of writing/wants to travel/ gets that itch in spring to be anywhere but here.
Jack's crazy cross country trips have inspired a few of my own, and i always find myself looking for him when i'm on a buss to another place. The wandering spirit never rests.
Rating:
Summary: A Streaming, Sensuous Work of Chaotic Experience
Review: No work of American literature has ever captured the spirit of youthful wanderlust, of the freedom of wide-open American spaces, of the country's romance with its transient possibilities, better than "On the Road". It is a streaming, sensuous work of chaotic experience, forever carving the "Beat" spirit into the soul of American literature. It is a book which must be judged not simply by looking at whether it conforms to traditional notions of technical literary technique (because it does not), but, rather, upon Kerouac's own terms, which are much different. In Kerouac's words, in a 1968 Paris Review interview: "I spent my entire youth writing slowly with revisions and endless rehashing speculation and deleting and got so I was writing one sentence a day and the sentence had no FEELING. Goddamn it, FEELING is what I like in art, not CRAFTINESS and the hiding of feelings." "On the Road" has little in the way of plot or careful character development, the story being largely a chaotic narrative of the New York to San Francisco and back again adventures of Dean Moriarty (modeled almost wholly on the real life Beat figure Neal Cassady) and Sal Paradise (the erstwhile Kerouac himself), together with Beat buddies like Carlo Marx (Allen Ginsberg) and Bull Lee (William Burroughs). But its breathless, rambling narration of transient experience is a kind of literary "free fall" through the world of unfettered possibility that the open road offered in post-World War II America. It is a book heavily influenced by Jazz culture, as well as the culture of America's cities, the open highways which connect them, and America's love affair with the car. Kerouac got the idea for "On the Road" from Neal Cassady himself, the model for Dean Moriarty. In Kerouac's words, "[I saw] how good old Neal Cassady wrote his letters to me, all first person, fast, mad, confessional, completely serious, all detailed." Being a very rapid typist, Kerouac took this idea, taped together twelve-foot long sheets of paper, fed them into the typewriter and, fortified by pea soup, coffee and benzedrine, began writing. It was a novel technique-a technique which prompted Truman Capote to say that "On the Road" wasn't really "writing", it was just "typing"-but it resulted in one of the classic works of modern American literature. In Ken Kesey's words, "Kerouac was part of the ongoing exploration of the American frontier, looking for new land, trying to escape the dust bowls of existence. He had a deep connection to the American romantic vision." It is this romantic vision, this connection with that long strand of American literature and culture that began with the frontier and its endless possibilities, that makes "On the Road" a book still worth reading today, a book that vividly captures something of what it's like to live and dream in America.
Rating:
Summary: Force My Sunshine
Review: This Book by one of the greatest writers of our time gives the reader the deepest breth of life and wonderment during a confusing lost period of time in American history. Kerouac depicts his characters and events throughout the book in a way that makes you truly feel as though you were abroad or "On The Road" with the characters. This book brings you through a rainbow of emotions from sadness to humourous to action packed adventure. Kerouac's talent for writing is like a painters talent for mixing paint to just the right color that when you look at the finished product all you can do is be awestrickne. Kerouac inspires writers and people everyday with this novel to just go out and see the world for what it truly is, and anyone who can inspire with his/her writhings has gone above and beyond in their field!
Rating:
Summary: Kerouac Got it Right
Review: Given the space and time that 'On the Road' was written, published in 1951 about experiences in 1941-48, Kerouac must have seemed like a complete alien to the masses. The beauty of this translation for our times is the soul is always seeking out new experiences throughout life. What we've substituted for experience in 2002 is consumption of material matter replacing those outer experiences and encounters with things that really matter little to our growth.
Little did Kerouac relize what profound affect 'On the Road' would have to future generations, discoversing what's really wrong with mind in 2002. I highly recommend reading deeply into what the real message of Kerouac is.
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