On the Road by Jack Kerouac

On the Road by Jack Kerouac is a cult classic that captures the spirit of the American counterculture in the 1950s. Written in a spontaneous, stream-of-consciousness style, the book chronicles the journeys of Sal Paradise (Kerouac’s alter ego) and his friends as they travel across the United States in search of meaning, freedom, and adventure. The novel is considered a defining work of the Beat Generation, a literary movement that rejected the norms of mainstream American society.

The story follows Sal and his companions—most notably, the charismatic and reckless Dean Moriarty—as they embark on a series of cross-country road trips. Sal, who is looking for something more in life, meets Dean, a larger-than-life figure who represents the spirit of rebellion and the desire for uninhibited freedom. Dean's energy, restlessness, and search for deeper experiences lead him and Sal, along with others, to hitchhike, drive, and wander through cities, small towns, and deserts, all in the pursuit of personal discovery.

As Sal and his friends travel, they encounter a wide array of people and situations that challenge their beliefs and understanding of life. The novel captures the wild, carefree attitudes of youth, the yearning for personal truth, and the rejection of conventional life in favor of the unknown. Themes of spirituality, loneliness, existential longing, and the search for identity pervade the story, as the characters constantly seek new experiences, moments of self-expression, and liberation from societal constraints.

Kerouac’s writing style, characterized by its fast-paced prose and lack of punctuation, conveys the frenetic energy of the road and the restless minds of the characters. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of the American landscape and the diverse people Sal encounters along the way.

On the Road is not just about the physical journey across the country; it is also a metaphorical exploration of the internal journeys of its characters. The book portrays the longing for connection, self-actualization, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world that often seems stifling and oppressive. It has become a cultural touchstone, influencing generations of writers, musicians, and thinkers, and remains a powerful testament to the spirit of adventure and the desire for personal freedom.

Overall, this was a challenging and divisive book for the group with personal ratings swinging from very high to low. For some, his writing style was difficult: the plot was loose with a meandering narrative and a weak story arc. The vast descriptions and details of people and places were numerous, yet discussion and observation lacked depth. Additionally, there were many racial and cultural stereotypes which did not age well but could be chalked up to "normal perspectives of the time", and women were heavily objectified.

Others favored Kerouac's writing style: it characterized the sense of freedom and wildness that went with the Beat Generation, the chaos of the vagabond lifestyle and going wherever the wind took you.

Regardless of the issues, this book remains a classic today, and we discussed why this is this case. Does the Beat Generation exist still, and what does that look like?

Group mean rating: 5.5/10