Tough book to enjoy but wonderful to experience.

This statement holds true for many literary works that present challenges to the reader. While some books may be difficult to get through due to complex language, convoluted plots, or unfamiliar themes, the experience of persevering and ultimately understanding them can be incredibly rewarding.

For example, classic novels like "Moby-Dick" or "Ulysses" are renowned for their density and complexity. They require careful attention and multiple readings to fully appreciate. However, those who take the time to engage with these books are often rewarded with a deeper understanding of human nature, society, and the power of language.

In addition to classic literature, there are also many contemporary works that offer a similar experience. Some authors deliberately set out to challenge their readers, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and exploring new ideas and perspectives.

Ultimately, the decision to read a tough book is a personal one. It requires a willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone and embrace the unknown. But for those who are willing to take on the challenge, the rewards can be significant.

I was initially inclined to read "Visions of Cody" (Kerouac's fictional portrayal of Neal Cassady). However, when I discovered that "Visions of Gerald" was based on the short life of his sick brother, I thought I would prefer to read this instead. For me, I have always found Kerouac's books to be around the three-star rating, and this one is no different. Yet, something keeps drawing me back to his writing every now and then.

Who knows, perhaps one day I'll encounter something that truly astonishes me. Since he did write a significant amount, I'd say the odds aren't bad. Here, Kerouac relates the story of his brother Gerard, who passed away at the very young age of nine. The narrative is like a codex of Jack's memory, solidifying those fleeting thoughts of childhood that so profoundly shape our adult lives. Jack regards childhood with great respect, looking back at Gerard's innocence as almost holy. Blending dream and reality, it is a lyrical and overall sad book, lacking the excitement and energy of some of his other works.

It's hard to determine whether most of the scenes featuring his brother and other family members are actual memories from Jack's youth. Nevertheless, it's still difficult not to be touched in some way. It's one of those many books that was enjoyable while reading, but it's not going to linger in my mind for too long afterwards. An out-and-out memoir would have been a better choice.

3.5 stars.

I made the decision to commemorate the centennial of Kerouac's birth by delving into a few of his novels that I had long been eager to read.

This particular work is a deeply moving, fictionalized recollection of Kerouac's older brother. It is penned in Kerouac's characteristic languid and rambling style, artfully blending early twentieth-century Americana, the rich local color of French-Canadian immigrants, and the evocative imagery of mystic Buddhism.

The first half of the story is truly engaging, drawing the reader in and captivating their attention. However, the second half unfortunately becomes interrupted and bogged down by an account of the father, Emil, and his group of working-class drinking buddies.

While this might have been effective in a longer novel to offer a more nuanced and comprehensive portrait of the entire family, in the context of this shorter novella, it feels more like a distraction from the intense and poignant bonding that had been developed between the brothers.

If any other family member were to have warranted a tangential portrait, it should have been the mother.

In any event, Visions of Gerard is definitely worth a look for fans of Kerouac, especially for those who desire an autobiographical glimpse into his life. However, it is probably best enjoyed after having read some of his more iconic works.

Sad.

He never got over it. It was a pain that lingered within him, like a shadow that refused to leave. But instead of wallowing in self-pity or using it as an excuse to be miserable, he chose a different path.

He decided to face it head-on, to learn from it, and to grow stronger.

He knew that life was full of challenges and setbacks, but he refused to let this one define him.

He found ways to channel his emotions into something positive, whether it was through art, music, or helping others.

And although the pain never completely went away, he was able to find a sense of peace and acceptance within himself.

He showed that even in the face of great sadness, it is possible to rise above and create a beautiful life.

Such compelling writing, and beautifully read/performed by Andrew Eiden. It's truly remarkable. It's not simply that Kerouac became a Buddhist and then retrospectively reinterpreted his childhood in Buddhist terms. Instead, he became a Buddhist in part precisely because it resonated so powerfully with the epiphanies he had as a child. These childhood epiphanies are vividly conveyed in this auto-fictive novel. It shows how deeply ingrained those early experiences were within him and how they led him to embrace Buddhism. The connection between his childhood and his later spiritual path is fascinating to explore. Through his writing, Kerouac allows us to catch a glimpse of this profound journey.

Sadness often pervades our lives, like a mist that lingers and clouds our hearts. In the Buddhist teachings, it is said that all sufferings are illusions, yet we find ourselves constantly caught in their grasp.

We are like lotus flowers growing in the muddy waters of this world, striving to rise above the pain and find inner peace.

Just as the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, we too can seek the path of liberation from our sadness.

Sometimes, we may feel like we are lost in a vast desert, with no water in sight. But in the Buddhist perspective, this is a test of our faith and perseverance.

We must learn to let go of our attachments and desires, for they are the roots of our sadness.

Just as the wind blows away the clouds, we can allow the power of mindfulness and compassion to吹散 the darkness in our hearts.

Though sadness may seem overwhelming at times, we can find solace in the wisdom of the Buddhist allusions and strive towards a state of inner tranquility and joy.

Tragically beautiful.

This simple yet profound description holds a world of meaning for me. It not only evokes a sense of the bittersweet, but it also serves as a gateway to a deeper understanding of my French-Canadian heritage.

The concept of tragic beauty is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of French-Canada. It can be seen in the works of art, literature, and music that have emerged from this region over the centuries. These creations often explore themes of loss, longing, and the human condition, yet they manage to find a glimmer of beauty and hope within the tragedy.

By delving into the tragic beauty of my French-Canadian heritage, I have been able to gain a greater appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices of my ancestors. I have come to understand the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the power of art and culture to heal and inspire.

In conclusion, the phrase "tragically beautiful" has become a source of inspiration and connection for me, helping me to better understand and embrace my French-Canadian heritage.

By far, Kerouac's most vivid, heartbreaking, and creative book stands out.

It is the one where he had to engage in the most writing, composition, and fabrication. Gerard passed away when he was four, and all of these "visions" had to be generated. In contrast to most of his other work, which is more of a creative memoir, this one actually claims to be a memoir but couldn't truly be. After all, what can one remember about being four? Quote something one heard at that age. Kerouac takes the translucent shades of his memory and attempts to build upon them.

This is the book that should have silenced Truman Capote for good. Why it is just considered his best work, I don't know. Maybe it's because jazz has no connection to it.

Perhaps there are other aspects that critics and readers have overlooked or misinterpreted. It could be that the true essence of the book lies beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered and fully appreciated.

Despite the uncertainties, Kerouac's ability to create such a vivid and emotional work is truly remarkable. It shows his talent as a writer and his willingness to explore the depths of his own memory and imagination.

Whether it is his best work or not, it undoubtedly holds a special place in the literary canon and continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

Chalk it up to outgrowing your early literary loves. As we progress through life, our tastes and interests inevitably change. What once captured our hearts and imaginations may no longer hold the same allure. It's a natural part of the journey of personal growth and development.

Perhaps those early literary loves were simple and straightforward, appealing to the innocence and curiosity of our younger selves. But as we mature, we seek more depth, complexity, and nuance in the stories we read. We become more discerning readers, demanding greater sophistication from the authors we choose to engage with.

Outgrowing our early literary loves doesn't mean we discard them entirely. They still hold a special place in our hearts and memories, serving as a reminder of where we came from and how far we've come. Instead, it's an opportunity to explore new literary landscapes, discover new voices and perspectives, and continue to expand our literary horizons.

Divine childly winds of time

Time is like a mysterious force, carrying with it the divine childly winds that blow through our lives. These winds have the power to shape our experiences, memories, and growth.

They bring with them a sense of wonder and curiosity, as if we are children exploring a new world. The divine childly winds of time can make us feel young and alive, even as we age.

They remind us of the simple joys in life, like playing in the park, eating ice cream on a hot summer day, or laughing with friends.

Sometimes, these winds can also bring challenges and difficulties, but they also give us the strength and courage to overcome them.

As we journey through life, we should cherish the divine childly winds of time and allow them to guide us towards a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

I discovered very late into my reading this that the best way to engage with this book is to read it aloud to oneself. The book reads more like poetry than it does traditional fiction. The rhythm and flow of the words are such that they seem to dance off the page when read aloud.

The overall narrative was somewhat hard to follow and there were entire paragraphs where I was entirely lost. It felt as if the author was taking me on a wild and unpredictable journey, and I was struggling to keep up. Again, I think reading a primer on this book would have helped. It would have provided some context and background information that might have made it easier to understand the more complex and convoluted parts of the story.

With that being said, Kerouac will occasionally whip out a spiritually imbued passage that hypnotizes or profoundly touches its reader. These passages are like little gems hidden within the text, shining with a unique and powerful light. Bravo for that.

A passage I quite liked: “Bless my soul, death is the only decent subject, since it marks the end of illusion and delusion - Death is the other side of the same coin, we call now, Life - The appearance of sweet Gerard's flower face, followed by its disappearance, alas, only a contour-maker and shadow-selector could prove it, that in all the perfect snow any such person or thing ever did arrive say Yea and go away - The whole world has no reality, it's only imaginary, and what are we to do? - Nothing - nothing - nothing. Pray to be kind, wait to be patient, try to be fine. No use screamin. The Devil was a charming fool.” pg 80

I divided the one paragraph because I think each part also reads well independently of the other. Each part seems to convey a different thought or emotion, and together they form a beautiful and thought-provoking whole.

What a beautiful and tender book it is!

Jack writes here with a misty ethereality that is truly captivating. It is imbued with the deep love he has for the memory of his elder brother. The sorrow brought by his passing is palpable throughout the pages. Moreover, it presents a dream-like incarnation of a small child’s world, which is both enchanting and poignant.

It is honest and open, and as you read how he remembered Gerard with gentle care, it breaks your heart. The details he provides paint a vivid picture of their relationship and the emotions he felt. It is a touching tribute that will resonate with readers on a deep level. This book is not just a story; it is a piece of art that showcases the power of love and memory.