Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
22(22%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
44(44%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Growing up in a mill-town in New England was a unique and romantic experience. The town was filled with the sounds and smells of industry, yet there was also a sense of community and history.

As a child, Kerouac would explore the mills and the surrounding areas, imagining what life was like for the people who worked there. He would watch the trains come and go, carrying the products of the mills to far-off places.

Kerouac's older brother was an important part of his childhood. Although he was too young to truly know his brother before he passed away at a young age, Kerouac would often imagine what life would have been like with him. He would picture them playing together, exploring the town, and sharing their dreams and hopes for the future.

In many ways, Kerouac's memories of growing up in the mill-town and his imagining of life with his older brother became a source of inspiration for his writing. His works are filled with vivid descriptions of the town, the people, and the emotions that he experienced during his childhood.

Overall, Kerouac's account of growing up in a mill-town in New England is a beautiful tribute to a bygone era and a celebration of the power of imagination and memory.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book had such a profound impact on me that it actually made me cry. It is truly another one of my all-time favorites.

From the very first page, I was completely immersed in its captivating story and well-developed characters. The author's writing style was so engaging that I couldn't put the book down.

The emotions portrayed in the book were so raw and real that I found myself empathizing with the characters on a deep level. Their joys, sorrows, and struggles felt so tangible, as if I was experiencing them right along with them.

By the time I reached the end of the book, I was left with a sense of fulfillment and a newfound appreciation for the power of literature. This book will always hold a special place in my heart and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a moving and unforgettable read.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Few authors can write like this nowadays, or anyadays. It is truly a rare talent.

I have chosen page 48 and page 49 to tell the story of this novel in his words.

"Nonetheless, a significant amount of pork chops and beans came my way through my old man's endeavors in the world of business. Although it is merely the world of adult baseball, it manages to procure stingy bread from hidden cellars. The locks of these cellars are guarded by usurping charlatans who are well aware of how easily people can be enslaved by withholding a crust of bread. He, Emil, went bustling and bursting in his neckties, constantly striving to find the money to pay rents and coal bills. The ashes that Ma herself shoveled out into pails and struggled to take to the ashcan were representative of Poppa's efforts...".

This vivid description provides a glimpse into the complex and often challenging world that the characters inhabit. It showcases the author's ability to paint a detailed picture with words, making the reader feel as if they are right there, experiencing it all alongside the characters.
July 15,2025
... Show More

This piece is truly his saddest and most evocative work. It showcases his remarkable talent for delving into the recesses of his childhood memories and skillfully weaving them into this fictionalized autobiography. The way he presents these memories is masterful, allowing the reader to not only experience the emotions he felt but also to gain a deeper understanding of his past. Each detail is carefully crafted, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era. The story unfolds with a sense of authenticity and rawness that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. It is a testament to his writing prowess and his ability to connect with the reader on a profound level. Through this work, he invites us to step into his world and share in his joys and sorrows, making it an unforgettable literary experience.

July 15,2025
... Show More
This was my very first encounter with any of Kerouac's work, and I'm truly glad that I made the choice to read this particular one.

I have a deep affection for the almost stream-of-consciousness writing style that he employs. It has a certain quality that kind of reminds me of my own way of expressing thoughts. This book has really served as a great source of inspiration for me.

I took the time to jot down some of my favorite lines from the text. For instance, "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-".

Another one that stood out to me was "Pray to be kind, wait to be patient, try to be fine. No use screamin. The Devil was a charming fool."

The line "... for the Earth’s an intrinsic grave (just dig a hole and see)" also had a profound impact on me.

Moreover, "The whole universe was one great Womb" is a beautiful and thought-provoking statement.

And then there's "But you bumbling fool you’re a mass of sin, a veritable barrel of it, you swish and awash in it like molasses. You ooze mistakes through your frail crevasses!"

I absolutely adored the religious symbolism present throughout the book and the way Kerouac constantly compared Gerard to holy and saintly imagery.

In particular, the last line made me gasp and even brought a tear to my eye. It goes, "I look again, the men have stepped a pace aback, expectant, old gravedigger picks up his shovel and closes the book." I just have a deep love for that metaphor.

After reading this, I think I finally understand why everyone holds this guy in such high regard.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Another proof that Kerouac is so much more than On the Road.

Kerouac's body of work is a vast and rich tapestry that extends far beyond his most famous novel. His other writings, such as The Dharma Bums and Big Sur, offer unique perspectives and explorations of different themes.

In The Dharma Bums, Kerouac delves into the world of Buddhism and the counterculture,描绘了一群追求精神自由和真理的年轻人的生活. Big Sur, on the other hand,展现了 the darker side of Kerouac's own experiences, dealing with alcoholism and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

These works, along with his numerous poems and short stories, demonstrate Kerouac's versatility as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of the human condition in all its complexity. He was not simply a one-hit wonder with On the Road, but a true literary giant whose influence can still be felt today.

Whether you are a fan of his early works or prefer to explore the lesser-known corners of his oeuvre, there is no denying that Kerouac has much more to offer than meets the eye. His words continue to inspire and resonate with readers around the world,证明了 his enduring significance in the literary canon.
July 15,2025
... Show More

A childhood spent in the 1920s was filled with both wonder and sorrow. There was a saintly hero brother who, unfortunately, disappeared all too soon. In the midst of a Massachusetts winter, Catholic dreams swirled in the air. Survivor guilt weighed heavy on the heart, and the family found themselves struggling with the pain of mourning.


There is a distinct kind of Kerouac energy present here. It is introspective, delving deep into the recesses of the soul. It is spiritual, touching upon the realm of the divine. It is angelic, with a purity and grace that is almost otherworldly. And it is natural, as if it springs forth from the very essence of nature itself.


The ghosts of the great wanderers seem to float through these words. William Blake and Walt Whitman, their spirits linger, adding a touch and feel of sad autumn leaves. There is that strange melancholy of a dying season, disappearing like smoke from a slow burn bonfire. This is a haunting and beautiful small book, one that tackles the biggest of subjects with a deft touch and a profound understanding.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I think by far one of the most painful books I've ever read is Kerouac's work.

No matter how much he tries to sweep you up into the rhythm and life in all of its excess, there is the horrible realization at the center of it that all things - worst of all, even the best things - die.

It's like the feeling of complete dread and despair Dostoevsky had upon seeing Holbein's dead Christ, which propelled him to write "The Idiot".

The protagonist in that book, due to his sickness, could ameliorate the suffering of absolutely no one.

And not only do these holy people (whatever your definition of holy is) die, but when they do, they become eternally unreachable to you who was never quite as pure or good from the beginning.

So, you will likely never see them again.

As the quote goes, "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."

This shows the profound impact that the concept of death has on our perception of life and the futility we sometimes feel in the face of it.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Visions of Gerard is a rather significant departure from Kerouac's typical themes. However, it remains highly engaging and is more emotionally open compared to a great deal of his work.

The story centers around the death of Kerouac's older brother Gerard, who passed away at the tender age of nine when Kerouac was just four. It is indeed a legitimate question to ask how much of the material is actually recalled and how much is invented for the sake of the narrative. But in the end, it doesn't hold much importance for me. The story's resonance doesn't necessitate every single word to be literally true.

In Kerouac's account, Gerard is portrayed as a proto-saint, a gentle soul in communion with God, other people, and animals. The story is less than 150 pages long and doesn't demand a complex narrative beyond the slow deterioration and ultimate death of Gerard. The beauty lies in Kerouac's astute observation of his family and his processing of his own infantile emotions.

Perhaps it isn't the ideal starting point for reading Kerouac, even though it is technically the first of his "Duluoz" books if one chooses to read them chronologically. Nevertheless, it is only remotely related to the others and is truly a unique entity, a profound meditation on death, acceptance, unfairness, selfishness, and memory.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Kerouac is a highly regarded and influential figure in the literary world. His works, such as "On the Road," have captivated readers for decades with their vivid descriptions of adventure, freedom, and the search for meaning.

His unique writing style, characterized by its spontaneity and stream-of-consciousness, has inspired countless writers and artists.

Kerouac's exploration of themes like youth, rebellion, and the American Dream has made him a symbol of a particular era and a source of inspiration for generations to come.

While some may argue that there are other great Kerouacs, in my opinion, Kerouac cuarenton stands out as the best.

His works have a depth and authenticity that is truly remarkable, and his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple yet powerful way is second to none.

Whether you're a fan of literature or simply looking for a good read, I highly recommend checking out the works of Kerouac cuarenton. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
... Show More
And I wonder what Gerard would have done had he lived. He was sickly, yet artistic.

But by my good Jesus, with that holy face of his, they'd have stumbled over one another to come and give him bread and breath.

He left me his heart, but not his tender countenance, nor his sorrowful patience, nor his kindly lights.

Gerard was a unique soul, and his presence would have surely made a difference in this world.

Even in his sickness, his artistry shone through, perhaps giving a different perspective to those around him.

The thought of what he could have accomplished if he had lived longer is both exciting and a bit melancholy.

But perhaps his heart that he left with me will carry on his spirit and inspire me to do great things in his memory.

Who knows what the future holds, but I will always cherish the piece of Gerard that he left behind.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Another dream like that, in which the universe spoke to me, was truly a remarkable experience.

I found myself in a place that seemed to be beyond time and space. The stars twinkled above me, and the nebulae swirled in a dance of colors.

As I stood there, a voice echoed in my mind. It was soft yet powerful, and it seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

The voice told me that I was a part of something much greater than myself, that the universe had a plan for me.

It said that I should follow my heart and trust in the journey that lay ahead.

I woke up from that dream with a sense of peace and purpose.

It was as if the universe had given me a message, and I knew that I had to listen.

Since then, I have been more open to the possibilities that life has to offer.

I believe that there are still many more dreams like this one waiting for me, dreams that will guide me and inspire me on my path.

And I look forward to each and every one of them, knowing that they are all a part of the great adventure that is my life.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.