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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I had a quick read of this book and devoured it in no time. It marks the start of my deep dive into Kerouac's works and I'm truly excited about it.

Obviously, it's a classic beat work. In this book, nothing really happens in the traditional sense. Instead, there is an abundance of descriptive language.

Kerouac spends two pages describing spring, the season. It's a really beautiful section. His words paint a vivid picture of the season, making the reader feel as if they are right there experiencing it.

Overall, this book has left a lasting impression on me and I can't wait to explore more of Kerouac's writings. I'm sure there are many more beautiful and thought-provoking passages waiting for me to discover.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the beat movement or just enjoys beautiful and descriptive writing. It's a must-read for any literature lover.
July 15,2025
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I seem to have forgotten just how much I truly love Kerouac's unique writing style, which is like a stream of conscious vomit, pouring out all his thoughts unrestrainedly.

Kerouac's great strength lies in his ability to write about the melancholic state that exists in between joy and sorrow. It's a complex and profound exploration of human emotions.

I really had a deep affection for the beginning parts of the book. Kerouac writes, perhaps from his 4-year-old memories or maybe even made-up memories, about the time when his brother was like a saint-like figure to him, a combination of a father and a leader. It's a beautiful tribute not only to Gerard but also to Lowell, MA, and the innocent childhood that we all cherish.

This part of the book truly touched my heart and made me reflect on my own childhood and the special relationships that shaped me. It's a reminder of the power of literature to evoke such strong emotions and memories within us.
July 15,2025
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It is as delicate and silent as a sharpened knife. A puzzle composed of fragmented memories and stories, with a Kerouac looking at the Jack from the other side of the mirror. The air seems to be filled with an unspoken mystery, as if the past and the present are colliding in this very moment. The fragmented nature of the memories adds an element of intrigue, making one wonder what lies beneath the surface. Each shard of memory holds a piece of the puzzle, waiting to be pieced together to form a complete picture. The image of Kerouac looking at Jack through the mirror creates a sense of duality, as if they are two sides of the same coin. It makes one question the nature of identity and the role that memories play in shaping who we are.

July 15,2025
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Heartwarming but very, very sad.


If you ever find yourself feeling just a touch too joyous, then pick up this book. It serves as an ode to Karouac's deceased brother who passed away at a very young age.


The writing is extremely dense and rhythmical, almost to the point of being poetic. There are passages that simply demand to be read slowly and savored. The prose is truly beautiful and incredibly tender. One can sense that Kerouac wanted this work to be flawless, as if he was penning a eulogy. Gerard, his brother, is an inspiring character, and by the time I finished the book, I could feel the grief of his family.


In the end, it is far too melancholy a book to simply label as "a good book." That would not begin to convey the true essence of what this book is. Instead, I will assert that this is a book worthy of the utmost respect. It is a book that will humble you and perhaps even make you appreciate life all the more.

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