On the Road

by Jack Kerouac

Book Overview

In the 1950s, underground America was a world of jazz, sex, chill dawns and drugs, for Sal Paradise and his hero Dean Moriarty, traveller and mystic, the living epitome of Beat.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140185216
• ISBN13: 9780140185218
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 307 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Nice copy, but ...

The book arrived fast and is in a good condition. The only issue is that the book cover is different than the one displayed on the website. The one on the website makes it look like a comics version and that was the reason for me to purchase it. It a bit disappointing.

Absolutely bonkers

Book starts off with a bang. Kerouac really paints a vivid picture and sets the frantic tone of the novel. But it weighs down in the middle and feels repetitive at times. Ultimately finishes with a bang. I can see why it is considered a classic.

Fantastic and fast read

take a shot every time kerouac describes the sun as 'red'

It Was Hip To Be "Beat"....I Had A Great Time... Again!... (Audio Edition)

This review refers to the audio edition of "On The Road"(Unabridged) by Jack Kerouac.... Jack Kerouac's words and characters come alive in this outstanding read by Matt Dillon. Each character from the life loving "Sal Paradise", to the complex "Dean Moriarity" and all the colorful personalities we meet "On The Road" are given life as Dillon captures the essence of what Kerouac himself called the "Beat" generation. Before there were Hippies or Yuppies, it was hip to be "Beat".The generation of writers, poets, artists, and musicians living Bohemian lifestyles yearning for knowledge,and enjoying life to it's fullest. "On The Road", based on Kerouac's own travels, follows the adventures of Sal and Dean as they criss-cross North America, usually broke, trying to find themselves. They experience life, and lifestyles new to them and savor every moment. Every character they encounter touches their lives in some way, and adds greatly to this story. Kerouac's, zest for life and love of people becomes apparent and is contagious.His wonderful descriptive phrases leave you with fabulous images of the people, the places, and the times.I often found myself smiling or even laughing out loud. This audio edition will have you spellbound. I listened to it every chance I got... while cleaning or working out, and became so engrossed I lost track of the time and my reps(my house is now very clean and my arms very toned!), and brought it with me every time I went somewhere in the car. If you're looking for a great audio book, a story that pulls you in and a reader who will captivate you, this is one you should consider.I had a great time(Again) and wished I was there! If the CD is the edition you want be sure that the ISBN on the product page is 0060755334(sometimes the reviews for all the different editions are mixed together).This unabridged edition is also available on cassette-On The Road (ISBN 0694523615). If interested in that edition please see my review of 9/13/03 for details),but in short I can tell you the tapes were an excellent quality as well. "What's your road, man?".......enjoy...Laurie

Friggin Great book

I'm only a freshmen in high school, but this is my favorite book. I liked it so much that I got through the 300+ page book in 3 days. I would read it during classes under my desk, during my study halls, and the first thing I did when i got home was read it. It Kerouac made me feel compasion for the characters criss-crossing endlessly across the country. Sure, at times the plot may have gotten a little of track and aimless, but not enough to make me stop reading.