Maybe OT, maybe not: ONE BOOK

Matt J · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 2627

I studied Kerouac's writing in university and came to a few conclusions concerning his cult popularity. First, he was part of a "movement." Overlapping with Kesey's fame and the Grateful Dead scene he had widespread appeal to the "flower child." The stream of consciousness techniques and his interest in eastern religion although not completely original were never previously accepted as "literature" by the pedagogy (still aren't in a lot of university circles). The poets of the Beat generation, especially Ginsberg, were more legitimate and to some degree in my opinion Kerouac rode their coats a bit.

Ultimately I think the 60's were as much about pop fashion, music, and literature as any real political statement. Conservative white suburban teenagers weren't going to protest the Watts riots, but they could listen to Bob Dylan on their record players while their parents weren't home. Kerouac helped them access the hobos, gays, eccentrics, and other true members of the "movement" so they could gain authenticity.

jonesinski · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject:

I really loved reading Kerouac for a time-especially On the Road and Desolation Angels. However, I eventually came to like Henry Miller better. Try Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn if you haven't yet. Another good beat-like read without the beat predictability and repetition is Gingerbread Man or even The Floating Opera.

Matt J · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 2627

Nice suggestions... I think Miller brings more skill to his craft.

Sugarloafer · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 9840

"The End of Prosperity"
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"Take it from a member of the male species, walking around in public with an erection is somewhat of an embarrassment unless you are a bit..... off"........Bunion

NoOneInParticular · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 3608 Location: VT

a long one

ghostofcarl · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 6624

jonesinski · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 4:20 am Post subject:

3PinGrin · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 4:36 am Post subject:

Surprising, and yet not, that nobody has mentioned it:

On the Origin of Species
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"Throw you in the pigpen, and you come out vice president of the hogs." Burt Lancaster

aaron_wright · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Posts: 3148 Location: Wenatchee

bobskiing · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 2793 Location: Bay Area

Yeah, I liked Post Office.

Speaking of vaguely "beat" writers (and "sex romps"): Terry Southern's Blue Movie, while certainly dated, is one of the funniest books I've ever read.

lochsa · Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 2002 Location: aqui y alli

aaron_wright · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Posts: 3148 Location: Wenatchee

Oldpinner · Joined: 14 Feb 2011 Posts: 245 Location: Massachusetts

telextc · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 51 Location: Respectable Street