On the Road

A vibrant portrayal of life presented in jazz form: messy, loud, improvised, collaborative, and irreverently original. This is what you would expect from a literary icon who helped found an entire movement. Jack Kerouac's iconic novel On the Road truly lives up to its positive reputation and embodies a life-affirming joie de vivre. This is my first Kerouac read, though I am familiar with various quotes from him, with one of my faves being: “Nowhere to go but everywhere, so keep on rolling under the stars.”

Like the quote, On the Road unfolds like a stream of consciousness as the author embarks on a somewhat autobiographical journey across the country several times. Each journey features a unique assortment of supporting characters, inspired by real figures from Kerouac's life, who enhance the reverie of existence. Figures of the Beat generation such as Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, among others who embody the sentiment of the free spirited and unconstrained of their generation. Ultimately it’s a story about embracing life to its raw fullest; to live in the moment without hesitation or judgment amidst all its highs and lows.

Film Recs:

- Easy Rider

- Babylon

- Y tu Mama Tambien

- American Honey

- Kill Your Darlings