4.36k reviews for:

Sulla strada

Jack Kerouac

3.28 AVERAGE


*Read for class.

I didn't hate it, but I just didn't enjoy it and, unfortunately, thought it was a waste of time... I know it's classic now and probably important in literary process, but meh. It might be a good reflection of that time, idk, but for me it was far from enjoyable.

the kind of book middle aged white men tell you you have to read. trust me when i say that you do not have to read this book
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated

Nice written story,  but the plot gets lost.. aside from just an adventure.  This might be a snapshot in time,  but in terms of current interest,  it hasn't aged well...and perhaps as a result of this book,  this story no longer seems unique or interesting. Also,  some of the language is now very dated.
adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I wish I remembered this book more. All I remember is that I was 18, and a friend giving it to me, telling me its good but it wont change your life.

All I remember is feeling very 'beat', sitting in a smoky cafe with a battered second hand copy, and a burnt flat while.

Don't bother! Why is this an American classic????
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: No
adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No

This book consists of five parts, the first two of which are entirely forgettable (EDIT, FFS!), the third is the most interesting one. There's basically no plot, apart from going across the States, but there are interesting points made, e.g. Sal's disillusion with America or the nostalgia/romanticisation that does not line up with reality. I think the writing style is unique if a bit tedious to read as it uses exclamations and high energy typical for Beat writing which I find to be better suited for shorter, spoken forms of literature. The characters are seriously insufferable, whiny, manipulative, pretentious, privileged people (well, men, to be honest; women, at best, get passive roles) who know they are doing wrong but do not care in the slightest. Overall, while this novel had its moments and interesting observations, I am glad, I can put it away now. If you want to read this novel, then do it for the energy and the atmosphere; any other expectations will leave you disappointed. Oh, and if I have to read/hear "dig that" one more effin' time... Broaden your vocabulary or at least invest in a Thesaurus, man!
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced