On the Road (Jack Kerouac) follows the adventures of Sal Paradise as he travels across the United States with his crazed friend Dean Moriarty. As they travel the duo engage in whatever they desire, be it alcohol, drugs or women but not always without consequences. Sal soon notices that his old Denver gang no longer idolize Dean but know him only as a con artist and as the novel progresses this side of Dean becomes more and more evident through the way he treats his friends and lovers.
Even when the novel has its serious moments, such as the times when Dean abandons his lovers and children, the overwhelming excitement experienced by the characters makes these moments seem insignificant. It is this mad excitement which makes On the Road a perfect read for the first month of the new student year.
Jonni Manning
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