Book Review

Title: Jack's Book-An Oral Biography Of Jack Kerouac
Author: Barry Gifford and Lawrence Lee
Publisher: Penguin Books, Copyright 1978 
Rating: 8

I admit I'm picky about biographies because at times they can gloss over the person's failing and shortcomings. I enjoyed reading Jack's Book because  I hear the voices of Jack's friends and lovers and what they thought of him. 

Allen Ginsberg and Neal Cassady seemed to have the most influence on Kerouac for different reason. Kerouac learned much from Ginsberg but he wanted to be like Cassady. To me Kerouac was a momma's boy would couldn't seem to do much without her approval. Her influence on him was both caring and smothering. He wanted to be like Neal Cassady yet didn't seem to make the break from is mother's apron strings. 

I've read several of Kerouac's: On The Road, Dharma Bums and Big Sur.  Though I understood what he was saying, Jack's Book put me in his company and with his friends. Kerouac wanted to be noted as a writer but couldn't handle the fame when it came his way. Jack was a complicated person who was a modern day Hamlet; living between the days after WWII and the coming counter culture he came to detest. Two constants in his life were his conservative beliefs and his Catholicism.

Kerouac's last years were marred by alcoholism, tragedies, bitterness, loneliness and the sense that his life had been meaningless. This is a sad commentary for a man who tried to influence his contemporaries into a new way of thinking and writing. His books still resonate with audiences today. Jack's Book will give you a glimpse of Jack Kerouac and the friends who knew him best.