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Book Review: Dharma Bums

Book: Dharma Bums

Author: Jack Kerouac

Dharma Bums had been recommended by numerous friends while I was living on the road.  The friend I was visiting in England had it on his bookshelf, so I started the books journey while abroad, borrowing a copy from the library upon returning home.

My Review: One Thumb Down, One Thumb Up

Perhaps I needed to read this book earlier in life as it simply did not resonate with me.  The writing style of Kerouak was all right, but the plot just seemed to be meandering, as these young boys were living on the road and having these adventures to discover themselves.  Even though I had just been living on the road, I just simply couldn’t relate with the characters as our journeys were anything but similar.  Though we were both living this simplistic life and enjoying nature, I didn’t feel like I was meandering.

I read only ½ the book, trying to force myself to grudge through the remaining pages due to friend recommendations.  Yet, I caught myself simply not reading and figured I should spend my time elsewhere.  Perhaps the book got better with each page, but after spending 1/2 the book being anything but captivated, it was time to move on.

A funny story though…. I went out bouldering one day with a friend and randomly asked him what book he was currently reading as I am always looking for book suggestions.  He told me he had been reading a book, but wasn’t liking it, so was in the process of finding a new title.  I inquired which book he hadn’t completed and it was ironically Dharma Bums.  =)

Have your read this book?  If so, what are your thoughts?

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This entry was posted on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at 8:09 pm and is filed under books. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • KarloMarx

    This was my 3rd attempt at the book. I got on a "read all books you own before you buy a new book" streak. Hence my final attempt.

    I read the 1st 1/2 and started to realize why I couldn't finish. That being said...I forced myself to finish (last night) and would give the book...2/5 stars.

    :)

  • KarloMarx,
    Good job on finishing it. It is such a popular book I should have pushed through... but... I just caught myself not reading instead.

    Thanks for your review. And good luck on your reading all the books you own goal. :)
    Cheers.
    Rachel

  • yosh

    You get a big THUMBS DOWN for giving a negative review to a book that you didn't even finish! That is poor form. The book deserves better.

  • Yosh,
    Thanks for reading the blog.

    However, if you notice I give the book a neutral rating of thumbs up and thumbs down, feeling like I couldn't tell someone to read or not to read because I didn't finish it. And obviously my viewpoint is going to be mostly negative, hence why I didn't finish the book. If I would have loved it.. I would have kept reading. And even though I didn't finish it, I feel the right to review. Just like how I feel the right to review a boulder problem even if I don't top it out. Or review a trail run if I run only 3 miles of an 8 mile loop. I feel like I should disclose the information of not completing something, but feel like my thoughts are still of value.

    Also, all blogs have a different purpose. This blog is MY site that I use to track information, making it publicly available not as a revenue source, but just in case it is helpful to others (which I believe it is since I weekly get thank you emails). I am trying to read 30 books this year, finding the easiest way for me to track each book by writing a post on this blog. This blogs purpose is NOT to increase readership, but rather provide free content. I pay for the domain and hosting, sacrifice my time, and refuse to bombard readers with advertisements. If you do not like what I write, instead of spitting on my blog, please simply don't stop by. =)
    Thank you.
    Rachel

  • I do appreciate dissenting views. If you readers have a differing view, please let me know the reasons for your viewpoint rather than making personal cuts. I don't really appreciate personal cuts, but I do like a good conversation.

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