Book Review: Dharma Bums
Saturday, August 8th, 2009
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?
