On the Road

A great American Novel, written by Jack Kerouac in the 1950s. I so want to read this book, and even more so before December roles around.

Why?

Because it's been turned into a movie, damn it. And my favorite actress, Kristen Stewart, is in it. Wait, did I say favorite? I totally meant non-favorite.

It's probably been a long time coming and was going to happen sooner or later, but I really wish Hollywood would stop ruining books. Don't get me wrong, I really hope this movie doesn't suck, and I honestly don't care that much that Stewart's in the film, but movies from books aren't usually as awesome as they are in my head - my head's pretty awesome, just so you know. Of course these movies don't all suck, but it still worries me. Maybe with Walter Salles as the director (The Motorcycle Diaries - also a book, and a pretty cool movie - and a short from Paris, Je T'Aime), this new movie will stand a chance.



So, what's this story all about, anyway? Well, being on the road. Duh. It's actually a lightly fictitious autobiography of Kerouac and the road trips he and his friends would take. This book has greatly defined the Beat Generation. The story is narrated by Sal Paradise, a guy looking for freedom, and sets out to travel the country - exploring friendship, booze, drugs, women, and jazz along the way. Sounds awesome, right? I think so.

What I also find interesting is how the original manuscript of On the Road was typed on a 120 foot scroll of tracing paper sheets that Kerouac cut to size and taped together. That's dedication.



Popular musicians influenced by the Beats? Jim Morrison, the Beatles (or should I say Beat-les), and Bob Dylan.