Bruce answers “Should I read this?”

CDMA asked this question about On the Road:

Should I read this?

Bruce Yes you should! Simply put-my favorite novel of all time! Life-changing, as many will say and I say with supreme confidence even though I read it when…moreYes you should! Simply put-my favorite novel of all time! Life-changing, as many will say and I say with supreme confidence even though I read it when I was 16. As Time eloquently put it: "the book that launched a thousand road trips..."
What to say to those critics who feel there isn't serious character development, too much sexism and disorder?
Sal Paradise does in fact grow, from his existential crisis in the beginning to the novel's subtle but powerful ending.
Is it sexist? To some extent the titular characters do use women for purely sexual gain(this is the late 40's, early 50's) however Kerouac also celebrates the wonder and joy of raw sexuality (including homosexuality) which was pretty cutting edge in 1957 when it was first published.
As for the plot being all over the place-well that's the nature of the journey Sal and Dean embark on, mirroring, dare I say it-life itself. So please, do yourself a favor and read one of the most optimistic and entertaining tales ever written-a book that makes you believe you can find happiness in America! (less)

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