What book should I read first?

[Jaymason]

I'm a little new to anything "beat," but I could use some help...

I'm currently reading a long list of books (100), and it has two of Kerouac's novels on it:

1.) The Dharma Bums
2.) On the Road

which one should I read first? Does it matter? Is one better?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Casey]

Personally, I'd say start with On The Road. But as you said, it really doesn't matter which you choose. I think that On The Road is a much better read, but that's an opinion. However, I don't think you can go wrong with OTR. If you don't like it, your probably not going to like is other work. On The Road is one of the best known beat books so it is a good starting point. In fact, it was my first beat book.

[Jaymason]

Excellent. I've just recently started on it and it's looking good so far... though his lack of puncuation is ANNOYING. Thanks for the help though!

[Lauren]

Jack's my favorite of the beat writers.....he is one of a kind and for some, an aquired taste. remember he was influenced the most by jazz music and much of his writings flow like that. if you are looking for "mainstream" or "neatly packaged" writing from some beat authors, especially JK, you are barking up the wrong tree. "proper" writing was not one of the priorities of this genre. Out of those 2, I also agree On the Road is a great start. I will add though that The Town & the City might be a good 2nd option for you. I read OTR, T&C, DB in that order first and while I read them, I simultaneously read Jack's Book and Selected Letters.....it's an awesome way to get started into this genre. Have fun and enjoy : )

[Jaymason]

Thanks, I've been really enjoying it now that I've gotten past the puncutation 'style.'

I think I'll skip The Town & The City for now, most likely reading DB next.

[bailey]

Also by Jack Kerouac I loved DB and Big Sur! :)

[Jaymason]

What is "Big Sur" about?

[bailey]

It's about Kerouac's time in the woods of Big Sur, California. In this Jack Duluoz is Kerouac, and it talks about him not being able to cope with the popular demand, very interesting!

[Stephanie]

I agree – start with “On the Road,” if only because it is his most famous. Also, the film just debuted in Cannes, so there’s a lot of buzz around this particular novel right now. I’m actually co-authoring a book that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the novel, tracing Kerouac’s real-life adventures and exploring his literary development.

That said, I love “Dharma Bums”! It’s very different from “On the Road.” Chronologically, it tells of Kerouac’s life after those first cross-country trips he writes about in “On the Road,” so it makes sense to read this one afterwards.