Matt Wheeler > Recent Status Updates

I expected this to be more of a “drinker’s romp” than a life story autobiography..

But that said, it’s well written and easy to read.

(The author did say his drinking life is a tale that covers his whole life, so… that’s on me, but… I didn’t expect 60 pages to cover his early life from 4-9yrs.)

Started the evening of sept 19, but only now posting during the early hours of sept 20.

This book is great. East to read. Informative. Fun.

I thought I would like it, but I didn’t expect to love and enjoy it as much as I do.

I really dig this book. It connects me with the city I’ve spent the last 15 years as a citizen. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I bought a house here.

Overall, I’d call it a 5 star book…. But the tech part… it feels like blowing smoke…. It’s a real monument to dick-sucking local business.

I know people who worked at these “great” companies who would claim otherwise, but…. Austin!

Starting the second to last chapter.

It’s an interesting - if a bit dry - book.

I was hoping for more stories of survivors and methods (death flights, etc) and less of the diplomacy and bureaucracy of it all.

The book is easy to read and incredibly interesting.

…but the author is a cunt.

They’re people. Blue collar people. Not circus freaks.

Re: my last update - Dean was 21-22; Kerouac was 26-27… I’m not saying everything was okay, but as a 33 year old myself, it’s hard to put yourself back into those ages and understand those moments…. I’m not gonna sit here and say “it was a different time” either… still problematic, but… my grandfather was 10+ years older than my grandmother (I forget exactly)… it was a different time..

This re-read was both to reacquaint myself w: the book I called my favorite for 16 years and also to see if I could still say that despite some questionable moral issues.

Part 1 was great. Probably what I loved the most when I first read “On the Road”. It’s the purest piece. The travel. America.

Part 2 was okay. Part 3 is like part 2, but I can see some issues with Dean… irresponsible. Underage girls…

Sal’s relationship with women - Terry in particular - has been mentioned as “problematic” in recent years.

As a 16 year old, I loved this book.

As a 33 year old… I still love it. Despite others’ potential “issues,” I don’t agree. While not perfect, I think Sal reads as an empathetic protagonist.

Can’t wait to read more.