This is a novel like no other I have read yet. In terms of style at least. Kerouac writes in simplicity, straight to the point, just the essentials, fast. This is a novel that doesn’t follow conventions or structure. Characters have just enough background story for the reader to understand the plot. Name, occupation, relationship with other characters. They don’t seem to have any clear goal or motivation for what they do. Sal, the narrator, just has this urge on going across the country every other year. Dean seems like an adult child, he just wants to drive cars, listen to jazz, have fun, and marry his next ex-wife. Seems pleased to work on whatever to have just enough for the next day. Despite all these bad qualities, Sal idolizes Dean. Marylou, Dean’s first wife, although present in much of the first part of the story, has hardly any lines. The same happens with Stan by the end of the novel. It’s strange how three characters are confined in an automobile for days on end, and only two of them do all the talking. One other thing the reader will notice is the lack of progression in the plot. The book is made up of five parts, but whether they’d be just three, it wouldn’t matter much. I can only guess this kind of style was innovative at the time. I guess Kerouac wanted the writing to resemble Bird’s trumpet notes. Short, fast, loud, many.

I wanted to read this book to get the character’s reflections of what it meant to hitch-hike. What does one think about when crossing endless deserts on straight roads? Sharing a pickup cargo bed with nomadic farmers? This reminds me of the value of money. Somehow, in the late 40s, one could make $10 last a whole week for food, lodging, and some travel. This novel didn’t impress me as much as it is referenced. But I’m curious to read more of Kerouac’s fast pacing blows.