Sunday, January 10, 2016

On the Road

On the Road is by Jack Kerouac. This American classic is one that everyone should read. It seems a little dated at times, being written in the late 1950s, but it is still a wonderful look at individuals who don't quite fit in to "normal" societal roles. It is no wonder this novel was the bible of the Beat movement. This is the story of Sal Paradise and his friends. He is convinced by his buddy Dean Moriarty to head out and see the country. This "travelogue" takes him across America several times and even down into Mexico. It is a stunning look at the misfits of American culture from an insiders point of view. "Definitely one of the 1001 books you must read before you die." If nothing else, it will make you glad you missed those rollicking days of sex, drugs, booze, and jazz; but it's still fun to go there vicariously.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder

Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder is by Obert Skye. The fifth and final volume in the Leven Thumps series. Winter and Geth make their way into reality to fight the Dearth, while Leven is taken to the island of Alder to speak with the oldest of trees in a final effort to save both reality and Foo. An ending fans should find most satisfactory.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.