Why Kerouac Matters

Maybe even more so later, when Leland’s chapter headings — self-help style — go beyond parody into a realm of fatal kitsch: from “Sal’s Guide to Work and Money” and “What Would Jack Do?” to “The Faust and the Furious.”

Nonetheless, few before him have written such a well-researched book on Kerouac. Even a cursory view of the sources seems to identify every book written about the writer or On the Road, and the continuous citations allow Kerouac to speak of his book in his own words. Likewise, perhaps never has the element of jazz, both Kerouac’s fascination with and use of, been so eloquently observed as in Leland’s expansive chapter on the theme. But by this point, most fans of On the Road, which Leland seems to have forgotten would be the only ones interested in such a book, have likely checked out.

So, when the sun goes down in America on the 50th anniversary, what meaning is left to gather from Kerouac’s work? To those (this writer included) whose worldview was molded, their personal creed outlined, their vision sparked by Kerouac’s sympathy, tenderness and passion, is there anything besides high-brow lectures and $500 boots? Is that once-glimpsed romance of personal experience still there?

As with On the Road’s release, the only true response is to hold everything the world hands us about the book at arm’s length, to find the meaning ourselves — in the pages, on the road — and to apply Kerouac’s teachings to our own solos of joy, kicks and darkness.

Todd Lazarski writes for Shepherd Express

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