The "Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac, review from @kiorsergey

Jack Kerouac lived only 47 years. During this time, he managed to write close to 20 books. His youth fell on the post-war years, which left him disoriented in society. For this reason, he traveled a lot, took drugs, alcohol and led a life that is difficult to call exemplary. Kerouac became the ancestor of the generation of "hippies" - the cultural layer of young people who showed little interest in the life of the "American dream" - with a new house, car and work in a large corporation.

The "The Dharma Bums"

One of the most famous books by Jack Kerouac was released in 1958. Now the "The Dharma Bums" are very popular among travelers, especially hitchhikers. In fact, the novel describes the life of the author himself, after he became interested in Buddhism at the age of 32 and "took the path of enlightenment."

In the book Kerouac portrays himself as a tramp Ray Smith, aimlessly hitchhiking and in freight trains throughout America, calling himself a bodhisattva - a man who realized the truth. On his way, Ray meets other bodhisattvas who have excluded themselves from the "stream of everyday life." Together with his friend Jeffy, he climbs mountains or arranges stormy parties with alcohol, drugs, and orgies, mixing it all up with meditations.

I heard a mouse snoring in the grass.

The book spawned an entire movement of people seeking to liberate the spirit. All described characters are real people, Kerouac's acquaintances, who fulfill their desires, live exactly as they want and consider themselves to be free.

The story is not action-filled, so I wouldn’t say the reading was consuming. Yet, the readers get their money’s worth as Ray’s journey is filled with reflections, spiritual discoveries and atmospheric landscapes induced by the natural surroundings.

The book does not produce the impression of the depressiveness and despair that was indicative of Kerouac's previous novel "On the Road."

Usually, "The Dharma Bums" affect people in different ways: some support, and sometimes accept the antisocial way of life described by the author, while others think: "No, I do not want to live like this."

I belong to the second category. The book fell into my hands already after I managed to travel several thousand kilometers by hitchhiking and experience firsthand all those delights of "freedom", Kerouac describes. After reading the "Bums" I realized - this life is not for me. Rather than spending energy on saving, I began to learn how to earn money and turned my aimless trips into meaningful ones.

Overall, the book made me ponder and contemplate. I recommend "The Dharma Bums" for reading.

Respectfully, @kiorsergey.