Remarkable

Kerouac's first novel is a remarkable read. It is expansive and insightful, full of character and memorable moments and writing. It is quite different from On the Road, less pulsingly energetic, but with a lot of pathos and integrity. It simply gets better and better the further you read, and by the end Kerouac seems to have really found his voice. There isn't a lot of plot to speak of, but by the time you've finished you have a full picture of a family in all its blooming glory and grieving.

While I haven't done a comprehensive review, I think I'm safe saying that I haven't read a better book this year. I'm looking forward to reading more Kerouac in 2008; he is among the most distinctive and important writers in the American tradition.