Vanity of Duluoz: An Adventurous Education, 1935-46

This is typically regarded by scholars as his best work; however, having read his entire library I don’t agree in the least. This centers very much on aspects of Kerouac’s life that would appeal to a certain mindset; which, is why the latter is not terribly surprising.From a woman’s perspective I felt this novel lacked the passion, and emotion he had in his other novels, particularly Big Sur. I was surprised to hear this one was regarded as a masterpiece of sorts, I felt it dragged on a bit, and felt relatively hollow. I can almost feel the hesitation as he forced his way down memory lane.If you are a fan, definitely a must have. If you’re perusing for a good hearty literary feast, sadly this will not satiate you.

Reading 'Vanity Of DuIuoz' I felt like Kerouac was sitting in the room with me and sharing his personal memories of how it was and what was going on inside his head during those early years when he was just beginning his journey, the search that eventually led all of a generation onto the road from Greenwich Village to San Francisco and back again. Looking for meaning. Looking for reality. Looking for ourselves. Thank you Jack and Alan and Bill and especially Neal. You guys made all the difference!

In the finale of the Duluoz Legend, Jack ends exactly where he started.This story sees Jack recounting his youth from around the time of his Maggie Cassidy days to the time he was a seaman writing his first novel, the youthful The Sea is My Brother. The frame of this story is in the past tense, often times allowing for Jack to make wry and cynical remarks about his past where his idealism was once the center of the novels covering this time.The Duluoz Legend ends not with a reprise of the iconic adventures that defined it, but with the man behind Duluoz's mask alluding to the vanity of our world and himself in particular. At this point in his life Jack's adventures had long ceased, so it feels appropriate that this coda to the legend finds its hero ruminating on past, present, and future and not liking what he saw. Vanity of Duluoz is cynical and bitter, but with the charm of Kerouac's unique voice it is worth the journey to follow him into the dark one last time.

Excellent book at a great price.

One of my favorite Kerouac novels. It has a preppier them than most if not all his books, but a fun, honest romp through those years of early adulthood.

Excellent. Just as expected.

What's so great about this book is that it shows Kerouac in his formative years. How many writers and other great people have dropped out of Ivy League universities to follow their passion and their art? Well, that was the case for Kerouac.We see his human side, his foibles and frailties, and how in the end they may have been as much a part of his greatness as a writer as anything.

This book was not a good match for me. Author's work feels half formed & written "under the influence" of drugs or drink. Depressing without any upside. Wish I had liked it. Sorry I didn't.I'm saddened by the knowledge that some young people look up to author & his contemporaries.

I love everything this man has ever written (maybe not always his poetry!) and this is definitely one of my favourites. Pure, genuine, transparent Kerouac. Beautifully written ....... buy it x

I am glad that Jack Kerouak stuck to his own style of writing throughout his short life. I am just sad that he didn't changehis behaviour although he knew it was going to end in his early death

Just about finished. I'm sorry every time I read how young he was when he died. Dharma Bums was better.

THIS Is What BOOZE Does to TALENT....