On the Road: 50th Anniversary Edition

I estimate I've listened to over a hundred audio books so far. When I try to convince people that they should check out audio books, I always pick this "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac narrated by Will Patton as the first thing they should hear.

There are many books that I am so glad to have heard (the Hyperion series, the Enders Game series, even Atlas Shrugged and of course Armor).

But I don't think I could hear in my head any book as well from paper as Will Patton reads this one out loud. He's poetical, exhuberant, exciting, and makes this whismical and joyous appreciation of life become contagious.

On the road reminds me that there's so much to appreciate in every little thing, and Will Patton is that extra boost to make this great book the best.

This text has obviously stood the test of time, ushering in the groovy mindset of the 60's. Mr. Kerouac certainly sets the tone for a decade. A fine book.

However, my main praise is reserved for the narrator, Will Patton. He gives a voice, and a whole 3 dimensional characterization of the unstoppable, wild, yet lovable Dean Moriarity. An unforgettable job. Worth a listen just to admire Will do his job with this "rat".

This book is of course a classic. I read it once a long time ago and then recently went through the audiobook version. In parts where I struggled to stay completely engaged years back, the narrator keep you fully in the story here. He is simply amazing. His ability to change tones and tempos with the character bring a whole new life to them: It feels like he fully captures the mania and passion of good ol' Dean Moriarty. Quite possibly one of the best narrators I've ever heard.

I have some friends who have decleared this book their bible, and I can see why. It really changes your view of the world.
Will Patton as a narrator is perfect for this novel. He reads it incredibly fast though, so strap up. But that is how this novel needs to be read, because the story takes place is such a pace.
A must-read and a definite five star book!

Since the book is 50+ years old, you hear different references about the book through your life...So I decided to read it.....It was great...Performance was awesome...I'm not sure how Sal stayed with his crazy buddy, but it made for some entertaining stories...I would put this on your "Read someday list"....

Very thought-provoking. I found myself thinking about this book often while NOT listening to it and also mentioning it to friends. (always a sign of a good book!)

A wonderful picture of the age . . .

The narrator . . . simply incredible. A friend mentioned that they "couldn't get through it" and I think had they listened rather than read it, it would have made a difference. a really worthwhile use of a credit!

A chance to enjoy this book in a new and different way! After 40 years of reading and re-reading ole' Jack - I have fallen in love all over again!

Dean-O, Baby! Honest, gritty, true, sensitive, life-affirming, self-depreciating, funny and real - I want to party "On the Road" with this guy!

He had a nice, soft voice that matches the tone of the book perfectly.

This book and others like it have moved me clear across the country and beyond - but, it's not enough! I could jump in the car any time and take a road-trip - a truly, All-American experience!

Whether you are discovering Jack for the first time or are a returning fan - what are waiting for!?!?!?! Gas up your ride and GO!

Narrator Will Patton transformed this classic into a masterpiece, with his powerful and nuanced narration. What an artist!

This audio book was very successful in capturing the crazy life of Jack Kerouac. I loved Patton's cool way of capturing that time in his life.

Will Patton's narration perfectly captures the spirit of this emerging beat generation and this wildly exploratory group. His portrayal of Dean's frenetic nature gives the story its life and ties together the sequence of adventures with its unique 'rationality'. It is definitely not over done. In fact, without the link to the core inspiration and impulses that drove these characters the story would come off as flat and as just a jumble of wanderings.