"On The Road" by Jack Kerouac

I have heard that this novel compelled many people to pick up and hit the road over the decades. After reading it i totally get why. The excitement of the open road,t the adventures on the horizon, the friendships just ahead are so enticing. Sal paradise crosses the nation numerous times, by train, hitching, bus and chaotic nights of frantic driving. He dots the states with stories, friends, and outrageous antics. The rich history of America reads loud and clear through these pages. It is well written and a lot of fun.

"The Amboy Dukes" By Irving Shulman

This novel was highly censored when first released. It discusses themes of rape, violence, drug use, teen drinking and truancy among other scandalous issues. In today's climate, these topics are not as sensitive as they once were but I can see how they were inflammatory in their time. Not just the subjects but the manner in which they are portrayed in this novel. Other than that, this book was rather forgettable for me. I didn't love the writing but seeing into a different time and era with such precision was insightful. I could imagine a great television series based around this gang.