Wake Up by Jack Kerouac (Penguin Modern Classics)

Description

“Wake Up: A Life of the Buddha” is a book written by American author Jack Kerouac. It was published posthumously in 2008, many years after Kerouac’s death in 1969. The book is a departure from Kerouac’s more famous works, such as “On the Road” and “Dharma Bums,” which are associated with the Beat Generation and the American counterculture of the 1950s and 1960s.

“Wake Up” is a novelized retelling of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who would become known as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Kerouac was known for his interest in spirituality and Buddhism, and this novel reflects his fascination with Eastern philosophy and religion.

The book is not a traditional biography but rather a blend of storytelling, poetic prose, and Kerouac’s own interpretations of the Buddha’s life and teachings. It explores the journey of Siddhartha from his privileged upbringing to his quest for enlightenment and the eventual founding of Buddhism.

Kerouac’s writing style in “Wake Up” is reflective and meditative, mirroring the spiritual themes of the narrative. It delves into concepts such as suffering, impermanence, and the search for inner peace, which are central to Buddhist philosophy.

While “Wake Up” may not be as well-known as some of Kerouac’s other works, it is a unique and introspective exploration of the life and teachings of the Buddha. The book provides readers with a different perspective on Kerouac’s literary talents and interests beyond the Beat Generation movement. It’s a book that invites contemplation and reflection on the timeless themes of spirituality and enlightenment.