What do you think was Kerouac's primary intention in describing the reality of addiction to alcohol the way he did so vividly? Explain your answer.

Does reading Kerouac's work change your view of alcoholism in any way? Do you have a personal experience you understand better or differently having read such a personal account?

What do you think was the appeal of the Beat Generation to the teenagers that came after them, as in cases like Joey Rosenburg who just wants to follow them everywhere they go? Do you see elements of the virtue of their world in this book?

In Jack's friendship with Cody (Neal Cassady), Jack points out that the two friends each remind the other one of his own father. In what ways do you see the friends manifesting father and son relationship in the interactions recorded here?

Billie and Jack...