Big Sur is the second to last book in the Duluoz Legend series, which is basically a running autobiography with fictional names (for copywrite purposes) split into different books from between the years 1922 to 1965, he passed away before he was able to offically put it out as a collection of works. Big Sur showcases Kerouac's need for the bottle and his neverending battle with alcoholism and fame. He runs into the woods of Big Sur, California to avoid the kids trying to find the "King of the Beats." While he is out there he writes a short story containing what he thinks the ocean is saying to him, its full of gibberish and makes no sense. His alcoholism makes him go completely insane, turning him into a complete recluse. We meet with Dean Moriarty again, but it's now ten years after we first visit with him in On the Road. Dean Moriarty is named Cody Pomeray in this novel. (His true life name is Neal Cassady) Cody now has a wife and a life and no longer is the character we know from On the Road. Kerouac continues to try to force him to go back to the old lifestyle that Kerouac cannot live behind, but Cody refuses every advance. This has to have been one of the hardest books I have ever read for pleasure. It has taken me close to three weeks to finish it. Kerouac's rambling and non-sensical style doesnt leave you hanging on the next page, but overall I enjoyed it but would only reccommend it if you know Kerouac and know what you're getting yourself into.
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