This is the Kerouac book I wish I'd read in college. While On the Road did nothing for me, Dharma Bums captured my attention. This is another autobiographical novel where Kerouac chronicles part of his life in the 1950s. Most of the action takes place in California with Raymond Smith (Kerouac) and his friend, Japhy Ryder (based on poet, Gary Snyder) who teaches him about Buddhism. Part of the lessons involve a mountain climbing expedition during which Ray really begins to understand what Japhy is teaching. Others prominent in the Beat movement are mentioned under aliases including Allan Ginsberg as Alvah Goldbook who reads his poem "Wail". Ray reaches real understanding of the Buddhist concepts on a visit home with his family before heading back to California. There is a lot of depth to be found there.
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