discocrow's review against another edition
4.0
As previous reviews have duly noted this book is somewhat difficult to get through. As the title (byline?) states, this is a collection of the letters that Neal (Kerouac's Dean Moriarty) composed (primarily) to his wife during his time in prison. I feel the need to warn as others have -- this is NOT for the big ole Dean Moriarty fans as the person portrayed here is an older Neal who seems almost embarassed by the picture of him that Kerouac's made famous. This is a book that is more for the discerning reader, or more for the completist, almost, of Cassady's life. This is not to say the book is uninteresting.
Grace Beats Karma is a fascinating look into what becomes of a self-loathing degenerate. It paints a picture of Neal in his most vulnerable times, insecure and embarrassed, almost wanton in his need for attention and awash in the deepest of guilt. He's a man who is painfully aware of his shortcomings and fast realizing there is no getting away from them. It is interesting to see the change in him, and sad to read these knowing what comes of him in the end.
Grace Beats Karma is a fascinating look into what becomes of a self-loathing degenerate. It paints a picture of Neal in his most vulnerable times, insecure and embarrassed, almost wanton in his need for attention and awash in the deepest of guilt. He's a man who is painfully aware of his shortcomings and fast realizing there is no getting away from them. It is interesting to see the change in him, and sad to read these knowing what comes of him in the end.
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