Sometimes a Great Notion

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Summary: A narrative like no other book
Review: The first time the narrative switched, I was surprized, confused, amused, and a little annoyed. At some points, the book was a bit of a struggle, but those were the evenings when my mind was cluttered with my own ramblings. Sometimes, though, it seemed like something almost magical was happening because I understood and even anticipated some of the shifts. It is an amazing story and reading experience. The video is available here on amazon.com, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed with it.

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Summary: The book IS the river
Review: Kesey has crafted a sublime story in such a way as to have the narrative of the book (what some readers think of as confusing) actually mimic the Wakonda Auga. There are countless tributaires, sloughs, pools, rapids, switchbacks and oxbows of text, all building to a river of the story, leading inevitably to the conlucsion. Yeah, the plot can get complicated and the narrative convoluted, but it's worth it. If you want a simple, linear plot read Stephen King. But dismissing this book as poorly written or too confusing only highlights your ignorance.

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Summary: Aboslutely the best novel I've ever read
Review: Don't listen to everybody who says that it is too confusing to follow or that it randomly jumps from one pointless, rambling narration to the next-they just don't understand the book. It's absolutely incredible in its capturing of Oregon, of characters, of feelings...read it!

Rating:
Summary: What a great read
Review: This book was a big eye opener for me when I read it 20 plus years ago. I've recently reread it again, and I'm glad to see others have enjoyed it as much as I have. I have always recommended this book to others. For those who have difficulty getting past the first few chapters, stick with it, because you are in for an unforgettable story. It has a incredible amount of themes running throughout it, amidst this entertaining and heartbreaking tale. I agree with those that say this is the Great American Novel. This novel is sigularly responsible for me moving from Rhode Island to Oregon. This is God's Country!

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Summary: Only a few lucid sections
Review: This book had so much potential, but clearly needed a good editor to organize the author's scrambled thoughts. The reader has to work really hard to keep up with who's narrating, with the focus sometimes changing mid-paragraph, or even mid-sentence. The lucid sections were vivid and fabulous, but sadly were few and far between. I want to read a good story, without having to decipher the product of a spoiled author and a lazy editor.

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Summary: Rich in language, characters and message
Review: I first read this around 1964 as a young man in Scotland...it has lived with me ever since. After recently visiting for the first time the beautiful Oregon coastal and river areas described by Kesey, I had to buy the book again. What a buy! I had forgotten (or never fully appreciated) the beauty of the language, the depth of the characters and the strength of the narrative. To revisit the book after these long (and hopefully maturing) years, with the benefit of a better understanding of life and America and the Oregon landscape has been a rich journey. This book will take a permanent spot on my bookshelf and will be high on my "must read" list.

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Summary: Look at all the stars!
Review: Thought I would jump on the bandwagen. A truly awesome book. It explores more themes than a 2nd year literature class. The writing is incredible. It shifts effortlessly from one character's perspective to the next without missing a beat. For years this occupied my "favorite novel" slot; it still may. One has to wonder how much all the electric kool-aid ruined Kesey when one sees how great his writing was back then.

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Summary: Compassionate, gripping; a story of humanity.
Review: I bought this book on a lark- it was right next to Kerouac and I had just finished reading Dharma Bums, so what the hell. By far one of the most engrossing tales I've ever read. Mr. Kesey doesn't play favorites with his characters: the heros, the villains, the bums, every one has an amazingly complex story to tell and I fell in love with all of them. I don't think it is in any way dramatic to say this is one of the most powerful books written in this country this century and it is certainly the most overlooked 'classic' of all times. I'm recommending this book to everyone I know.

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Summary: One of the greatest books I've ever read.
Review: Kesey is a master of the English language. His words are flowing yet complicated. His descriptions of the thoughts and feelings of the characters hit so close to home in so many instances. Read, no, devour this book, and you shall be rewarded.

Rating:
Summary: The most underrated novel of the last 50 years
Review: While this may not be Ken Kesey's most popular novel it is by far his best. The story unfolds on so many levels that I was amazed...one has to take into full consideration the time frame that this novel was written in, accounting both what was going on in Kesey's life, but also what was going on across the U.S. This book just blew me away....the shifts in point of view from 1st person to narator...unbelievable. I really wish that I could say more...but all I can really say is this book is a must read!!!! I dont mean for a fan of Kesey's but I mean for a fan of reading in general.