Beat Spirit

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Beat philosophy. It won't give you a sense of the literature but it will provide a comprehensive and highly engaging introduction to the ideas that inspired the movement. The book is organized in sections by author so you'll get a fairly comprehensive understanding of one figure's perspective (and quirks!) before you move on to the next. There are plenty of bibliographical references so when you find someone you really relate to, you can go on to delve into their writing. And you'll be prepared to more fully appreciate what you go on to read because you'll be aware of the author's major ideas. This book is designed to be used in conjunction with the reader's own "Beat Journal" so it will get you writing. It'll introduce you to some useful techniques to get words on the page (even if you have writer's block) and maybe even see your life in a different light while you're at it.

An amazing account of how to get in touch with the Beatnick within. Do these exercises with a friend, a companion, and you will exit the experience closer than ever. Ash is a true lunatic, and brings to the exercises he proposes a true zest for living life. A must have for anyone wanting to enjoy each day to the fullest extent.

Overachiever that I am, I intended to finish all of the exercises in one week and declare myself the greatest beatnik of all time. Too bad, too sad. Greatness cannot be achieved in one week when it comes to this workbook, but a lot of mischief can definitely be accomplished. Every time I sense myself getting caught back up in the normalcy of my life, this book is a great answer to boredom. Open up, and there you have it - an assignment to write a slogan, get naked, revolt, or be in love with yr life. Not a cover to cover read by any means, but an experience for those willing to let their hair down, pull out a black turtleneck, and live a little beat for themselves.

this book will expose to the neophyte that cultural phenomenon that was/is being "beat", for the one who is familiar with the icons, this book will expound upon the basic precepts within major beat writers' works. and for both groups, it will take from the many examples provided, an organized blue-print to encourage the reader a more interesting way to live and regard life. read this one and share it with your friends!!!

This book will change your life if you allow yourself to be part of it. Work with the exercises, even if you feel a little silly at first. Mel Ash is well aware that the book is only a book, and urges you to live your life, instead of living someone else's life through words on a page. Well worth the time spent on becoming "beat".