Why Kerouac Matters

On the Road turns fifty-years-old this month. Jack Kerouac’s legendary, controversial novel inspired legions of young people to don their backpacks and hit the highway. Now, a new book offers a different interpretation of On the Road, saying that this supposed manifesto for rebellion is really about growing up and embracing traditional values.

Guest

• John Leland, reporter for the New York Times and author of Why Kerouac Matters: The Lessons of On the Road (They’re Not What You Think)