Joyce Johnson Books

This biography delves into the life of Jack Kerouac, offering fresh insights and perspectives from the acclaimed author of Minor Characters. It explores Kerouac's influence on literature and culture, revealing the complexities of his personality and the impact of his experiences on his writing. Through detailed research and compelling narrative, the book sheds light on the man behind the iconic works, providing a deeper understanding of his contributions to the Beat Generation and American literature.

A Beat Memoir. Astonishing insider account of the Beat generation by Jack Kerouacs lover and probably the best book ever written about the Beats.

On a blind date in Greenwich Village set up by Allen Ginsberg, Joyce Johnson (then Joyce Glassman) met Jack Kerouac in January 1957, nine months before he became famous overnight with the publication of On the Road. She was an adventurous, independent-minded twenty-one-year-old; Kerouac was already running on empty at thirty-five. This unique book, containing the many letters the two of them wrote to each other, reveals a surprisingly tender side of Kerouac. It also shares the vivid and unusual perspective of what it meant to be young, Beat, and a woman in the Cold War fifties. Reflecting on those tumultuous years, Johnson seamlessly interweaves letters and commentary, bringing to life her love affair with one of American letters' most fascinating and enigmatic figures.

A chance meeting with a college friend leads financial consultant Matt Handley into a web of intrigue when he visits his friend's cabin in the Sierra Nevada mountains and discovers his friend's death. Driven by curiosity and a desire for answers, Matt embarks on a perilous investigation that puts his own life at risk. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers secrets that threaten not just his safety but also challenge his understanding of loyalty and trust.

Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, the story follows Carla Stevens, who becomes entangled in a mystery after encountering a young woman in her building's elevator. Following a middle-aged woman's suspicious death, detective Joey begins investigating, and their relationship develops. As Carla spots the fleeing young woman again, the investigation deepens, revealing connections between the two deaths. Carla’s life takes a dramatic turn as she finds herself unwittingly involved in the unfolding mystery.

The narrative centers on a ten-year-old boy in 2002 who reveals to his grandmother his ability to perceive spiritual entities, including angels, demons, and the Holy Spirit, observing their activities continuously for a year. Despite his lack of scriptural knowledge, his insights align remarkably with biblical teachings, making his experiences both profound and compelling. This true story explores themes of spirituality and the unseen world, highlighting the boy's extraordinary gift and its implications.

Bessie Head's engagement with sociopolitical issues profoundly shapes her artistic vision and creative process. The book explores how her reading influenced her writing, helping her navigate her role as a writer and develop intricate meanings in her fiction. It highlights connections between her works and Western literary traditions while also emphasizing her ties to local oral storytelling. The examination includes her thematic and imagistic techniques, character development, and linguistic style, offering a comprehensive look at her literary practice.

Amidst a life-altering divorce, Laura Olsen takes a break in northern California, housesitting a bed and breakfast for a college friend. As she immerses herself in the tight-knit community of Mendocino, she becomes entangled in the mysterious death of a local resident, leading her into a perilous situation. The story explores themes of personal transformation and the unexpected challenges of small-town life.

Joyce Johnsons Erinnerungen an ihre Zeit mit dem Kultbuchautor Jack Kerouac sind zugleich das Porträt einer Ära, die zum literarischen Mythos geworden ist - der wilden Jahre der Beatniks.