Sailor Song Paperback – July 1, 1993

After reading "Sometimes a Great Notion" with all of its leaps in time and perspective, I was surprised to find this narrative of Kesey's extremely easy to follow. His setting for what is in many ways sounds like an allegory to his Pranksters experience is an interesting choice. There are also times where he treads the line of cultural insensitivity but backs away to keen observation of people and nature of communities on the edge of "civilization." Being raised (partially) in Gorda, California, the vibe is one I really enjoy: the inability to "categorize" people in such places. You'll meet soft-spoken writers who are gun nuts and folks equally at ease rebuilding a D-6 and parsing romantic poetry with equal facility, flower arrangers with concealed carry permits, people able to kill their own dinner and present it in 4 Seasons style. Nothing (no one) can be taken for granted,

While I found this book interesting, it doesn't rise to the level of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" or "Sometimes a Great Notion." The book was interesting, but then tails off at the end. The ending was rather ant-climatic and leaves several story lines hanging. It presents a rather bleak view of the future from an environmental stand point for sure. It would also seem he has a rather low opinion of most of humanity based on his characters in this and the previously mentioned two books. Unfortunately I would tend to agree with him on that.

One of my favorite books, EVER! The characters are both quirky and dark, and the social issues were addressed without preachy commentary. His writing was so visually evocative, it felt like I was watching the action. Laugh out loud funny, and thoughtful as well.

Forget my review. If you like Kesey, if you liked Cuckoos Nest or Sometimes a great notion, you will not be disappointed here at all.Great read...couldn't wait to get back to it each evening.

I read 8 other reviews of this book, and I am still buying it, for the second time. I was captivated by the issues, characters, and story line that was depressingly promissing. Hope. I do agree that all could have been wrapped up differently in the end. It was too quick and well empty. But it is not the joy of the top of the mountain that has us climb. It is the climb. Enjoy the ride! Enjoy Sailors Song.

I love Ken Kesey and this is my favorite book of his. It is nostalgic and it is also romantic. So that only really tells you about me, I guess.

This came quickly and is a very nice hardback book. Thank you!

read it twice!

Great book, great seller. Book as described. I would be very happy to purchase from this seller again.