To read Jack's Book is to be present at a gathering of Kerouac's friends, colleagues, lovers, even his (mild) enemies - of all the lives of Kerouac I have read, this one has the most life.
James Campbell If you're interested in listening to what the talk of the Fifties sounded like, and if you believe that literature may just have something to do with life, then read this book.

National Review

Jack's Book is first rate - it offers the flavor and depth of good fiction while keeping well within the realm of literal truth.

Saturday Review

A fascinating literary and historical document, the most insightful look at the beat generation.
Dan Wakefield

The Atlantic Monthly

I suggest you read Jack's Book . . . Mr Gifford and Mr Lee seem to have interviewed everyone connected with Kerouac.
Vincent Canby

New York Times

There have been biographies of Kerouac, but this is an entirely different and much more satisfying work . . . not in a static portrait, but a slow-moving picture of a man unfolding from childhood to heartbreak end; a drama whose focus or clarity or completeness changes depending on who's holding the camera. An engrossing tale.

Minneapolis Star

My God, it's just like Rashomon - everybody lies and the truth comes out!
Allen Ginsberg