A few days back I had a chance to stop by City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. On the edge of Chinatown, this is one of the best independent bookstore remaining in the United States. The Beat vibe is still somewhat present, although it seems to have become more of a tourist attraction than a center of ideas and art. It still boasts a great selection of books, including the Beat section that occupies the entire top floor. It was kind of a bring down that most of the people clogging the aisles weren't filling their minds with ideas, but filling their devices with shots for their Facebook page. This country has turned its collective back on art and literature.
I hate to sound the snob, but these people are in serious need of a healthy dose of psilocybin and a bottle of good rye. Then curl up with some Burroughs and Kerouac.
I purchased copies of The Beat Book - Writings from the Beat Generation, Edited by Anne Waldman, and Pulp by Charles Bukowski for the road. I also picked up pictures of Jack Kerouac and Albert Camus for the office.
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