Wake up

Book Details

Title: Wake Up: A Life of the Buddha
Author: Jack Kerouac
Publisher: Penguin Books
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 9780141189468
Pages: 146
Published Year: 2008 (Penguin Edition)
Dimensions: 20 × 13 cm
Condition: Used – Good
Condition Note: Book is in good condition.

About the Book

Wake Up: A Life of the Buddha by Jack Kerouac is a distinctive literary retelling of the life of Gautama Buddha, written by one of the leading voices of the Beat Generation. Combining historical narrative with spiritual reflection, Kerouac presents the story of the Buddha in a clear, engaging style that reflects both his deep admiration for Buddhist philosophy and his unique literary voice.

The book follows the remarkable journey of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, from his sheltered royal upbringing to his renunciation of worldly comforts in search of truth. Readers witness his encounters with suffering, his years of meditation and ascetic practice, and his ultimate attainment of enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree.

Kerouac introduces the central teachings of Buddhism in an accessible manner, exploring concepts such as compassion, mindfulness, impermanence, wisdom, and the path to liberation from suffering. Rather than offering a purely academic account, he presents these ideas with warmth and enthusiasm, making them approachable for modern readers.