What is dharma bums summary?

"Dharma Bums" is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Jack Kerouac and published in 1958. The novel tells the story of two friends, Ray Smith (based on Kerouac himself) and Japhy Ryder (based on poet and environmentalist Gary Snyder), as they wander through the American West in the 1950s in search of spiritual enlightenment.

The two friends are part of the "beat generation" of writers and poets, and the novel portrays their desire to reject mainstream conformity and find a more authentic way of living. The novel explores themes such as Buddhism, Zen philosophy, nature, and the search for meaning in life.

Throughout the novel, Ray and Japhy have numerous encounters with other characters who are also searching for deeper meaning in life, including artists, poets, and misfits. They also have numerous adventures, such as hiking in the mountains, working in a fire lookout tower, and hitchhiking across the country.

Overall, "Dharma Bums" is a celebration of freedom, self-discovery, and the beauty of nature. It remains one of Kerouac's most popular works and a significant contribution to the countercultural movement of the 1950s and 60s.