On The Road' Gone Global

Pennaime (China) David Jebb inherits the mantle from Kerouac, Steinbeck, Wolfe and Moon in a story that is both riveting action and profound meditation. The journeys of Drew Owen geographically cover more terrain than Moon's 'Blue Highways' and thematically more terrain than 'On the Road'. A detailed comparison balances the perspectives of Kerouac's Dean Moriarity. The conflicts in Owen's personal life are analogous to the issues facing the world. His inward journey is analogous to his outward journey. His Odyssey covers 3 continents and 13 time zones. Having lost himself in a myopic obsession with law and order, Owen finds himself, and literally wraps his arms around the world. Through a forthright and personal style we witness a series of events and encounters which round out the corners of the 'ultra- square' Officer Drew Owen. This remarkable transition is articulately depicted with brutal sincerity. The paradigm shift of the cultural revolution of the 60's 70's is discovered with the keen perception of a Special Ops police officer. Drew is a kind of 'Everyman' - an anti-antihero. In an era of drop-outs and opt-outs, Dave Jebb gives new meaning to the term " Cop"-out. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down.