Jan Kerouac lived her own version of “On the Road”
Read our critic’s review of her 1981 novel “Baby Driver.”
From The Times
December 21, 2025

Jack Kerouac’s only child, Jan, chronicled a fearless and windblown life entirely distinct from her famous father’s in her 1981 novel “Baby Driver,” our critic said.

A black-and-white photograph of Jan Kerouac, who is wearing hoop earrings, a light-colored vest and a dark shirt.

Fred W. McDarrah/The New York Historical, via Getty Images

Its republication now feels like a gift.

MORE COVERAGE

a bouquet of paper flowers in a vase made of pages from books. there is a blue background and the vase is accompanies by stacks of books on a wood table.

These are the 10 best books of 2025.

a black-and-white photo of a woman’s face overlaid with a magnifying glass in a square black frame distorting the woman’s eye, which seems to gaze directly at us.

Hannah Arendt is not your icon.

A woman in a cream sweater and a tie-dyed shawl gestures at a seated actress as two men mill around.

What “Hamnet” lost (and gained) on the way from page to screen.

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in The New York Times Book Review.

Sign up for the Books newsletter

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in The New York Times Book Review.

Get it in your inbox

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times.

To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018