MOVE UNDER GROUND by Nick Mamatas

It is hard for me to believe that I have not already reviewed Move Under Ground. It is one of my all time favorite novels. Here is a big “holler” to Mr. Horrorpants for recommending this book to me, like, 2 years ago.

This novel is combination of two of my favorite things, Jack Kerouac’s On The Road and the Cthulhu Mythos. I know it sounds strange just to think about it; kind’a makes you want to scratch your eyes out. Well don’t do that, read the book and you’ll be an instant fan of Nick Mamatas.

This is a book for a true fan. To be able to really enjoy this novel a reader will have to have already read On The Road and at the very least Call of Cthulhu and At the Mountains of Madness. Mamatas is unapologetic in his use of both worlds, dipping into Beat mythology mixed with the mind bending horrors created by H.P. Lovecraft. If you are familiar with both, you should read this book for sure.

Jack Kerouac is the main character of this novel. He must relive the experiences of On The Road, except this time he must travel from the west back east to face down the mind numbing horrors that await him. On the way he will get help from all of his old buddies, including Neal, Al, and William. They will do battle with the grotesque beings that lurk just the other side of reality. Some will make the trip but few will survive.

One of the joys of this book is Mamatas’ writing. He has truly captured Kerouac’s writing style. I bet that even the most skilled literary critic would be hard pressed to tell the difference between Mamata’s Jack and the Jack of On The Road. The writing is pure Beat magic.

Again, this is one of my favorite books. If you’ve read it, let me know what you think in the comments.

Other reviews and stuff:
YouTube - Nick Mamatas: Move Under Ground
Nick Mamatas, Move Under Ground - The Green Man Review
Move Under Ground by Nick Mamatas - Bookslut

Mamatas, Nick. Move Under Ground. San Fransisco: Night Shade Books, 2004.