On a more visceral level......I just really enjoyed Kesey's work.  Cookoo's nest was timely and, IMO, helped promote needed changes in Mental Health treatment.  Sometimes  a Great Notion was, again IMO, a real "insider's" view of old-style Oregonian families and values.  Folks don't need a PhD in Literature to enjoy both Kesey's style and insight.  To dismiss the beauty and wisdom of his work because he was a "druggie" is, IMO, a real shame.  Gary Crum