To me, it was okay. I thought it was going to be different. Everyone was so excited around me with the book that I wanted to read it myself to see what was all the fuss about. However, I can't relate to the people who said it was "life-changing" because for me, it wasn't. 
 It wasn't bad, nevertheless. I wouldn't say it's a waste of time, but it wouldn't be the first book I'd recommend either. 
 I think every book has something to teach and I think this one has, too. In the end, we are talking about Kerouac's experiences on the road and listening to other's lives can enrich ours. But I feel that the extent to which this book may influence your view of life is highly connected to which moment of your life you're in or to how much you feel identified with the main character. In my particular case, I'm not in 'that' moment of my life and I didn't feel very much identified with the character --too many "manliness", maybe. 
 Therefore, my conclusion is: read it and decide for yourself.