Do you know any book that conveys the same energy as the Beats, but is actually good?
When you say the same energy do you mean the same style of energy conveyed or the same level of energy
>>9633348
I mean level
Well I'm guessing you're looking for prose... I'd say try Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson. It's very American.
>>9633345
Most of the "New Journalism" fits this description in my opinion. Obviously some of the writers from that 60's, 70's generation used the beatific wankery to ridiculous purposes, but others refined refined it to perfection. Some of Hunter S. Thompson essays are good writing and good stories. Sloughing Towards Bethlehem by whatsherface. Truman Compote work from the era. The essay's of Sontag on photography.
If you're looking for fiction I'd go Faulkner for "energy" in prose, or Hesse for "energy" in story. Maybe even try Lenard Cohen's "Beautiful Losers".