I have always loved the books by John Steinbeck. Until I read "Cannery Row". But that didn't keep me from reading more books by him and when our 1961 Club came up and I found there was one book by him, I chose that immediately. Unfortunately, I had just finished it when I found out that this book was published in 1962 (although it was probably written in 1961). Well, I couldn't finish another one in a day or two, so this will have to do with my contribution to this challenge (but I will read another one later and put a link here).
But I am more than happy that I read this book because it brought back John Steinbeck to me and the way I have always loved his literature.
While I am not a big fan of campervans or camping as such, I enjoyed following the author and his dog Charley through the United States. I doubt I will ever get there but in a way, I have the feeling I have now. He says himself towards the end that "… I have not intended to present, nor think I have presented, any kind of cross-section so that a reader can say, 'He thinks he has presented a true picture …' I don't. I've only told what a few people said to me and what I saw. I don't know whether they were typical or whether any conclusion can be drawn." I think that is the best anyone can try to do and I am glad we could accompany him on this trip.
He also mentions "I like weather rather than climate." That is one great quote and I couldn't agree more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
And if you think there are better books about travels through the USA, please, let me know.
Book Description:
"To hear the speech of the real America, to smell the grass and the trees, to see the colors and the light—these were John Steinbeck's goals as he set out, at the age of fifty-eight, to rediscover the country he had been writing about for so many years.
With Charley, his French poodle, Steinbeck drives the interstates and the country roads, dines with truckers, encounters bears at Yellowstone and old friends in San Francisco. Along the way he reflects on the American character, racial hostility, the particular form of American loneliness he finds almost everywhere, and the unexpected kindness of strangers."
I contribute to this page: Read the Nobels and you can find all my blogs about Nobel Prize winning authors and their books here.
I've read this one several times -- the first time was a novelty because I was experiencing Steinbeck himself, not as someone telling a fictional story, but other visits have been because of the moment in time he captured, of America being steadily transformed by the age of interstates, chain stores, and plastic everything.
ReplyDeleteI remember the time when he travelled. I was still little but everything is so different today. It was nice reading of the time back then.
DeleteI so loved this one as well. Great review
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma. Glad I'm not the only one. Someone said she didn't care for this but that was the only negative comment I heard.
DeleteI have not read this particular book by Steinbeck! I've found his novels to be hit or miss. East of Eden is still my favorite novel by Steinbeck and I'd even say that East of Eden is probably one of my top ten favorite novels of all time.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, my husband and I had the wonderful time meeting Thomas Steinbeck (John Steinbeck's son) twice when we lived in the Santa Barbara area. The first time was at a literary event and it just so happened that we were seated right next to Thomas Steinbeck and his wife! I have three signed books written by Thomas Steinbeck that I will cherish forever. See the following link of me at book signing with Thomas Steinbeck. https://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2018/05/my-favorite-author-meeting-experience.html