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bennought's review against another edition
3.0
A very, very interesting book. It has Vollmann's typical wordy, sometimes ethereal prose coupled with and interesting dose of intimate reality, as he is recounting his own personal experiences. While I never found myself getting stuck at any point in the book, it flowed fairly slowly (even considering that it was a quick read, something hard to understand unless you read the book) and I often found my mind wandering a bit. As per usual, this book is pretty intellectual and heady, though Vollmann does a great job of getting to the heart of his own feelings and drives, as well as the potential underlying motivations and truths of the stories told him by the various personalities he meets along the way. He also does an incredible job of conveying the physical sensations of catching out, and the emotions which it inspires in him. Truly, I'd like to rate this at 3.5, and it is definitely worth reading if you are a fan of Vollmann or interested in what it might be like to ride illegally on freight trains.
danchibnall's review against another edition
4.0
This was flat-out great Vollmann. He writes in such a way to make you think of evening-time, and of poetry. Every page made me think of riding on a train during the gloaming, the magic hour, and talking with a friend or two. There's a certain feeling of "nothing to do and I'm loving it" with every new chapter. It reminded me of the feeling I have when I'm on a plane and I'm neither here nor there. I'm everywhere.
The book is also sad though. Thoreau's "most men lead lives of quiet desperation" came to mind quite often while reading this. Vollmann lives in both worlds, trying to ride the line between the two.
Plus, the references to the poet Cold Mountain were incredible. I definitely have to get my hands on some of his stuff.
The book is also sad though. Thoreau's "most men lead lives of quiet desperation" came to mind quite often while reading this. Vollmann lives in both worlds, trying to ride the line between the two.
Plus, the references to the poet Cold Mountain were incredible. I definitely have to get my hands on some of his stuff.
sentient_meat's review
adventurous
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
A meditation on transience, the transient nature of "America," and what it means to be "American." Volkmann's prose is a diamond; cutting and precious. A book for every American whose always felt lost in their own country
jennybento's review against another edition
2.0
I kind of hated this book because the author seems like an uppity stuck up rich person. It's really easy to talk about how much "freedom" riding the rails affords when you know you can call your friends to pick you up and take you to your nice house, or a supermarket where you can buy food. I liked reading it because the people he meets are interesting, and even they sometimes point out what an asshole "citizen" he is.
Basically Vollman reminds me of trust fund kids who slum it.
Basically Vollman reminds me of trust fund kids who slum it.
nicka's review
4.0
Is it possible Vollmann is a long lost Beat...conjuring Ginsberg's stark, angelic prose exalting the eternal Other (the god's of men who are starved and naked, dwelling in tunnels, underneath bridges, in hobo jungle lairs), or walking barefoot over the Road(s) which Kerouac made his journeys of self-discovery of the ultimate freedom?
Great book.
Great book.
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