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trin's review against another edition
4.0
In which the author, a Bay Area journalist, decides to try to travel across the United States without a penny in his pocket, relying purely on Blanche DuBois’ staple. This is both a compelling travel narrative and an interesting look at human psychology. Almost all the people who help Mike are damaged in some way. Most, if not all, are poor, and yet still give more than they can afford to. So it’s in many ways a very moving book. At times it’s also nerve-wracking: there are a lot of scary, dangerous people wandering America’s highways, and Mike has some tense encounters with them, including on his very first ride, getting picked up by a guy who takes him somewhere secluded and propositions him. I hate that this is the kind of project I could never repeat—that even a solo road trip in my own car could be a bit dangerous for me. Yes, there are a lot of kind strangers out there—they may even be in the majority—but in many ways, the unspoken message of this book is how very, very lucky its author was.
Anyway, if you can track this book down—sadly, I think it’s out of print—I definitely recommend it. It’s a fascinating look at many of America’s less-seen faces.
Anyway, if you can track this book down—sadly, I think it’s out of print—I definitely recommend it. It’s a fascinating look at many of America’s less-seen faces.
duparker's review against another edition
3.0
This is an enchanting idea. It was a good read, but didn't stand out (probably obvious, since I am adding it 3 years after reading it). The idea is cool, and the stories of the encounters the author has on his treck are fun.
rachelwaldenfinn's review against another edition
5.0
This book was well written and charming. The honesty of the author in admitting his vulnerabilities and fears was beautiful to read and the subject matter was both educational and inspiring. This book was well under-priced for the quality it was.
annie_burch's review against another edition
3.0
Super cool book about trying cool things and living life just to live life. Amazing demonstration about sharing the gospel with people and being genuinely kind and selfless to serve others. A fun read
amymorrow017's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoy travel memoirs; it is one of my favorite genres. This one did not disappoint. I've already downloaded his next book: The Wander Year.
sandeestarlite's review against another edition
2.0
A memoir of a guy hitchhiking across the US without money or a plan. He describes one ride as a "wet dream", is paranoid about gay men and regularly describes negative attributes from the very people he accepts help from.
While I appreciate how he shone a light on the troubles of small town America and that the people who had the least to give seemed to be the most willing to share, the stories were not unbiased. He accepts help, mentally rips them apart and then leaves to look for someone else to help him.
While I appreciate how he shone a light on the troubles of small town America and that the people who had the least to give seemed to be the most willing to share, the stories were not unbiased. He accepts help, mentally rips them apart and then leaves to look for someone else to help him.
stacers1973's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick and fun read. A journalist decides his life needs *something* so he decides to walk across the USA, penniless. The kindness of strangers and his own perseverance takes him from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and he discovers many things about himself and mankind along the way. There were some snippets I found a bit judgmental (or perhaps it was a journalistic cynicism?), and was not surprised by either the racism nor the religious fanaticism he found along the way. But I liked that he did find mostly positive encounters on a 4000+ mile route, without a penny to his name.
jraley_writes's review against another edition
4.0
What a simple, interesting read. I admire Mike's bravery in hoofing it across the states, penniless and humble. It's good to know that at least in the mid-1990s not all kindness had been forsaken. His observations about those around him and their environments seem genuine and give most of the characters a good name. Now if only we could all be so brave and kind....
ptfishhh's review against another edition
5.0
A pure joy to read from cover to end about a man facing his fears and traveling across America. A lot of fun and learned a lot about America and its people.
jasmines_nook's review against another edition
1.0
I thought this would have been so much better would have been more interesting if it had been a woman or a minority person doing the trip, I think the experiences would have been very different.