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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I think this could have been better if it didn't feel so dated. The 70s are so prevelant and the hippie nature of the book and the author's way of thinking can cloud the overall charm of the journey that he and his dog take. Some of the cultural observations really draw the book back. That said, there was some fun in reading about the costs and the overall journey from a 2015 pov.
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
This memoir has great potential unfortunately the author is not a a writer
Poorly written and a cliché, but it was the first of these kind of books so it really set the cliché of the "exploring America to find oneself" genre. But it was still entertaining.
Peter Jenkins makes multiple mention of not claiming to be a writer throughout his memoir "A Walk Across America" and it is obvious, as this book was tedious to read. However, his story is so interesting, that I could push myself beyond the tedium and slow pacing to enjoy his story.
In the early 70's Jenkins set out to walk from New York to the Pacific with his dog Cooper in efforts to really get to know America and it's people. Jenkins has some great stories from the road and the generosity of all types of Americans is really what he drives home. He lived outside of his comfort zone and found both his own prejudices and those of people he encountered being broken down. Jenkins story really made me want to go on a road trip and have an adventure myself!
There is one aspect of the story that drove me nuts. Jenkins is very sentimental and it was to the point where it was almost overbearing. He kept calling his dog "My Forever Friend." I get it, I love animals too, but still... The book is also heavy of spirituality. I didn't really mind this part, as I would fully expect that my own life would dramatically change if I had a similar experience, but it was a bit overdone towards the end of the book. I guess the last half of the book seemed overly sappy and had me rolling my eyes.
Still worth the read. Also, he was documenting his travels for National Geographic and they comissioned him to write this book.
In the early 70's Jenkins set out to walk from New York to the Pacific with his dog Cooper in efforts to really get to know America and it's people. Jenkins has some great stories from the road and the generosity of all types of Americans is really what he drives home. He lived outside of his comfort zone and found both his own prejudices and those of people he encountered being broken down. Jenkins story really made me want to go on a road trip and have an adventure myself!
There is one aspect of the story that drove me nuts. Jenkins is very sentimental and it was to the point where it was almost overbearing. He kept calling his dog "My Forever Friend." I get it, I love animals too, but still... The book is also heavy of spirituality. I didn't really mind this part, as I would fully expect that my own life would dramatically change if I had a similar experience, but it was a bit overdone towards the end of the book. I guess the last half of the book seemed overly sappy and had me rolling my eyes.
Still worth the read. Also, he was documenting his travels for National Geographic and they comissioned him to write this book.
Despite the "disillusioned young man" bit (which may be true), this book is in truth a love song to his dog Cooper, his "forever friend". Beautifully written and heartfelt.
The writing was nothing stellar, but I enjoyed the stories of the people Peter meet on the walk.
I remember my dad reading this book years ago when I was a teenager. From the minute the dog entered the story I knew the dog was going to die at some point. Whether that is something that stuck in my subconscious or not from my dad having read the book I have no idea, but it was there. *sigh* I'm not a dog person, but come on. The poor guy, losing his furry friend. I dreaded the page where that would come along, and then when I got to it I cried.
That aside, it was an excellent read, and there is a lot I could say about it. I particularly enjoy the concept of a narrow-minded individual giving people a chance and finding out that there is a whole world of people of all kinds, and learning what makes them tick and just seeing how they live is seriously fascinating.
That aside, it was an excellent read, and there is a lot I could say about it. I particularly enjoy the concept of a narrow-minded individual giving people a chance and finding out that there is a whole world of people of all kinds, and learning what makes them tick and just seeing how they live is seriously fascinating.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Loved the end of this, all around a great book. This has inspired me to get out there and do something