Reviews

Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

cfsage's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.75

jillj's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective

4.25

utahmomreads's review against another edition

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5.0

A little over fifty years ago, author John Steinbeck sets out on a journey across the United States with his faithful dog Charley. As he views the incredible and changing landscape of the continent, Steinbeck offers details and insights into the people he meets and places he sees in his book Travels with Charley in Search of America: (Centennial Edition).


I am a fan of Steinbeck, who is a trained observer and is also wise in his interpretations of the places, people and situations he encounters on his trip. He has a delightful way of writing and I found myself reading a great many passages aloud to my husband.

His descriptions of his time in Deer Isle, Maine had me instantly craving lobster and checking flight pricing to Maine. My husband, who was born in Wisconsin, loved the glowing reports of his birth state. We both dreamed of moving to Montana. I felt the rebuke and the truth in the story of the very compassionate but evil looking man from Oregon. I reminisced on my own short but pleasurable trip to Carmel, California. I chuckled at his insights into Texas and the unique and devoted people that inhabit that land. And I ached at the racial struggle Steinbeck encountered in the deep south.

Steinbeck took me along for his journey. His writing is so beautiful and descriptive that I felt I was sharing the seat with his loyal but aging friend Charley. His sentiments ring so true and honest that they are still relevant fifty some years after his adventures.

I am so ready for a road trip. Too bad the gas prices make it impossible right now.

zantyu2's review against another edition

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4.0

Beautiful story about steinbecks travel around America, some of the most profound quotes I’ve heard

desertangler's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

lug88's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

8797999's review against another edition

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5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, made me long to be in Rocinate alongside John and Charley, it was a fun, read and I'm sure the America described through the journey is now long gone and altered.

I wonder how the journey done today would compare? Very different but sadly some unfortunate prejudices still well and truly alive.

blairfrank's review against another edition

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3.0

Some regions were more interesting to read than others. I found it enlightening to read about the historical places and realize that many of the issues and stereotypes Steinbeck encountered throughout his journey still exist today.

quinnkane's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.5

kcrouth's review against another edition

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5.0

I just returned from a vacation in California in which we visited both Cannery Row in Monterey and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. I picked up a copy of Cannery Row from a merchant on the Row, and got this copy of Travels with Charley at the Steinbeck Center, reading it upon returning. This travelog of Mr. Steinbeck's trek across the US is rich and delightful to read, and i savored every word and phrase. I love his writing, and this is one of the my favorites. We were also able to experience the big timeless trees in Sequoia National Park and i found Steinbeck's section on the big redwoods especially moving and profound, wonderfully describing the awe these majestic trees inspire when among them. This entire account is a beautiful experience, and well worth reading. The many people he met along this journey, and the places he chose to visit, are described as only John Steinbeck could. This edition includes for the first time an Appendix that he wrote for the book that was not published previously. This is a wonderful and enjoyable book.