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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
medium-paced
I don't know if this is just because the John was telling his own story of experiences, or what, but I found this book to be a lot more appealing than Of Mice and Men, and has gotten me interested in reading more of Steinbeck's works. Maybe Grapes of Wrath next.
Now this book was a great read as someone who has a deep wanderlust and has gone through many of the stages of adventuring and traveling which are described in the story. I found myself thinking back to journeys I've had and moments such as the rush to get home near the end, or feeling completely unnerved by a place and have the feeling turn to awe and wonder as the sun changed its position. The ruminations throughout on the nature of America were somewhat hit or miss with feeling like they actually had a point, but I was constantly surprised by just how many chuckles this book provided, such as his description of turkeys or getting involved in a family quarrel.
One thing that I found surprising was just how applicable many of his observations about America were. Seems like even 70 years later, we are still the same country, dealing with the same problems and joys as before.
Now this book was a great read as someone who has a deep wanderlust and has gone through many of the stages of adventuring and traveling which are described in the story. I found myself thinking back to journeys I've had and moments such as the rush to get home near the end, or feeling completely unnerved by a place and have the feeling turn to awe and wonder as the sun changed its position. The ruminations throughout on the nature of America were somewhat hit or miss with feeling like they actually had a point, but I was constantly surprised by just how many chuckles this book provided, such as his description of turkeys or getting involved in a family quarrel.
One thing that I found surprising was just how applicable many of his observations about America were. Seems like even 70 years later, we are still the same country, dealing with the same problems and joys as before.
Mostly fun and occasionally profound. I would have liked to hear more about certain places and things and less on others. Steinbeck ends the journey in the Deep South to witness the prejudice he so hated, and he found it.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Could make almost anyone feel nostalgic
funny
slow-paced
as steinbeck says repeatedly himself, this book is not meant to describe all of the US or make any broad claims about americans (other than that an “american” identity exists). rather, this book feels like a good friend telling you about all the interesting people he saw on his road trip. i loved how he humanized everyone he described—especially his beloved canine companion, charley.
the last chapter left the deepest impression on me. toward the end of his journey, steinbeck visits the deep south. for this californian-turned-new yorker, it’s one thing to read about white housewives screaming epithets at black children going to school, and another thing entirely to see it in person. steinbeck has a penchant for picking up hitchhikers, but he kicks one out after the hitchhiker (apparently assuming steinbeck would agree with him by virtue of his race) unashamedly proclaims his anti-black racism and antisemitism. the trip ends shortly after that with steinbeck in a sort of fugue state, maybe from homesickness and maybe from disgust at an america he hadn’t seen before. and there’s nothing more american than that.
the last chapter left the deepest impression on me. toward the end of his journey, steinbeck visits the deep south. for this californian-turned-new yorker, it’s one thing to read about white housewives screaming epithets at black children going to school, and another thing entirely to see it in person. steinbeck has a penchant for picking up hitchhikers, but he kicks one out after the hitchhiker (apparently assuming steinbeck would agree with him by virtue of his race) unashamedly proclaims his anti-black racism and antisemitism. the trip ends shortly after that with steinbeck in a sort of fugue state, maybe from homesickness and maybe from disgust at an america he hadn’t seen before. and there’s nothing more american than that.
I am not really into travel books however this somehow really worked for me. A good balance of observation, description and analysis. I particularly enjoyed the human relations developed throughout Steinbeck's adventure, his thoughts on America and the modern way of life, interracial relations and of course his relationship with Charley. The author's style was also very refreshing and new to me.