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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Well. I'm very glad that is over. I read this for book club and even though it's up my alley, I felt like I was reading this for a year. It was good but I didn't really care for it much. I didn't feel like Steinbeck, or I, connected with much except Rocinante and Charley. Where was America? In the rearview mirror. But it was obviously well written and the last few pages when he got into the civil rights movement in the South, that was interesting. I am glad I read it, and I do think parts will stick with me, but I'm more glad that it's over.
It's crazy that I read this book when I was 11. My mom had gifted me 'The Red Pony' the Christmas before. I imagine it resonated for her as a book about farm experiences from a child's perspective plus the author was one of stature that she loved. The further the distance that separates me from my mother, the more effective it seems my perspective becomes of her imperative to link her children to the best she had found for herself.
I was called out by Mr. Daley in 6th grade for propping my school desk open to read this while he was teaching. He said something like, 'you can take Charlie out during recess'. I recall too that Mr. Daley came by during lunch and talked to me about the book a little.
Tonight, I came across a reference to this book which I have not thought of for so long and I realized that I am at an age and time and have a dog that I travel everywhere with like Steinbeck did. I am going to reread this book soon and maybe it will inspire me and Buddie to use some of our remaining days to share experiences and connect with folks as we go.
I was called out by Mr. Daley in 6th grade for propping my school desk open to read this while he was teaching. He said something like, 'you can take Charlie out during recess'. I recall too that Mr. Daley came by during lunch and talked to me about the book a little.
Tonight, I came across a reference to this book which I have not thought of for so long and I realized that I am at an age and time and have a dog that I travel everywhere with like Steinbeck did. I am going to reread this book soon and maybe it will inspire me and Buddie to use some of our remaining days to share experiences and connect with folks as we go.
Toward the end of his writing life, Steinbeck used his keen observation skills on a trip around the country. He wanted to find out what makes America great. He and his dog Charley takes off in a truck that meanders through much of the country. As they visit with waitresses and migrant workers, and go to diners and truck stops, he offers some wonderful prescient observations about the country in 1960. Reading this 60 years later is astonishing when the eras are compared.
This is easy going reading with a nice tempo. It is about ordinary people with a few sharper notes about big issues such as Civil Rights. Funny at times and often endearing, this is a book that can be read in segments.
This is easy going reading with a nice tempo. It is about ordinary people with a few sharper notes about big issues such as Civil Rights. Funny at times and often endearing, this is a book that can be read in segments.
Everyone knows the experience of traveling and being in awe of something... Steinbeck just has words for it.
not as good as blue highways, but the same sort of story
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
I'll be honest: this (along with one other book) is my ALL-TIME FAVORITE. My mom gave it to me so I could read it on a trip to France in high school and I've read it at least once a year since. Whenever I have any doubt as to the beauty of America, I read this book. Steinbeck's journey through the US is magical, getting to the root of what makes us amazing: our kind hearts and independent spirits. Strip away the war and the politics, and you have what Steinbeck celebrates in this book.
Yeah I don't know about this one. I enjoyed it, but it didn't have the umph I wanted in a Steinbeck even if I shouldn't have expected that type of thing from the premise. Enjoyable but eh.
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced