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A review by karenleagermain
A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins
3.0
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.