A review by chaptersofchase
The Last American Road Trip by Sarah Kendzior

slow-paced

4.0

A sobering, reflective journey across a country—and a future—on the edge. 

Thank you, Flatiron & Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of The Last American Road Trip {partner} 

 

Genre: Non-Fiction 

Format: 🎧📖 

Pub Date:   4.1.2025 

Pages: 320 

 

In my effort to read at least one non-fiction book a month, I picked up The Last American Road Trip—though I’ll admit, I kept putting it off. 

 

I wasn’t sure I was ready to face the reality of what this book might cover: the vanishing places, the irreversible environmental changes, the uncertainty of what we’re leaving behind. But once I started, I was pulled into a story that blended nostalgia with history and grief with purpose. 

 

Yes, it’s heavy at times. The author doesn’t hold back in her thoughts about where we’re headed—and while I agreed with much of what she wrote, I also felt the weight of it. Especially when she spoke about the future her children would inherit, even before she had them. That hit hard. 

 

But alongside the heaviness was something else—an urge to go. To explore more of the places around me, especially those I’ve overlooked. The ones rich in the kind of history that doesn’t always make it into textbooks but still shapes the way we live and remember. 

 

Audiobook Review: ★★★★★ 

Narrated by the author, which I always love with non-fiction. Her voice carried so much emotion, especially when reflecting on moments that had left a lasting impression. 

 

Read if you enjoy: 

🤔 Political history 

✨ Missouri, this one is for you 

🚗 Travelogue 

💬 Unique stories 

🗣️ Rambling thoughts 

 

I recommend reading The Last American Road Trip if you’re looking to add a few unique stops to your summer road trip plans. 

 

 

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