Steinbeck's journey across the United States with his French poodle Charley.

RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed as part of a book swap.

What a nice "surprise"! Thanks so much for expediating this book to me!

I didn't realize that Charley was a poodle. Yeah!! I've always had poodles in my life; therefore, I have a huge place in my heart for them.

This book was copywrighted in 1962. I am curious to read what the differences in the American culture were back then compared to what they are now. Then again, I do have an idea what it was like because of the stories that my father has told me.

Thanks again!

9/29/05 TBR and then sent to Jackie700.

Well, America seemed basically the same then as it is now.

The trip through this book was somewhat tedious. However, I did find some things interesting like how he noticed that the highway he was traveling on was actually intended to be an escape route in case of a bomb.

I liked some of his thoughts including those on "progress" - how it looked so much like destruction.

I found his statement "my own journey started long before I left and was over before I returned" interesting. At one point, he mentioned that he had passed his limit for "taking it in." -Something I've never experienced on my vacations.

Overall, it wasn't a bad book. I'm not sure what I expected (just like the author wasn't sure what to expect either). Although, I don't think I received a very good overview of America (and I am not really sure what one would look like).

Mailed on 11/04/05.

What a treat it is to come home to a package in the mail! Thanks, SillySilhouette.

Prior to reading this book, my exposure to John Steinbeck consisted of reading The Red Pony and The Pearl. I didn't care for either of them, possibly because it was required high school reading many years ago. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed Travels with Charley. Some of his observations of America & Americans are right on target, but others are more hit and miss. He does say, however, that his views are limited, and that it's impossible to make generalizations about the American culture.

I finished the book wondering what it would be like to do what Steinbeck did: spend months traveling the back roads, meeting and talking with people. It sounds like a very 60's thing to do, and more than 40 years after his journey, it still holds an appeal.

RELEASE NOTES:

It's in the desk drawer of Room 217.

If you find it, please journal it so I know it's in safe hands. Happy reading!