From the Bookshelf of Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
In 1960, at the age of 58, after having one stroke and probably experiencing some depression, John Steinbeck decided to reacquaint himself with America after living abroad for many years. So he bought himself a truck large enough to be fitted out with a living space in the back, loaded it up, and he and his standard sized poodle Charley started out from Long Island to drive around America.
He observed the beauty of the country through which he traveled and met and conversed with some interesting ...more
He observed the beauty of the country through which he traveled and met and conversed with some interesting ...more
This is as much about the author as it was about his journey, but it's absolutely wonderful. Forget about Grapes of Wrath, this is lively and a good read. It's also a good snapshot of that time period, a slice of history.
...more
I loved this book on so many levels. As a dog owner who adores her pup more than anything in the world, I loved Steinbeck's interactions with Charley, particularly the personification and invented conversations. Reading this made me want to hop in the car with my dog and take off to see the country.
This book also taught me something that reading Steinbeck's fiction hasn't: Steinbeck is a funny guy. The humor was perfectly observed. But what strikes me most about this book is how so much of what ...more
This book also taught me something that reading Steinbeck's fiction hasn't: Steinbeck is a funny guy. The humor was perfectly observed. But what strikes me most about this book is how so much of what ...more
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.
...more
Both very much of its time and astoundingly prescient, this may be one of the best books I've ever read.
...more
What's not to love about a book about a man and his poodle Charlie travelling the US by RV? The book is great at showcasing the culture and personality of many areas of the country, in a fun and interesting way. I don't think this is what my friend meant when he told me I should read a book or two by John Steinbeck, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and recommend it as a good, entertaining read, of various parts of our country in a time not so long ago.
...more
Steinbeck traveled around the United States with his dog, Charley. They went from New England to the West coast then down to California and across the Southwest and into the South, then back up the East coast. Steinbeck named his van Rozinante after the horse in Don Quixote. I loved this book.
Apr 19, 2007
Jenn
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
00-pre2000-reads,
classic
Aug 14, 2007
J.D.
marked it as to-read
Jul 22, 2010
Ching-In
marked it as to-read
Jul 09, 2011
Anna
marked it as to-read
Jan 28, 2013
Katy
marked it as to-read
Jun 03, 2013
Melissa
marked it as to-read
Aug 02, 2015
Sarah
is currently reading it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
top-priorities,
christmas-2019-wish-list
Apr 01, 2020
Kathy
marked it as to-read
Jan 13, 2021
Chelsea
marked it as to-read
May 27, 2023
Lori
marked it as to-read
Jun 19, 2024
Melissa
marked it as to-read
