Books matching: road book
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- #1
Save:Volkswagen Blues by Jacques Poulin is a novel that follows the journey of a 40-year-old French Canadian writer from Montreal who sets out to find his long-lost brother, embarking on a road trip from Gaspe in Quebec to Las Vegas, Nevada. Along the way, he picks up a hitchhiker, a young M tis girl, and together they travel in an old Volkswagen minivan, tracing the footsteps of French explorers and delving into North American history. The story is a mix of self-discovery, a road trip in the style of Jack Kerouac, and a quest to uncover familial ties and personal identity.
The novel is praised for its gentle and reflective narrative, exploring themes of identity, history, and the search for belonging through the lens of the protagonist's journey. Readers are drawn into the quest to find the missing brother, while also learning about the French voyageur tradition and the plight of Native Americans, making it an engaging and enlightening read.
- #2
Save:'On the Road: the Original Scroll' by Jack Kerouac is a revolutionary autobiographical novel following Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty on a series of frenetic road trips across America and to Mexico in the late 1940s. The book captures the hedonistic and rebellious spirit of the Beat Generation, portraying a group of characters seeking adventure, spiritual transcendence, and a sense of belonging. Kerouac's writing style is described as both thought-provoking and rambling, with some readers praising the book for its wondrous adventure and stunning depiction of the Hipster American lifestyle, while others find the characters self-absorbed and the plot meandering.
I first met Dean not long after my wife and I split up. I had just gotten over a serious illness that I won’t bother to talk about, except that it had something to do with the miserably weary split-up... - #3
Save:'Norwood' by Charles Portis is a character-driven novel set in the 1960s South, following Norwood Pratt, a restless ex-marine who embarks on a road trip from Texas to New York. Throughout the journey, Norwood encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a surly bread delivery man, an educated chicken, and the girl of his dreams. The book is filled with deadpan humor, crisp writing, and witty dialogue, making it a hilarious and entertaining read that focuses on the journey rather than the destination.
NORWOOD HAD TO GET a hardship discharge when Mr. Pratt died because there wasn’t anyone else at home to look after Vernell. Vernell was Norwood’s sister. She was a heavy, sleepy girl with bad posture.... - #4
Save:Gone South by Robert R McCammon follows the story of Dan Lambert, a Vietnam veteran facing hardships including poverty and illness. After a violent incident leads him to go on the run, he encounters a diverse cast of characters such as bounty hunters and a woman in search of a faith healer. The book weaves together elements of adventure, humor, and drama, showcasing McCammon's ability to create unique and sympathetic characters within a fast-paced narrative.
I’ve had difficulty writing this commentary, because it takes me back to a point in time that was not very happy. In fact, it was just before I started writing Speaks the Nightbird, and when I knew I ... - #5
Save:In "Shadowbahn" by Steve Erickson, the narrative unfolds around the sudden reappearance of the Twin Towers in the Dakota Badlands, sparking curiosity and fear among the people who gather to witness this anomaly. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including a troubled trucker, a sibling duo on a cross-country journey, and the stillborn twin of Elvis Presley who emerges to live a life that never was. Through intertwining storylines and alternate realities, the novel explores themes of fractured America, lost destinies, and the power of music to connect and divide.
The writing style of "Shadowbahn" is described as imaginative and densely layered, with short chapters, lists, and seamless integration of chapter titles into the text. The speculative elements in the narrative may be experimental and confusing at times, yet they keep the reader intrigued as various threads come together to tell a compelling tale of cultural ruptures, social crises, and introspection.
“Not really,” I shake my head, even laughing a bit, can’t help it, and all this time he’s got that smile that doesn’t go with anything else about him. “Let me ask you,” he says, “can you sing anything... - #6
Save:Rebecca Makkai's 'The Borrower' follows the story of Lucy Hull, a children's librarian, who embarks on a road trip with Ian, a young library patron, after suspecting unhappiness in his home life. The book explores themes of censorship, family dynamics, and the transformative power of books. Through a mix of quirky characters and offbeat adventures, the author weaves a tale that delves into ethical dilemmas, complex relationships, and the magic of childhood literature.
I had five regulars, and a couple of them would have come seven days a week if they could. Ian Drake came with chicken pox, and with a broken leg. He came even when he knew it had been canceled that w... - #7
Save:'Quichotte' by Salman Rushdie is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into themes of impossible love, family relationships, racism, and the intertwining of reality and fantasy. The story follows a character named Quichotte Quixote and his imaginary son Sancho on a quest to woo a movie star, all while exploring issues such as immigration, drug addiction, forgiveness, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Rushdie's writing style is described as thought-provoking, challenging, and rewarding, blending satire, humor, and poignant moments seamlessly.
Miss Salma R, the exceptional woman (and total stranger) to whom Quichotte had declared his undying devotion, came from a dynasty of adored ladies. Think of her family this way: Granny R was Greta Gar... - #8
Save:Willy Vlautin writes about common folk on the edge of the human condition who don't have much going for them. In "Lean on Pete," he tells the story of a fifteen-year-old boy named Charley, whose life is filled with missteps and distress. Charley finds solace in a horse named Pete, who becomes his only source of pleasure in a world of hardship. The novel follows Charley's journey to save Pete from being sold to a Mexican kill factory, leading him on a desperate trek across challenging terrains and encounters with devious individuals.
Vlautin's writing style in "Lean on Pete" is described as coarse yet riveting, with intense interest and empathy created for the characters. The story is narrated in lean and realistic prose, focusing on Charley's vulnerability, survival instinct, and the hardships he faces in his quest to protect his beloved horse.
When I woke up that morning it was still pretty early. Summer had just begun and from where I lay in my sleeping bag I could see out the window. There were hardly any clouds and the sky was clear and ... In 'Travels with Charley: In Search of America', John Steinbeck embarks on a cross-country journey with his dog Charley in the early 1960s. Through vivid descriptions and thought-provoking encounters, Steinbeck reflects on the changing landscape of America, delving into social issues such as race relations, politics, and personal introspection. The book captures Steinbeck's conflicting emotions towards his country, blending natural warmth, humor, and astute observations about the people and places he encounters along the way.
When I was very young and the urge to be someplace else was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. When years described me as mature, the remedy prescribed was middl...- #10
Save:'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that follows Shadow, a man fresh out of prison who is recruited by Mr. Wednesday to assist in rallying forgotten gods from various religions across America for an impending clash. The story delves into the concept of gods existing based on belief, exploring a war between old gods and new gods like media and technology. The plot takes readers on a journey filled with myth, magic, dreams, and visions just beneath the surface of reality, set against the backdrop of tacky American tourist spots and idyllic small towns.
Gaiman's writing style in 'American Gods' is described as stunningly beautiful, clever, and surreal, combining elements of philosophy, mythology, humor, and depth. The novel weaves together various religions' gods into a cohesive and engrossing narrative, providing thought-provoking insights on belief, life, and the relationships between humans and their beliefs. The book incorporates twists, interesting characters, and plot developments that keep readers engaged in a journey that works on multiple levels, offering a mix of entertainment and reflection.
The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the Aurora Borealis, on the east we are bounded by the rising sun, on the south we are bounded by the procession of the Equi...
