What I Read During My Great American Road Trip
As I’m sure you would expect, during our Great American Road Trip, I read a handful of books. Some were read with my eyes, and some with my ears. I picked each of them intentionally to assist with what I was hoping to experience as we traveled. Below are the various books I read, and a few thoughts!
The Heartland: An American History
by Kristin L. Hoganson
This is a rather academic book regarding the “idea” of an American Heartland. The author teaches at University of Illinois Urbana, and focuses a great deal on Agricultural history. As a daughter of an agronomist, I enjoyed this, but could see how the majority of readers would find this tedious. For example, I know a LOT about the Berkshire pig now. Some people may not see this as personally edifying! I did find the author at times pretentious and condescending. I’m glad I read it but would suggest American Harvest: God, Country, and Farming in the Heartland by Marie Mutsuki Mockett before investing the time in this book.
The Lonely Hearts Book Club
by Lucy Gilmore
I can not emphasize enough how much I adore stories that communicate the beauty of intergenerational relationships. This book is beautiful in so many ways, and the relationships make this a must-read. During our road trip, we visited a number of historical locations where we learned a great deal. It is one thing to learn about events by seeing the locations in person and reading plaques. However, what a gift it is to learn about historic events through the lens of people who lived through them. For this and many other reasons - I love the wisdom that people of earlier generations can share. Any book that shares the importance of intergenerational relationships in an endearing and genuine manner will always get my stamp of approval!
American the Beautiful?
by Blythe Roberson
Travel memoirs with the National Parks as a supporting character are super trendy right now. So obviously reading such a book seemed a requirement for this trip. I found the author to be frustratingly sarcastic at times and maybe I’m succumbing to cynicism, but reading memoirs by an author who is in their early 30’s seems a bit limited in life experience. I also find the focus on National Parks to be a bit limiting. The author rarely shares significant insight about the culture, food, local history, etc. of the surrounding areas in which the national parks exist. She cites typical progressive talking points, but does not go deeper beyond the talking points. In my travels, I have found talking points on either side of the spectrum to be limiting and the memoirs I enjoy most are ones who illustrate the complexities of life that don’t fit in a stereotype.
In the Weeds
by Tom Vitale
I have a hard time expressing in words the influence Anthony Bourdain had on my life. Since his passing, I have been unable to watch or read any production of his. A neighbor of mine, who I trust, shared this book with me and I’m so grateful. The author traveled extensively with Bourdain and shared an insight not only into the travel experiences he had with Bourdain, but also the complexities that made Anthony the travel icon he was. I will write more about Bourdain later, but this was a great baby step in enabling me to reengage with who Bourdain was and the influence he had in my life.
32 Yolks
by Eric Ripert
I am a proud foodie and consider it a highlight of my life to have dined at Le Bernadin in New York City. I have followed the career of Eric Ripert and have found him kind, innovative, and genuine. In light of my re-engaging with Anthony Bourdain, I thought learning more about his bromance with Rupert would be insightful - and wow! This memoir delivered! Ripert’s life is not what I expected, despite his privileged background. This book focuses only on his life prior to moving to the United States. By the end of the book, the reader sees the components that made the foundation for Ripert’s success in the culinary world. This is a fantastic read for any foodie!
The Five-Star Weekend
by Elin Hilderbrand
Every summer needs a beach read, and for the most part, Elin Hiderbrand consistently delivers a satisfying summer story. She’s had a few misses (here’s looking at you, Golden Girl - not a fan, personally), but this book delivered everything I wanted. One of Elin’s best!
The Lost Continent
by Bill Bryson
I am disappointed in this book. I didn’t think Bill Bryson could do any wrong and when I read the description of this book, I thought it would be a fast favorite. Surprisingly, I found Bryson’s descriptions of his fellow “small-town” citizens to be patronizing, condescending, and at times cruel. He wrote this early in his career so maybe since this book he has matured in his outlook; but maybe I’m making excuses for him. The only redeeming aspect of this book is that I realized that I’ve traveled to most places a travel writer focusing on American small towns has. In addition, I think, I’ve had more substantive takeaways. I will write more about this later, but for now, I would suggest Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck over this book. “Small-town” Americans deserve their stories to be told in ways that show their complexities - Steinbeck does this. Sadly, in this book, Bill Bryson did not.
Book Lovers
by Emily Henry
I thought this book was fine. However, as is usually the case when I finish reading Emily Henry books I end the story wanting more. I think this is more of a “me” issue and not an “Emily Henry” issue! This book has every ingredient to make a fantastic summer read for me. East Coast professional woman, takes a getaway with her sister to Asheville, North Carolina - Great! A previous New York City acquaintance is discovered to work at a charming bookshop in Asheville - Great! Hallmark movie references - Great! I should LOVE this book, but for some reason - I simply just liked this book. This won’t keep me from reading Emily Henry in the future, and for many - Emily Henry is a kindred spirit. For me, she is the friend that I should love getting together with for weekly drinks, but for whatever reason - I’m happy to see her at cocktail parties and like her Instagram posts - nothing more.
