John Steinbeck
Travels With Charley
I hadn’t actually planned to read this one. The truth is, I tend toward serial monogamy where my reading habits are concerned: I read one book at a time, start to finish, then put it down and move on to the next one. I’ve already been reading a short story anthology, and recommended Travels With Charley to a friend who had recently taken a similar cross-country road trip with her dog. As I pulled the book from my shelf to loan it out and started paging through it, I realized that it had been over a decade since I had read it, and while I remembered liking it, I didn’t actually remember a single anecdote from the story. What I did remember was pretty much what was on the cover: Steinbeck. His dog. Good times.
So I figured that rather than recommending a book about which I no longer knew anything, I should maybe read it again. Too bad for its intended recipient. But good for me. I am pleased to report that it is still a pretty good (and very fast) read. Steinbeck. His dog. Good times.
Of course, I should know better than to read travel literature. Because it makes me want to go, forever and always. Not on a road trip — staring at interstate highway is without romance for me — but on foot, into the world, out the front door with a pack and home again two months later. I’ve been home barely two months, and I could go again tomorrow given the chance. It’s a curse, a blessing, a lebensform. I’m no Steinbeck, but here’s to the restless everywhere. Long may we roam the earth.
Ooh! One of my very favorites. I don’t even remember when I first read it, but I’ll agree that it goes fast and it’s a pleasure to accompany Steinbeck on his journey. If I remember correctly there’s a pretty dramatic start, the kind that dares the traveler to leave home bravely or go sit in a corner. Steinbeck of course presses on and the weather is generally better for the rest of the trip. And, again if I remember correctly, the contrast between meeting new people and spending time with friends long-unseen is an interesting comparison. It was definately an enticing read for me.
Right, you’re thinking of the scene before he leaves where his boat almost gets crushed by the storm. I hadn’t really thought about it in the context of the world daring him to leave, but you’re right. There’s always stuff that needs doing at home, but you have to be willing to leave some of it undone and unattended if you ever want to get anywhere.
That part was one that upon my second reading I realized I’d forgotten it. So now after being more attentive to that bit I particularly remember it. Yes, there really is no ending the story being written at the homeplace and you may have to leave mid-sentence if you want to start another story.
perhaps dad just grew tired of traveling, however, i’m still fascinated how the kelly children will jump aboard a trip without hesitation. next time you’ve got the bug for a journey, let me know. i’ve got a few trips in the works already. i’m definitely going to check out this book. i just finished the story i was reading and was stumped on my next venture, so this will do nicely.
You’re on. I probably won’t get to do much more wandering for the next few months, but maybe this summer. Ireland again? Senegal? Who knows?
I read that one several years back. He briefly mentions Abingdon, so he went through VA during the book.
I need to read it again!
Ken