Travels with Charley
In Search of America
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4.8 • 27 Ratings
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- £4.99
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
In 1960, John Steinbeck set out in his pick-up truck with his dog Charley to rediscover and chronicle his native USA, from Maine to California.
He felt that he might have lost touch with its sights, sounds and the essence of the American people. Moving through the woods and deserts, dirt tracks and highways to large cities and glorious wildernesses, Steinbeck observed - with remarkable honesty, insight and a humorous eye - the gamut of America and the people who inhabited it.
His 10,000-mile journey took him through almost forty states, where he saw things that made him proud, angry, sympathetic and elated. A rugged and passionate adventure of self-identity, Steinbeck's vision of the changing world still speaks to us prophetically through the decades.
'Delightful. This is a book to be read slowly for its savor.' The Atlantic
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Gary Sinise narrates this audio version of Steinbeck's classic travelogue the book documents the author's trip across America with his poodle Charley in a tone that is friendly, folksy, and thoughtful. Sinise relays the author's observations about the physical beauty of America and the character of its varied people in a spontaneous manner, almost as if he's thinking aloud. Having starred in a variety of film and theater adaptations of the author's work, Sinise slips naturally into the role of Steinbeck, showing an innate understanding of the author's voice and his dry, often self-deprecating humor. Additionally, Sinise creates authentic regional accents for the people the author meets in his travels. In describing racism in the South, Sinise's voice grows somber and sorrowful. His rendition of one scene in particular a conversation between Steinbeck and a racist is truly chilling. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys Steinbeck, travelogues, or slices of Americana. A Penguin paperback.
Customer Reviews
Travels with Charley
One of the truly great books of modern literature. A masterful account of most parts of the United States and its different peoples and cultures,all told in splendidly readable and literate prose and with great humour, humanity and wisdom.
Inspiring...
First read this about 20 years ago and upon finishing it I had it in mind to pack up my things there and then, head to the States and go exploring...ok, I've not got round to it yet but maybe after re-reading this maybe that feeling will strike again and I'll get my backside in gear.
For me this is on a par with Bryson's A Walk in the Woods for invoking an attractive image of parts of the USA, maybe one day soon I'll follow in their footsteps...
John Allan
Excellent! Classic Steinbeck.