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12th out of 17 books
—
4 voters
The Road to Somewhere: An American Memoir
by
James A. Reeves (Goodreads Author)
One day James A. Reeves realized that he no longer understood his country or what he should be doing in it. There was a time when the road to manhood was clear—go to war, find a job with a big company, wear a tie, and start a family —but then the wars got strange and companies changed. He decided to go for a drive to clear his head. What resulted is a scattershot journey s...more
Paperback, 411 pages
Published
August 15th 2011
by W. W. Norton & Company
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I enjoyed nearly everything about this photo essay book. I am intrigued by the idea of road
tripping across America, although as he says, "Leave the politics, guns and sprawl aside: America frightens me on purely geographical terms." I liked Reeves' voice, it's a very personal story. He wants to know what it means to be a man and an American and he explores these questions through travel, family, work. Some of the trip takes place after the death of his mother and he shares his grief and confusi...more
tripping across America, although as he says, "Leave the politics, guns and sprawl aside: America frightens me on purely geographical terms." I liked Reeves' voice, it's a very personal story. He wants to know what it means to be a man and an American and he explores these questions through travel, family, work. Some of the trip takes place after the death of his mother and he shares his grief and confusi...more
Pretty pictures, limp prose.
I really, *really* wanted to like this, on account of having dug the author's dj mixes. The pictures were okay but were rarely "immediate" in the way that good spontaneous photography can be. You can check out the author's flickr to judge for yourself.
The chronology is hazy at best with no clear indication given as to the author's route. The book is divided into thematic sections (God, Work, etc) and the margins are very wide. While there are pictures on almost every...more
I really, *really* wanted to like this, on account of having dug the author's dj mixes. The pictures were okay but were rarely "immediate" in the way that good spontaneous photography can be. You can check out the author's flickr to judge for yourself.
The chronology is hazy at best with no clear indication given as to the author's route. The book is divided into thematic sections (God, Work, etc) and the margins are very wide. While there are pictures on almost every...more
Hidden within the usual cliches for "road books" lies someone's truth of this chameleon country we call the United States. James Reeves' road memoir reveals for him answers--albeit not necessarily complete--to questions he's carried within himself all his life.
But reading James' account and witnessing his vision of our country (through wonderful, personal photographs) as it enters the 21st century in a chaotic, almost dismembered state, only further obfuscates the (declining) force that is Ameri...more
But reading James' account and witnessing his vision of our country (through wonderful, personal photographs) as it enters the 21st century in a chaotic, almost dismembered state, only further obfuscates the (declining) force that is Ameri...more
This is much more than another book about a journey across America. This is a memoir of discovery both of the author and of his native country.
Beautifully illustrated throughout, with the authors own photographs, this book tells the story of many times when the author would take off and try to find both himself and his country.
There is an openness and honesty about both the words and the pictures, that kept me repeatedly picking the book up, and being disappointed when I had finished it. So much...more
Beautifully illustrated throughout, with the authors own photographs, this book tells the story of many times when the author would take off and try to find both himself and his country.
There is an openness and honesty about both the words and the pictures, that kept me repeatedly picking the book up, and being disappointed when I had finished it. So much...more
Fascinating insight into the so-called death of the myths of the white American male, and I don't mean this in a snide way. Reeves's writing is wonderful and the photos beautiful, intriguing, and heartbreaking. He asks, over and over again, questions men should have been asking themselves (but haven't) decades, if not centuries ago about their place, status, and importance in society and culture. In some ways it is the most depressing book I've read in a long time... but a sadness Reeves elevate...more
I loved this book. It's the kind of book that's still worth buying in paper, rather than on Kindle/whatever. (Buy it from Civic Center! You get some stickers and a hand signed card! Very cool). I was surprised to see the other review that didn't like the format of the paper- I loved it. I had a fine time reading it in bed.
Anyway - I loved the writing style. I felt like Reeves really effectively communicated the tone/atmosphere of his experiences.
Anyway - I loved the writing style. I felt like Reeves really effectively communicated the tone/atmosphere of his experiences.
Perfect coffee table book.
I dare you to read it straight through and not feel underwhelmed and, well, pretty bored.
It's one of those books you flip through and read random passages.
Like I said, perfect coffee table book. So much better than the usual mindless picture/art books that occupy those figurative coffee tables.
Hmm... one day I hope to own one of those coffee tables. Until then, my coffee mug shall rest on my desk, dangerously close to my laptop.
I dare you to read it straight through and not feel underwhelmed and, well, pretty bored.
It's one of those books you flip through and read random passages.
Like I said, perfect coffee table book. So much better than the usual mindless picture/art books that occupy those figurative coffee tables.
Hmm... one day I hope to own one of those coffee tables. Until then, my coffee mug shall rest on my desk, dangerously close to my laptop.
I loved this book, especially the pictures which were amazing. It makes me just want to jump in my car and take out across America. Of course, I have always wanted to do this anyway, but reading this book just intensified the desire. My only wish is that I were talented enough to document it in such a beautiful way...words and pictures. Mr. Reeves did a truly awesome job and I am so glad to have won this in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway!
Most of what he writes in this book is very relatable-- of course, I am an artist who enjoys photography and roadtrips. But mostly it's his view of the world that I can understand deeply. He has a way of illustrating deep truths with short blurbs and visuals that just put you in that moment. It's a quick and interesting read. I read it in a few days' time.
May 11, 2013
Connor Montgomery
marked it as to-read
May 06, 2013
Jon Krutulis
marked it as to-read
Apr 13, 2013
John
marked it as to-read
Apr 07, 2013
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marked it as to-read
Mar 10, 2013
Kristen Leanna
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Feb 24, 2013
Earl Carlson
marked it as to-read
Jan 28, 2013
Brian Tafel
is currently reading it
Jan 21, 2013
Linda Lee
marked it as to-read
Jan 19, 2013
Caty
marked it as to-read
Dec 12, 2012
Michelle Cristiani
marked it as to-read
Nov 28, 2012
Jennifer Schloss
marked it as to-read
Aug 16, 2012
Alison
marked it as to-read
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James A. Reeves is a writer, designer, and motorist. He is a partner at Civic Center. He lives in New Orleans.
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May 10, 2013 01:15pm