Travels with Charlie, In Search of America by John Steinbeck, A Book Review by Rebecca Moll
From the forgotten bookshelves of yesteryear, John Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie found its way into my hands a few months ago. "In Search of America," the subtitle reads. A little pocketbook-sized paperback, a little yellow with age, the price in the upper left corner, 75C. Bantam Books. 1963. In the back of the book, Bantam advertises other Steinbeck novels. East of Eden 75C. Mice and Men 40C. Oh, how the times have changed.
Well, into my pocketbook it went (purse for those who find Northeastern US vernacular confusing). A constant companion when time permitted, I read Travels with Charlie much like I imagine Travels with Charlie was for the author. A little here. A little there. A slow absorption over time and place. A seeping into my sub-conscience, a slow gradient of American humanity.
The time stamp is indelible, yet, much of what is recorded on the pages of this testimonial of our great nation, continues to rings true today. In terms of technology we are light-years ahead, yet when it comes to plain old humanity, well, we are pretty much stuck in the mud. Troubles of our past are, still, our troubles of today.
I find it ironic that methods of communication are so far advanced compared to 40+ years ago, yet are we really communicating any better? Different? Yes. Faster? Sure. More often? Probably. Better? Well, that's a debate for another day.
A wise and aged Southerner whom Steinbeck had the pleasure of conversing with, Monsieur Ci Git, said in regard to reaching the end of our troubles (specifically, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s), "It's the meanwhile that frightens me." Me, too.
I think Steinbeck had it right. A man can take a journey or a journey can take a man. Travels with Charlie is one journey that will take you, leave a little of you stuck in the mud, a little bit of you all over this great country.
Some travels are best when begun, some best when done. Some, never end, even after it is over. A journey continued changes you.
If you like tripping in the middle, love books that make you want to turn the last page and then, immediately, the first, all over again, then let Travels with Charlie take you on a journey.
Safe travels my friends.
Well, into my pocketbook it went (purse for those who find Northeastern US vernacular confusing). A constant companion when time permitted, I read Travels with Charlie much like I imagine Travels with Charlie was for the author. A little here. A little there. A slow absorption over time and place. A seeping into my sub-conscience, a slow gradient of American humanity.
The time stamp is indelible, yet, much of what is recorded on the pages of this testimonial of our great nation, continues to rings true today. In terms of technology we are light-years ahead, yet when it comes to plain old humanity, well, we are pretty much stuck in the mud. Troubles of our past are, still, our troubles of today.
I find it ironic that methods of communication are so far advanced compared to 40+ years ago, yet are we really communicating any better? Different? Yes. Faster? Sure. More often? Probably. Better? Well, that's a debate for another day.
A wise and aged Southerner whom Steinbeck had the pleasure of conversing with, Monsieur Ci Git, said in regard to reaching the end of our troubles (specifically, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s), "It's the meanwhile that frightens me." Me, too.
I think Steinbeck had it right. A man can take a journey or a journey can take a man. Travels with Charlie is one journey that will take you, leave a little of you stuck in the mud, a little bit of you all over this great country.
Some travels are best when begun, some best when done. Some, never end, even after it is over. A journey continued changes you.
If you like tripping in the middle, love books that make you want to turn the last page and then, immediately, the first, all over again, then let Travels with Charlie take you on a journey.
Safe travels my friends.
No comments have been added yet.
