The Hobo Handbook: A Field Guide to Living by Your Own Rules

by Josh Mack

No one said life on the road would be easy. Navigating the rails, mapping bus lines, and hitching rides. Dealing with hunger when you don't have a nickel to chew on. Picking up an odd job here and making a few bucks there. But that's why it's exciting. It's one hell of an adventure.

It's a thrilling road to follow if you're up to the challenge. And this book's your back-pocket saving grace. As you flip to the next flop, you'll need to know how to get by in order to stay one step ahead. Realize: a hobo isn't some bum looking for a handout. You need to be ready to put in the effort.

If you want to make your way in the Jungle and along your route, you need the know-how provided within. This is the textbook to your open-road education.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Robert Risher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't too bad for light, fun reading. It had some good info here and there about living on the street, but it was much less about survival and much more about being a bum. I did really enjoy the end-of-chapter sections on famous people who once lived as hobos. This book wouldn't be on my must-read list, but it isn't terrible either.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hobos were the gentlemen of the road who were willing to work as opposed to tramps and bums who didn't work but stole. The hobo lifestyle started after the American Civil War. The book gives tips and etiquette for living the hobo life, even in modern times. It includes some of their language and signs and is easy to read.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book about nomading, and or hoboing. I think it had good information and I liked the stories at the end of the chapters of people who were hobos at one time.

[DropOfOcean · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into becoming hobo this book does cover a lot of stuff. I was more interested about stories related to the subject so was skipping lots of text but that’s on me as book is what it claims to be.

[Fedogo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Only thing that would make it better are images.

[Walter Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good general understanding of what a hobo lifestyle entails. Really grounds any ideas the general public might have about the hobo lifestyle.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

so, I am reading this book and thoroughly enjoying it. Yet I borrowed it from the library and have to return it soon. I have NOT been able to find another PRINT copy any where!

[Stets · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that I think I would have enjoyed much, much more at age 20.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the most current hobo book I have seen; it includes information about technology and post-9/11 changes. This is not as detailed as Hopping Freight Trains In America by Duffy Littlejohn, but the two together seem to give a pretty complete picture (from my academic point of view, as I have ever hopped a freight train). I wish the book included more actual anecdotal experiences, but as a substitute, it does include the hobo experiences of certain notable historical figures. Overall, a good read.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun read, though not entirely what I expected it will take you on a journey of appreciation for hobos and tramps and the lifestyle they leave. Giving you a background and history of the lifestyle that will surprise you into feeling a little more pity for the creatures. To teaching you how to try it out yourself. Even if your not interested in tramping yourself the humour and fun nature of this book is worth a read. I thought I was in for just another survival guide but what I got was an enlightening laugh into the psych of men who just dont give a..

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a light read and interesting to me. First ever book I read about being a hobo. It didn't give the life style as full of rainbows and glitter. It was very blunt about the hardships.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful!

[Nancy Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful, practical, and informative.

First hand account of a unique lifestyle with easy readability. Was like sharing a adventure with a knowledgeable old friend.