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Spirit of the Road: The Life of an American Trucker...and his cat.
Spirit of the Road: The Life of an American Trucker embarks on a one-year journey across the United States in an eighteen-wheeler. It runs the gambit from a wide-eyed rookie in Commercial Driving school to the eventual embracing of a new lifestyle at a dusty little truck stop in Crab Orchard, Tennessee.
Having made the transition to trucking after spending 20 years in television broadcasting, the author sets a comical tone from the very first chapter in a “fish-out-of-water” story. However, the dangers and challenges of life in a big truck are very real, and the book takes on a more somber tone to describe this aspect of road life. The reader is also introduced to little-known, funny, or unusual historical facts about some of the places visited while they are along for the ride. The objective of this book is to give the reader an entertaining, yet candid, picture of the life of a long haul trucker with a little slice of Americana on the side.
This book always keeps the reader in mind, and strives to both inform and entertain. Another unique feature is the inclusion of a “traveling cat” in the story. The comical and, sometimes, poignant adventures of “Kitty” are interwoven throughout the book and promises to hold appeal for pet lovers.
The trucking lifestyle has been depicted in various television series and movies and, as with any job that holds a degree of adventure and danger, it sparks the interest of the general public. The life of the American trucker still holds a bit of the rugged explorer’s lifestyle. The trucker is usually far from home and uncertain what lies around the next bend. Curiosity about the unknown is an attractive feature to the general reader. Spirit of the Road: The Life of an American Trucker is a book that touches into a cornerstone of a lifestyle that few people know about, but that hides a passionate group that bears further study, namely, truck drivers.
Having made the transition to trucking after spending 20 years in television broadcasting, the author sets a comical tone from the very first chapter in a “fish-out-of-water” story. However, the dangers and challenges of life in a big truck are very real, and the book takes on a more somber tone to describe this aspect of road life. The reader is also introduced to little-known, funny, or unusual historical facts about some of the places visited while they are along for the ride. The objective of this book is to give the reader an entertaining, yet candid, picture of the life of a long haul trucker with a little slice of Americana on the side.
This book always keeps the reader in mind, and strives to both inform and entertain. Another unique feature is the inclusion of a “traveling cat” in the story. The comical and, sometimes, poignant adventures of “Kitty” are interwoven throughout the book and promises to hold appeal for pet lovers.
The trucking lifestyle has been depicted in various television series and movies and, as with any job that holds a degree of adventure and danger, it sparks the interest of the general public. The life of the American trucker still holds a bit of the rugged explorer’s lifestyle. The trucker is usually far from home and uncertain what lies around the next bend. Curiosity about the unknown is an attractive feature to the general reader. Spirit of the Road: The Life of an American Trucker is a book that touches into a cornerstone of a lifestyle that few people know about, but that hides a passionate group that bears further study, namely, truck drivers.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2013
109 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Rick L. Huffman
6 books3 followersRick has been a U.S. Navy Submarine sailor, a local newscast director, an IT technician, a truck driver, and an English teacher among other things. He lives in El Paso, Texas with his beautiful wife and a spoiled German shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 12, 2014
Interesting
This book gives a sense of what it's like to be a long-distance trucker. The nomadic lifestyle sounds appealing until you hear about the physical discomforts, the companies' exploitative labor practices, the strain on family relationships, the near absence of leisure time or exercise. Huffman rightly observes that all the stuff we have, we have only because truckers bring it to us. (His attempt to justify truckers blocking both lanes on a long uphill climb still doesn't hold water. That's just rude and inconsiderate.)
Huffman is at his best when he tells us what happened and how he felt about it. His few attempts at recounting actual conversations don't really ring true. He also should have engaged a copyeditor -- things like "went" for "gone" are jarring, and there were a lot of lesser errors. But the story was interesting enough that I put up with them.
Three stars means it was a good read for one time, but I don't expect I'll ever feel a desire to read it again.
This book gives a sense of what it's like to be a long-distance trucker. The nomadic lifestyle sounds appealing until you hear about the physical discomforts, the companies' exploitative labor practices, the strain on family relationships, the near absence of leisure time or exercise. Huffman rightly observes that all the stuff we have, we have only because truckers bring it to us. (His attempt to justify truckers blocking both lanes on a long uphill climb still doesn't hold water. That's just rude and inconsiderate.)
Huffman is at his best when he tells us what happened and how he felt about it. His few attempts at recounting actual conversations don't really ring true. He also should have engaged a copyeditor -- things like "went" for "gone" are jarring, and there were a lot of lesser errors. But the story was interesting enough that I put up with them.
Three stars means it was a good read for one time, but I don't expect I'll ever feel a desire to read it again.
July 20, 2017
Spirit gets a 4 because I love that Rick shared the world of trucking with readers. His story is an important glimpse into a world that most of us take for granted. Interesting insight. The writing and delivery can use some polishing—if edited well this could be an even better book. Keep at it all going, and thanks for sharing!
June 21, 2016
I enjoyed reading this memoir because it gave a lot of interesting details about the life of an over-the-road trucker. I knew many things from friends who have worked in this life, but still enjoyed reading it. The author's approach is coarse and might not appeal to most of my friends. I really liked Kitty and totally understood the bond the two enjoyed. Definitely a quick read with no deep thinking necessary.
May 22, 2015
Society needs more eye opening books like this one. The author's experiences do lead to a healthy awareness for truckers. They do deserve more respect from all of us, especially the trucking companies the driver works for! It isn't such an easy job. Where would America be without trucks? This books moves moves on at a good pace, full of interesting stories of the road.
April 27, 2014
The true life of an American trucker!!!
I enjoy this book!!__Because I have been there...
Life on the road leaves a lot to be desired. Whether man or woman.
I enjoy this book!!__Because I have been there...
Life on the road leaves a lot to be desired. Whether man or woman.
January 1, 2018
The title is a bit misleading. The story only covers one year of a five-year career of driving. As far as the cat, Kitty is mentioned as a side story through the bulk of the work. It isn’t until the last chapter does Rick actually start talking about his passenger.
I’ve worked in construction for over thirty years and have had plenty of experiences with truckers and dispatchers. The author does nail this on the head. They have a love-hate relationship. Several times I would give dispatchers exact instructions on what type of trailer to bring and the hours our yard would be opened. Invariably, simple instructions were apparently too easy to follow. I request a flat bed and they’d send a load in a box. The driver would have to go back to the terminal and either switch out trailers or move the load so our forks would reach. Other times they’d show up at 10:00pm or later as I was locking up the yard. They had two choices, park in the yard until 7:00am or stay at a hotel. Most of the drivers didn’t get upset, but the occasional one would show his ass and spend the night at a hotel or somewhere off my lot.
Now, let’s talk about storytelling. As I know many drivers, whether they’re OTR or Entertainment bus drivers, their stories are flowery and for the most part interesting and engaging. This story is anything but that. It’s more of a chronological account of his first year on the road and all of the deliveries he made. What helped the story along is, Rick did a lot of historical research on many of the towns, hamlets and cities he visited over the years. Triple A or Michelin might be interested in using this as a travel guide. For that, it was worth the read.
Other than that, it’s not very exciting. Remember that long, boring history book you had to read in junior high, high school or the college prep course? This is its companion. Granted, there are some great moments of storytelling, especially when he’s in Big Sky Country. The descriptions of the beauty and serenity of this part of the United States is excellent. Too bad it didn’t filter through the rest of the tale.
There are some minor grammatical issues, but nothing to detract from the story.
I always look for consistency in a tale and this one needs help.
EX: One time, he doesn’t use a pee jug, then he does, then he doesn’t. Which is it? Yes or no?
He mentions a horrific traffic accident and then never mentions where or when it happened. I understand not going into details, but it was brought up and then nothing. Don’t bring it up if you’re not going to following through.
Sever pain in his shoulder and arm. We are led to believe the pain is excruciating, And then nothing for another chapter.
The story has a lot of potential, but Rick needs to clear his mind and go back and re-read this with a fresh set of eyes.
If you’re thinking about becoming an eighteen wheel driver, this will give a good insight into the glamorous world you’re about to venture into.
Three stars
I’ve worked in construction for over thirty years and have had plenty of experiences with truckers and dispatchers. The author does nail this on the head. They have a love-hate relationship. Several times I would give dispatchers exact instructions on what type of trailer to bring and the hours our yard would be opened. Invariably, simple instructions were apparently too easy to follow. I request a flat bed and they’d send a load in a box. The driver would have to go back to the terminal and either switch out trailers or move the load so our forks would reach. Other times they’d show up at 10:00pm or later as I was locking up the yard. They had two choices, park in the yard until 7:00am or stay at a hotel. Most of the drivers didn’t get upset, but the occasional one would show his ass and spend the night at a hotel or somewhere off my lot.
Now, let’s talk about storytelling. As I know many drivers, whether they’re OTR or Entertainment bus drivers, their stories are flowery and for the most part interesting and engaging. This story is anything but that. It’s more of a chronological account of his first year on the road and all of the deliveries he made. What helped the story along is, Rick did a lot of historical research on many of the towns, hamlets and cities he visited over the years. Triple A or Michelin might be interested in using this as a travel guide. For that, it was worth the read.
Other than that, it’s not very exciting. Remember that long, boring history book you had to read in junior high, high school or the college prep course? This is its companion. Granted, there are some great moments of storytelling, especially when he’s in Big Sky Country. The descriptions of the beauty and serenity of this part of the United States is excellent. Too bad it didn’t filter through the rest of the tale.
There are some minor grammatical issues, but nothing to detract from the story.
I always look for consistency in a tale and this one needs help.
EX: One time, he doesn’t use a pee jug, then he does, then he doesn’t. Which is it? Yes or no?
He mentions a horrific traffic accident and then never mentions where or when it happened. I understand not going into details, but it was brought up and then nothing. Don’t bring it up if you’re not going to following through.
Sever pain in his shoulder and arm. We are led to believe the pain is excruciating, And then nothing for another chapter.
The story has a lot of potential, but Rick needs to clear his mind and go back and re-read this with a fresh set of eyes.
If you’re thinking about becoming an eighteen wheel driver, this will give a good insight into the glamorous world you’re about to venture into.
Three stars
May 3, 2021
I'm not sure anyone would want to become a trucker after reading Spirit of the Road. The author, Rick L. Huffman does a good job of showing the few joys and the many frustrations and the monotony of the trucking life.
I don't know how he remembered each delivery, all the stops, the places, the loads and the roads but he may have had his memory jogged by his log. It reads like the old country song, I've Been Everywhere, Man. It was cool that he took the time to look up (and footnote) many of the cities and places he went. He told a little of the history, how the cities and towns got their names and even some interesting landmarks to be on the lookout for.
I much appreciated the short chapters, but still my attention was waning toward the end of the book. I think Huffman (and kitty) gave trucking a good earnest try and this book really shows how much desire, dedication and patience an over the road trucker must have. I couldn't believe how many dead end roads there are!
Here are a couple high notes:
"I actually liked the smell of diesel as I walked into a truck stop after shutting down for the evening. The rumble of the powerful engines served as an odd lullaby."
"The aroma of a truck stop restaurant is curiously comforting. The smell of greasy breakfast food and stale cigarettes blends perfectly with the lively conversation of truckers."
"For the first time, maybe ever, I understood that attitude is a state of mind rather than a result of events."
I don't know how he remembered each delivery, all the stops, the places, the loads and the roads but he may have had his memory jogged by his log. It reads like the old country song, I've Been Everywhere, Man. It was cool that he took the time to look up (and footnote) many of the cities and places he went. He told a little of the history, how the cities and towns got their names and even some interesting landmarks to be on the lookout for.
I much appreciated the short chapters, but still my attention was waning toward the end of the book. I think Huffman (and kitty) gave trucking a good earnest try and this book really shows how much desire, dedication and patience an over the road trucker must have. I couldn't believe how many dead end roads there are!
Here are a couple high notes:
"I actually liked the smell of diesel as I walked into a truck stop after shutting down for the evening. The rumble of the powerful engines served as an odd lullaby."
"The aroma of a truck stop restaurant is curiously comforting. The smell of greasy breakfast food and stale cigarettes blends perfectly with the lively conversation of truckers."
"For the first time, maybe ever, I understood that attitude is a state of mind rather than a result of events."
March 1, 2023
I was very impressed with his efforts on this. I didn't get the feeling he was an "always wanted to be a writer" sort of guy, but he was certainly smart enough and introspective enough to come up with an excellent memoir. You got to appreciate truckers, just a little bit, after reading this. The stereotype (fat, vulgar, loose of morals and rude) is not always true--a whole lot of them are decent guys who just want to make a living. And the obstacles against them are many--trucking companies, dispatchers, delivery docks, rain, snow, ice, narrow roads, unmarked routes, and even an occasional low bridge can really ruin a trucker's day.
I think the real reason he wrote this memoir was to have a chance to publish an ode to his cat, Kitty. Kitty traveled the many miles with him and even when she grew too old and went into retirement at home, she still wanted to keep on going.
As to recommending this, well, I enjoyed it. But I have to admit that it seemed a little shallow on detail at times, especially when something spectacularly idiotic or frightening happened. I guess it was hard to take detailed notes while you were jackknifed in a loading dock with half your trailer sticking out into traffic.
And also I admit that after about halfway through the book, I got bored with his insistence on adding little "one liner descriptions" of all the places he traveled to. So-and-so is famous for a something that closed down in sometime because of problems with the such-and-such. It got really old, but then, nothing that you can't blip over while reading.
I think the real reason he wrote this memoir was to have a chance to publish an ode to his cat, Kitty. Kitty traveled the many miles with him and even when she grew too old and went into retirement at home, she still wanted to keep on going.
As to recommending this, well, I enjoyed it. But I have to admit that it seemed a little shallow on detail at times, especially when something spectacularly idiotic or frightening happened. I guess it was hard to take detailed notes while you were jackknifed in a loading dock with half your trailer sticking out into traffic.
And also I admit that after about halfway through the book, I got bored with his insistence on adding little "one liner descriptions" of all the places he traveled to. So-and-so is famous for a something that closed down in sometime because of problems with the such-and-such. It got really old, but then, nothing that you can't blip over while reading.
September 25, 2017
The book held my interest most of the time, and it didn't take me long to read it. I felt that the author was giving a true picture of the life of a trucker, one who is a decent, hard-working, intelligent man who decided to try trucking for a few years after having worked in the broadcasting industry previously.
Reading this book was a way for me to learn what it would be like to have trucking as an occupation although I have never thought I would like to drive all day every day. I was under the impression that a trucker worked for one specific company, hauling only one product for that company. I had no idea how far a trucker would drive in one day and had never thought about the problems a trucker might have finding his destination, backing up to a dock, finding a place to park for the night, lifting heavy tarps, and waiting and waiting and waiting in line.
Although I did find several typos and one modifying clause that should have been reworded, I was able to keep reading in spite of the errors because I found the author to be a good writer. I did wonder about his assignments in Week 44 because they seemed too far apart, but that could be due to my not having a map in front of me.
I appreciated the fact that the author did not pepper the text with f-bombs. There were some words that would not be proper in Sunday School, but the book was not filled with offending words. I am glad that I read the book and now have a better understanding of what one of my cousins did for a living for many years. And I might just pump my arm the next time I see a semi on the highway - the way my friends and I did when we were teenagers.
Reading this book was a way for me to learn what it would be like to have trucking as an occupation although I have never thought I would like to drive all day every day. I was under the impression that a trucker worked for one specific company, hauling only one product for that company. I had no idea how far a trucker would drive in one day and had never thought about the problems a trucker might have finding his destination, backing up to a dock, finding a place to park for the night, lifting heavy tarps, and waiting and waiting and waiting in line.
Although I did find several typos and one modifying clause that should have been reworded, I was able to keep reading in spite of the errors because I found the author to be a good writer. I did wonder about his assignments in Week 44 because they seemed too far apart, but that could be due to my not having a map in front of me.
I appreciated the fact that the author did not pepper the text with f-bombs. There were some words that would not be proper in Sunday School, but the book was not filled with offending words. I am glad that I read the book and now have a better understanding of what one of my cousins did for a living for many years. And I might just pump my arm the next time I see a semi on the highway - the way my friends and I did when we were teenagers.
November 25, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author. At first I thought there was just a lot of I went here and then went there to drop off a load and somewhere else to pick up another one. But pretty soon I found myself enjoying the story more and more. There is a lot of driving around because that's the job. But the author tells little details about all the different places he's been to. And who could resist Kitty? I learned a lot of things about the trucking business and truck drivers. And he even mentions my home town. I'm looking forward to reading his first novel. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2017
This book just happen to come up on my book site and with interest because of my son. My son just left his job and is returning to truck driving after many years off the road. The kids are grown and he wasn't happy any longer doing what he had done. So it will be interesting to hear about the changes in the trucking industry and the life on the road and Rick has given his thoughts on it with his cat Kitty. Now I will see what my son says as he heads back to this life style.
I also enjoy reading about traveling around our great country and the sights and people that you meet.
I also enjoy reading about traveling around our great country and the sights and people that you meet.
September 8, 2018
An interesting view into the events leading up to (and following) the transition of the author from desk-jockey to Over-The-Road (OTR) semi-driver. At times the narrative is thoughtful, other times it is humorous and throughout it is brutally honest about the highs, lows and muddy reality of being a trucker in our cities and on our highways. One part that I especially enjoyed is how Rick often intersperses his story with interesting trivia about the many places that he visited during his time behind the wheel of a big rig.
May 1, 2021
Picked this up to read because my son use to be a long haul trucker.. if he went through half what this author did really have to give him kudos!! Thank goodness he drives more local now and is able to be home every night. Doesn't mean I still don't worry about him being out there on the road with all the stupid 4 wheelers for sure! When I use to go on road trips I liked to get in line with a trucker or two and was always courteous to them, flashing my lights to let them know when they could change lanes and such.. do people still do that??
January 28, 2018
Well written and interesting
Enjoyable from beginning to end - great look inside an industry that impacts all our lives - and such a great pleasure to read about Kitty! Very worthwhile read!
Enjoyable from beginning to end - great look inside an industry that impacts all our lives - and such a great pleasure to read about Kitty! Very worthwhile read!
September 19, 2020
Fun read about life on the road
I enjoyed the book immensely, as any pet loving and hard working folks would. I cannot imagine being a truck driver. Seems like a thankless job inside and out. Thanks for your driving!
I enjoyed the book immensely, as any pet loving and hard working folks would. I cannot imagine being a truck driver. Seems like a thankless job inside and out. Thanks for your driving!
June 11, 2022
interesting
Enjoyable read on a topic I don’t know much about…I enjoyed this book and have even more appreciation for truck drivers!
Enjoyable read on a topic I don’t know much about…I enjoyed this book and have even more appreciation for truck drivers!
June 4, 2025
A little repetitive
August 10, 2016
I liked this book. We see truckers on the road frequently. They are just a part of normal traffic. Some drive locally for a town based company and are able to be home every night but many drive over the road to distant towns and cities most of us aren't even familiar with. This book tells the story of the truckers themselves . The person behind the wheel. His/her daily challenges and the human side of being a trucker. The personal inconvenience of not having access to daily showers and bathroom facilities. The loneliness of the open road and the distance between stops. It's a lifestyle most of us don't even think about when we see 18 wheelers on the interstate. I think it takes a certain personality to accomplish this profession. A love of driving vast distances,dealing with traffic, bad weather, road conditions and the constant threat of accidents from irresponsible drivers. I also was unaware that a trucker could take a cat with him on the road. She brought him much joy and companionship. I will think about the driver behind the wheel in an 18 wheeler differently the next time I see the truck on the interstate or on a crowded city street. A very interesting read.
October 9, 2016
Not the most stellar book title going on but something about this book grabbed my attention. Truck driving is not my normal subject of choice. But as my reviews have shown you are often rewarded when you move out of your comfort zone.
So was this book worth the gamble? In my humble opinion hell yeah I had a blast reading this book and I already have some more truck tales lined up. Spirit of the road tells the story of a middle aged rookie as he starts his new career as a interstate truck driver. It takes us through all the ups and downs of the industry as seen from the drivers seat.
So was this book worth the gamble? In my humble opinion hell yeah I had a blast reading this book and I already have some more truck tales lined up. Spirit of the road tells the story of a middle aged rookie as he starts his new career as a interstate truck driver. It takes us through all the ups and downs of the industry as seen from the drivers seat.
September 6, 2020
This book about a trucker was actually mostly about trucking, unlike the other one I read recently. Once I while I felt there was too much detail about the loads and destinations, but I suppose that's an important part of the trucker's life so it makes sense to have all that. The asides about some of the places his driving career took him were fun additions, and of course I loved that he had a cat with him.
February 29, 2016
Being a trucker
This is the story of a man who gave up an unsatisfying desk job to learn how to drive an 18-wheeler and become a professional driver. The chapters of the book correspond to one or two weeks on the road, detailing the problems he encountered and the people he met. It is an easy way to learn about life on the road, and what it means to live a highly-regulated, but very random life.
This is the story of a man who gave up an unsatisfying desk job to learn how to drive an 18-wheeler and become a professional driver. The chapters of the book correspond to one or two weeks on the road, detailing the problems he encountered and the people he met. It is an easy way to learn about life on the road, and what it means to live a highly-regulated, but very random life.
February 20, 2016
Extra star because the author got to write the book he wanted to write.
A year in the life of a novice over the road truck driver. I can't say it was exciting or moved right along, but it was interesting to read Huffman's trials and tribulations as a novice driver. Taking his cat along with him on the road was an interesting side bar.
A year in the life of a novice over the road truck driver. I can't say it was exciting or moved right along, but it was interesting to read Huffman's trials and tribulations as a novice driver. Taking his cat along with him on the road was an interesting side bar.
December 21, 2013
What could have been an interesting book was filled with wooden bland writing.
March 2, 2014
Having known guys who were trucks drivers, this is a nice insight in life on the road.
June 14, 2014
This is a really interesting journal of the author's first year as a trucker.
Read
November 16, 2017not what I expected
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews