Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating, page turning read, 2 April 2008
Part travel log and part misadventure the book becomes something a lot more. If the story of an unchained, coast to coast road trip in a classic 1970's Ford (The story, Dave Gorman and the concept are the stars here but its run mightily close by that car) isn't enough the author throws in observations by the bucket load and plenty of charm to boot. An Its inspiring read, thoughtful throughout and manages to retain just enough silliness to keep you turning the pages. Transcends others thanks to a brilliant attention to detail and gives you a fascinating insight into an America many of us will, sadly it seems on the evidence here, only read about rather than experience. Highly recommended.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Chuckles aplenty, 19 April 2008
After the Googlewhack Adventure, Are You Dave Gorman and other Astrological Experiment, driving from coast to coast without patronizing any chained establishments might not seem such a crazy idea, and it isn't either, but the plan stopped here so bring in Dave Gorman's spontaneity, curious mind and humour; drop in some uncontrolable events and you get a joyous roadtrip through small-town America. It made me want to stand up and hug those good people out there who still fight The Man(tm) and are content with getting by in a lifestyle they've chosen and like.
This book is funny, charming, warm and inspiring.
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13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well written, flawed concept., 11 April 2008
I don't know how original this book really is. The idea, certainly, must be one that has appealed to many a student in their university days, and I dare say a few must have actually tried it. Driving coast to coast from the states you say? Doing it in a big, classic American car? Avoiding the 'big chains' and looking for the 'real America'? I'm sure I can vaguely recall coming up with all these ideas myself at some point, whilst younger and perhaps slightly tipsy in the Union Bar. I've never done it, though one day I'd love to, but if I were looking for a book to give me the inspiration I needed to finally get the wheels on the road, this wouldn't be it.
The concept, in case you don't already know, is to drive from Los Angeles to New York, without giving money to 'The Man' - which, in practice seems to mean not eating in chain restaurants, not staying in chain hotels, and not filling up the car with chain-bought petrol. And nothing else, really. It really doesn't get any more complicated than that - eating, sleeping and fuelling a motor seem to be the only times that this 'challenge' becomes really relevant. Yet it's the challenge of being non-corporate that takes massive precedence over any insight into the American way of life. Perhaps, as I believe it's inhabitants often tell us, the Midwest really is big, empty, and not all that exciting. Perhaps there really aren't that many diversions there to speak of. But honestly, anyone who's ever run out of petrol before will find a 200 page book on the subject probably a little dull, whether the car's being driven through Manchester or Mississippi. The bottom line is, Dave Gorman's rigid adherence to the challenge he sets himself doesn't really leave him a lot of wiggle-room in writing a book that remains engaging throughout.
That said though, Gorman is a good enough, and entertaining enough writer to ensure that, despite the lack of quality subject matter, the book is readable and enjoyable from cover to cover. He has a very lighthearted tone, at all times, and captures the flavour of being a Brit-abroad very well. His style, including little maps, diagrams and of course the mandatory photographs of the places he's been and people he's met sit well in the book, and help illustrate the narrative nicely. He even manages some fantastically, and perhaps even profound insights into everything from Mormonism to human goodness.
But in reality, these moments are too thin on the ground, before we return to the common theme - what if they run out of petrol?
An enjoyable read, but he could have done with a little more to write about.
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