At the age of 52 and with a shoestring budget, Peter Millar set about rediscovering the United States by following the last traces of the technological wonder that created the country in the first place - the railroad. On a rail network ravaged and reduced he managed to cross the continent in slow motion, talking to people and taking in their stories and concerns while watching the vast landscape unfold. Wry, witty, intelligent and always observant, this ''inland empire'' should appeal to modern Britons keen to get beneath the skin of this influential nation.
All Gone to Look for America
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By G. W. Walker
Format:Paperback
Well done Peter Millar ! The Northern Irishman gives a thoroughly engrossing , witty , and informative account of travel across America in that much maligned - and often overlooked -form of slow transport : the Amtrak train . However , its not an rail anorak's book at all . He uses the train as a means to an end to explore the cities , out of the way places , and people across this vast and diverse country - with scenery along the way . And nowhere does it more close up - warts and all - than spending a few weeks travelling by train .
Along the way he vistits NYC , Buffalo / Niagara , Chicago , Seattle , Sacramento , Reno , Salt Lake City , Denver , LA , and New Orleans , among others . His style is perhaps more Paul Theroux than Bill Bryson but I found his style thoroughly engaging with his take on inner city decay , the decline of the rail system and the people who use it , the Mormon church , American beer , the Civil War , and many other sights and people on the way . A rare mix of intelligent writing with a twinkle in the eye . Informative without being boring , opinionated without being arrogant , and amusing without being crass . Perfect !
Can't praise this book highly enough and even has me contemplating about doing a similar journey myself sometime in the future .
Along the way he vistits NYC , Buffalo / Niagara , Chicago , Seattle , Sacramento , Reno , Salt Lake City , Denver , LA , and New Orleans , among others . His style is perhaps more Paul Theroux than Bill Bryson but I found his style thoroughly engaging with his take on inner city decay , the decline of the rail system and the people who use it , the Mormon church , American beer , the Civil War , and many other sights and people on the way . A rare mix of intelligent writing with a twinkle in the eye . Informative without being boring , opinionated without being arrogant , and amusing without being crass . Perfect !
Can't praise this book highly enough and even has me contemplating about doing a similar journey myself sometime in the future .
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By P. Butler
Format:Paperback
This book could have been called, 'Places not to visit in America'. However, such is the skill of the author; his discription of so many soulless dying cities is entertaining.
Peter Miller has a genious for describing people. He combines this with the research he has done on the area, and then adds his own often humorous view of the world.
He has inspired me to go to the more unusual places in the USA.
Peter Miller has a genious for describing people. He combines this with the research he has done on the area, and then adds his own often humorous view of the world.
He has inspired me to go to the more unusual places in the USA.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Thoroughly enjoyed book. Personally very familiar with most places he stopped eg Seattle, Spokane, Sacramento, New York City to name a few but not Malta MN Reno NV New Orleans LA and Memphis TN . A couple of years ago. I crossed USA by Amtrak North Carolina to Pennsylvania, Chicago, Albuquerque NM and Los Angeles so I could relate well to trains. In April this year I also experienced Amtrak again in NE USA.. I use crutches now (recent two titanium knees replacement} and they cared.
I agree with Peter Millar, their staff are excellent and friendly and to me most helpful I even use the word "kind".
The book was perfectly balanced... sadly I am allergic to beer so cannot comment on that score. I thought his style reminded me of Bill Bryson. His understanding of the American pluses and minuses were right on !
I wholly recommend the book to anyone planning to visit the real USA beyond Florida or shopping in New York City or to anyone, who wishes to get a deep insight into America at this time If tempted to visit! read the book !!
Robert Barron
I agree with Peter Millar, their staff are excellent and friendly and to me most helpful I even use the word "kind".
The book was perfectly balanced... sadly I am allergic to beer so cannot comment on that score. I thought his style reminded me of Bill Bryson. His understanding of the American pluses and minuses were right on !
I wholly recommend the book to anyone planning to visit the real USA beyond Florida or shopping in New York City or to anyone, who wishes to get a deep insight into America at this time If tempted to visit! read the book !!
Robert Barron
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Travel Book I've Ever Read
As someone who has lately fallen in love with holidaying in the USA and has gorged themselves on US travel books, I cant recommend this title enough. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Gerald Martin Farrell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Right tracks
Peter Millar's background in journalism comes to the fore in this brilliant piece of reportage - not for nothing was he Foreign Correspondent of the Year back in '89. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mark Porter
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Quite What It says On The Tin
I enjoyed very much the descriptions of American cities and their sights together with the author's experiences of them. Read more
Published on 6 May 2011 by Mr. Stephen D. Wassell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic. Inspired me to save for my own trip
I've always loved the books of Bill Bryson and decided that I should give someone else a chance to compete - and compete Mr Millar certainly did. Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2011 by Ed Minty
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great travel book
I came across this book by accident but what a great find. Peter Millar sets out on a journey to discover America, by train! Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2011 by PMuss
5.0 out of 5 stars
Watch your step when detraining ....
I read this after seeing a review in the Times - really hit a chord for me as I did something very similar in 1990/91, using a 45 day Amtrak pass to travel coast to coast starting... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2011 by Rob Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ambling with Amtrak
Having ridden the Amtrak system extensively over the past 11 years I just loved this book and couldn't put it down. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2010 by babbage64
5.0 out of 5 stars
Could not put it down
This is a great read. Ive read everything by Bill Bryson and have recently finished Travels with Charley By John Steinback and this is up there with the great travel reads. Read more
Published on 15 May 2009 by Mr. S. Braiden
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's What you Read Travel Books for
Peter Millar's newest book, All Gone to Look for America, is a primer for anyone who has ever thought of taking Amtrak around the US, or for anyone who would prefer to read about... Read more
Published on 17 April 2009 by Brian Mcmaster
5.0 out of 5 stars
And He Finds America Too
The author doesn't attempt any Brysonesque humour, but this is nevertheless a clear, well-written and entertaining account of his journey round the USA by rail. Read more
Published on 10 April 2009 by Bad Bear
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