Travels with Charley in Search of America

Liked the last portion about his observations in the South during desegregation, and how he presented various viewpoints from different characters perspectives objectively. Gave a nuanced understanding of the feelings about race from the human experience vs the moral and political.

I bought a truck camper and this book, and headed off for the woods. What great writing, what great adventure! Steinbeck was able to see so much in so little. I learned about Americans without driving very many miles.

Enjoyed his tales of this trip with this dog. Remind me of my husband and my trips with our dog in various parts of this country. Being from Alabama, the account of his experiences and the South was very disturbing. I hope we're past all that now.

The book was very interesting at the beginning, but went back in fourth between actual events in the book, and John Steinbeck thinking and remembering things. Mostly, it was interesting, but for folks from 2015 it bits of it didn't make sense. It was written in '62 so it does add up. For a book written when it was, it catches your interest pretty well. I would recommend this book to most most people, just not kids under 13. Overall, it was a good book to last you a month or two of reading.

Travels with Charley is one of my favorite books and one of the few that I have read over and over again. I want here to especially recommend the Gary Sinise reading of the book for Classics on Cassette. Sinise has played and directed in productions of other Steinbeck works, and he reads the book in an engaging manner that I suspect reflects his own love for the book. I have listened to part of the Recorded Books version on CD and enjoyed it far less. I do hope the Gary Sinise version comes out on CD soon.

Steinbeck is of course one of the great American writers, but this book gives the reader insight into the personality of the author. Traveling across America with only his French speaking Poodle for companionship, Steinbeck reveals himself as a keen observer of the American spirit as well as the unfolding political times of Civil Rights. Through all his travel incidents he maintains his humor and treats the reader to many enjoyable moments. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with a desire for a good read and certainly to anyone interested to learn more about the man who wrote so many American classics.

At a time when there is such nasty dissension & little hope of “our leaders” climbing out of the cesspool ,what joy to escape into this beautifully written observation of our truly beautiful,diverse country with its flawed but (mostly) well meaning various tribes.

Steinbeck's tone is jovial and leads the reader on. His narrative is easy and enjoyable to read. It is also very much a product of its time. Writing in a period that was defined by the turmoil that attended racial integration, Steinbeck captures the character of the era well. Besides being enjoyable as a travel book, the work captures a snapshot of one of the most significant changes that occured in the period it was written.

Steinbeck is a joy to read. He struggles with the book himself and admits this. However it is a good look back at his impression of events during the late 60's. Of course things have changed, but not all and his impressions and reflections still hold true for many issues.

Reading Steinbeck today, one can understand why he continues to remain a superb author. This book makes you want to experience for your self what so many of us can't do. Those that can, should take this book along and read as you go. Think I'll go rent a camper and see what I have been missing.

Please, do yourself a favor and read this book. I have always been a fan of Steinbeck and honestly, this is one of my favorite books of his. A really great read, and readable in a weekend too!

Cheers

Re-read this wonderful book this year. It was wonderful to read it with 2014 eyes, and the book says as much about 1970s America as it does about Steinbeck and his journey across the country with his beloved poodle, Charley. Well worth another look. As always, Steinbeck's writing is great.

Steinbeck at his most personal best. The stories that he tells as he meanders around the United States are wonderful snapshots of an almost forgotten America yet one that still exists if you are willing to drive around this great country. Steinbeck was a great listener as well as a great writer.

A nostalgic quest through 1960 America, a man and his dog in a camper. Wrapped up far too quickly but long trips like that tend to go that way. Charlie sort of steals the show for me but then I have a soft spot for poodles. Not sure whether this is entirely factual or not but it doesn't matter to me: it's entertaining and thats what I wanted.

A nostalgic quest through 1960 America, a man and his dog in a camper. Wrapped up far too quickly but long trips like that tend to go that way. Charlie sort of steals the show for me but then I have a soft spot for poodles. Not sure whether this is entirely factual or not but it doesn't matter to me: it's entertaining and thats what I wanted.

I love the way Steinbeck writes, he is simply brilliant. This book was so much fun to read, and it really gives you an insight to Steinbeck's thoughts on America and people in general.

The ending wasn't as strong as I hoped, but nonetheless it was still great.

This a journal of an ordinary person touching the experiences of being in a free society. Free to travel, free to speak and listen and to question. A nice read that encourages its reader to visit the adventure long after the last page is turned. Beautiful

Good read in parts but inconsistent. (Especially vs. other Steinbeck books)
End of book seemed abbreviated (final few episodes including his time in Texas and the south) vs earlier part of book.
Charlie, Steinbeck's dog, also seemed to get somewhat lost in the shuffle as the book went on. (Early stuff on Charley was hilarious and vintage Steinbeck.)
Still a pretty good read in spite of these things.

I am from California and this was mandatory reading when I was in Middle school. I bought it for a friend who just bought a camper and we read it on a trip. 40 years later and I still love it. I love Steinbeck and this book does not disappoint. Good read from any age.