Within the last month I blogged about re-reading a book that I had read many years ago…Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon. If you have not read it, it’s about a one-year trip he took in the latter 1970’s. After separating from his wife and losing his job as an English teacher in a small college in Missouri because of a faltering economy, in a basic small Ford Van, he built a wooden bunk, loading the unit with minimal supplies and headed off alone on a 13,000 mile circular trip around the United States. The story documents the places he visited and people he met along the way. It’s become a quasi-classic.
Like most authors who achieve some positive results, he set about seeking a sequel(s). I must say he publishes big books. They are 6×9 inches and about 500 pages.
His second book is about an in-depth look at Chase County, Kansas…supposedly the geographical center-point of the United States. I tried to read it…got about 50 pages in…and just gave up…something I rarely do to a book…but I just do not do well with boring…even in a book. I need to mention that being of a Native American decent and an English teacher…gives him a somewhat awkward style of writing…at least for me. So, his second book…PrarieErth gets a big NO from me.
His third book River Horse gets the Possible Maybe. This books documents his four-month crossing of the interior of the United States…by boat. Unlike his Blue Highways trip…this time he has several different travel companions during the course of the trip. I”m into this book about 100 pages and so far haven’t quit…although I’m finding it struggling at times.
I’m not sure why it is…but sequels never seem to be as good as the originals. According to the books covers all three of his books were on the New York Times best-sellers list. Perhaps you might enjoy reading his books…maybe it’s just me. I just believe I shouldn’t have to struggle with a book. So my Possible Maybe for this book means it’s just possible and maybe that I might not quit and actually finish this book.
Here’s another of my sayings…”Why are a good book and an RV alike?…Because they both can take you to wonderful places!”
All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2011
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Que Sera, Sera... Whatever Will Be, Will Be... 