Travels With Charley

by John Steinbeck
Travels With Charley cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Travel and Adventure
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3391
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780141186108
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2001-03-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 1960, at the age of nearly 60, John Steinbeck felt disconnected from the United States he once knew. Determined to reconnect with the country's sights, sounds, and people, he set out on a journey across nearly 40 states in a pick-up truck, accompanied only by his French poodle, Charley. This book chronicles his travels and the profound experiences he encountered along the way./n/nSteinbeck's journey is not just a physical one but also a deeply personal and introspective exploration. Through his interactions with diverse individuals and his observations of the changing landscape, he captures the spirit of America in a way that is both nostalgic and timeless. The bond between Steinbeck and Charley adds a heartwarming dimension to the narrative, making it a unique blend of travelogue and memoir.

Reviews
The Atlantic · 2025-10-18
timeless 4.75

The book is to be read slowly for its savor, and it holds happy passages that will be quoted and measured by our own experiences.

The Atlantic's review of 'Travels with Charley' emphasizes the book's rich, savory writing that invites readers to take their time and savor each passage. They appreciate the book's ability to evoke personal experiences and reflections, making it a deeply engaging read. The reviewer highlights the happy passages that will stay with readers long after they finish the book, noting that Steinbeck's observations and storytelling are both timeless and deeply resonant.

Quick quotes

    This is a book to be read slowly for its savor, and one which, like Thoreau, will be quoted and measured by our own experience.

    It holds such happy passages as ...

    The book is to be read slowly for its savor, and it holds happy passages that will be quoted and measured by our own experiences.

Sam Still Reading · 2024-09-04
insightful 4.50

The writing is fantastic and Steinbeck's thoughts on America are eerily modern. The book offers a unique perspective on the country and its people.

The reviewer at Sam Still Reading praises 'Travels with Charley' for its fantastic writing and Steinbeck's eerily modern thoughts on America. They appreciate the unique perspective Steinbeck offers, making the book a compelling read. The reviewer finds Steinbeck's observations about the country and its people to be particularly insightful and relevant, even today. They highlight the book's ability to capture the essence of America in a way that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Quick quotes

    John Steinbeck travels through America, hoping to reconnect with his country and see where it is going.

    The good: Fantastic writing and eerily modern thoughts.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the country and its people.

Miller's Book Review · Joel J Miller · 2024-07-03
thoughtful 4.00

The book is a timeless exploration of America and its people, offering a blend of personal reflection and social commentary. The journey is both nostalgic and thought-provoking, capturing the essence of a changing nation.

Joel J Miller's review of 'Travels with Charley' highlights the book's enduring relevance and Steinbeck's skillful storytelling. He appreciates the way Steinbeck blends personal anecdotes with broader observations about American society, making the journey feel both intimate and universal. Miller notes that the book's themes of identity and change resonate strongly today, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in American culture and history. However, he also points out that some of the book's reflections on race and social issues may feel dated to modern readers.

Quick quotes

    Travels with Charley was the sixth book in my classic memoir goal for 2024.

    Here's what I've reviewed so far and what's in store for the rest ...

    The book is a timeless exploration of America and its people, offering a blend of personal reflection and social commentary.

Appears in Lists