Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
New York Ballantine 1984
Description
Hailed as a masterpiece of American travel writing, Blue Highways is an unforgettable journey along our nation's backroads. William Least-Heat-Moon set out with little more than the need to put home behind him and a sense of curiosity about "those little towns that get on the map--if they get on at all--only because some cartographer has a blank space to fill: Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; New Freedom, Pennsylvania; New Hope, Tennessee; Why, Arizona; Whynot Mississippi." His adventures, his discoveries, and his recollections of the extraordinary people he encountered along the way amount to a revelation of the true American experience.
Media reviews
Kirkus Reviews
[William Least] Heat Moon climbed into his Econoline van and drove 12,000 miles down the back roads of America — and recorded it all in this big, richly detailed book. ... Heat Moon writes from the perspective of "a contaminated man who will be trusted by neither red nor white." His Indian mind
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feels an especially violent antipathy to the wasteland of ecocidal capitalism, but his white mind knows how tenuous his red roots are. ... An immensely appealing performance. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
For the past few days as I read Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon I have been glued to my computer so that I could use the Google maps to follow along with his journey. In 1978 after seeing his marriage fall apart and then his teaching job disappear, William Least Heat-Moon climbed into his
Setting off on the road with no set destination, just living moment by moment, I was green with envy. I would love to simply pack up and hit the roads for a tour around North America. The author travelled on very little money or comfort items, but managed to explore his country and meet and talk with some extremely interesting people all the while coming to terms with who he was and where he wanted to be. The book is rich in details of the trip. The sights, smells and tastes of America are detailed by this talented observer. By the time he headed for home in Missouri, he had completely circled the country.
As I read the book and checked the maps I was saddened by the changes that have occurred since then. Many of the roads have changed or no longer exist, and the same can be said for many of the small towns. Some have been swallowed up by ever expanding cities and some have just disappeared. It’s been over forty years since Blue Highways was published so at times this book seems more like a testament to days gone by. This became a journey of heart, mind and spirit for the author but he always kept America front and centre as the main character and delivers a wonderful road trip travelogue full of wit, humor and truth.
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van and set off to explore the byways of America. He tried to avoid all major routes and stick to the secondary roads that are marked by blue on the maps, hence the name of the book. Setting off on the road with no set destination, just living moment by moment, I was green with envy. I would love to simply pack up and hit the roads for a tour around North America. The author travelled on very little money or comfort items, but managed to explore his country and meet and talk with some extremely interesting people all the while coming to terms with who he was and where he wanted to be. The book is rich in details of the trip. The sights, smells and tastes of America are detailed by this talented observer. By the time he headed for home in Missouri, he had completely circled the country.
As I read the book and checked the maps I was saddened by the changes that have occurred since then. Many of the roads have changed or no longer exist, and the same can be said for many of the small towns. Some have been swallowed up by ever expanding cities and some have just disappeared. It’s been over forty years since Blue Highways was published so at times this book seems more like a testament to days gone by. This became a journey of heart, mind and spirit for the author but he always kept America front and centre as the main character and delivers a wonderful road trip travelogue full of wit, humor and truth.
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LibraryThing member whitreidtan
After losing his job and having his marriage crumble, Least Heat Moon sets off on a journey around the country, traveling slowly, along blue highways (state and local routes marked in blue on his maps), meeting the people and examining the small, forgotten places along these back roads. He drives
The narrative, as would seem appropriate, is loaded with descriptions of the areas in which he is driving so the reader sees the shift in the physical landscape as Least Heat Moon loops around the country. There is also very much a personal, introspective theme running through the pages. Least Heat Moon interweaves his own Native American heritage and beliefs throughout his chronicle as well as calling attention periodically to history, both recent (at least recent at the time of his journey--1970's) and centuries past. The writing is as meandering as the trip and if the reader is in the proper frame of mind, this works. But be forewarned that only the trip itself, both physical and of self-discovery unite the various chapters. This is a quiet, contemplative sort of book but it resonates deeply long after the last page has been turned.
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around in a converted van he names Ghost Dancer but rather than have adventures, there's a sort of dreamy, wandering pace to his travels and his narrative. He never mocks the people he meets, listening to their thoughts and opinions respectfully, chronicalling a fast disappearing way of life.The narrative, as would seem appropriate, is loaded with descriptions of the areas in which he is driving so the reader sees the shift in the physical landscape as Least Heat Moon loops around the country. There is also very much a personal, introspective theme running through the pages. Least Heat Moon interweaves his own Native American heritage and beliefs throughout his chronicle as well as calling attention periodically to history, both recent (at least recent at the time of his journey--1970's) and centuries past. The writing is as meandering as the trip and if the reader is in the proper frame of mind, this works. But be forewarned that only the trip itself, both physical and of self-discovery unite the various chapters. This is a quiet, contemplative sort of book but it resonates deeply long after the last page has been turned.
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LibraryThing member StephenHughes
A fine travelogue of out-of-the-way places and the many different "hearts" of America. Least Heat Moon also has a great ear for dialect.
LibraryThing member fbrusca
I stumbled onto this book in 1983 when a mail order book club suggested it. The book sounded interesting and I was game, so I accepted the suggestion. When the book arrived, I was not prepared for the reading experience that awaited me. I read it cover to cover in one evening – quite a feat given
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my then history of bad reading habits. Heat-Moon’s American odyssey is a modern day Huckleberry Finn adventure, hypnotic and illuminating. Throughout the book I imagined myself riding along in his Ford Econoline van taking in the voyage, dining at mom and pop eateries, meeting odd and interesting folks along America’s backwater roads and experiencing our nation’s landscapes. I have read Blue Highways perhaps a dozen times and each reading provides me with more enjoyment and rewards. This is a must-read for anyone interested in landscape studies, automobile travel or American popular culture. Show Less
LibraryThing member CarolO
I wish I could remember where on LT I saw the recommendation to read Blue Highways so I could go back and thank you. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the day when I can do my own roadtrip across and around the US.
William Least Heat-Moon pulls together his observations with history,
I was disappointed that his travels did not take him to my home town or my current city…I wanted to read his perspective, maybe even recognize one of the local characters. I look forward to visiting some of the places that he described - - the Chiricahuas in Arizona and Woodstock, Vermont stood out in particular. When I get there will they still be there…or will there now be a Starbucks and McDonalds framing the view?
I am looking forward to reading the 2nd and 3rd book of his travel trilogy.
William Least Heat-Moon pulls together his observations with history,
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builds his philosophy around his experiences, records the stories to honor the characters he meets along the way, and finds Native American patterns in his routes.I was disappointed that his travels did not take him to my home town or my current city…I wanted to read his perspective, maybe even recognize one of the local characters. I look forward to visiting some of the places that he described - - the Chiricahuas in Arizona and Woodstock, Vermont stood out in particular. When I get there will they still be there…or will there now be a Starbucks and McDonalds framing the view?
I am looking forward to reading the 2nd and 3rd book of his travel trilogy.
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LibraryThing member etxgardener
I first ready this book back in the 1980's when it was first published. And no, re-reading it almost 40 years later, it still fills me with wonder and makes me was to head on out on the open road.William Least Heat-Moon manages to capture the diversity in both landscape and people of this country
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as he makes his circular drive around the continental United States. This book is a classic. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
I'm a sucker for travel memoirs. I just love hearing about the author's trip and the people they meet along the way. But a travel memoir is only as good as the author's writing and this one is wonderful. It reminded me a lot of Steinbeck's Travels With Charley.
Heat-Moon loses his job as a
"Alice was one of those octogenarians who make old age look like something you don't want to miss."
I love that! On his journey he visits towns where racism sits just below the surface, kindness spills out onto the sidewalks, mosquito swarm, fisherman swear and there's no shortage of delicious food.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the amazing Frank Muller, but had a hard copy I flipped through while listening because it included maps and photos of the people he met. I would recommend doing the same if you listen to it.
Heat-Moon loses his job as a
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professor and separates from his wife. These two events motivate him to take a van and drive around the entire country. He tries to stick to the back roads instead of the interstates. He is truly gifted at describing people. This is just one example,"Alice was one of those octogenarians who make old age look like something you don't want to miss."
I love that! On his journey he visits towns where racism sits just below the surface, kindness spills out onto the sidewalks, mosquito swarm, fisherman swear and there's no shortage of delicious food.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the amazing Frank Muller, but had a hard copy I flipped through while listening because it included maps and photos of the people he met. I would recommend doing the same if you listen to it.
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LibraryThing member Oreillynsf
You never forget your first travelogue, and this was mine. It was the start of a passion that stays with me to this day, 20idon'twantottalkaboutit years later. Every couple of years I return to this marvelous book and see new things in the ideas and text. The author's personal honesty impresses me
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every time I read it, as does his profound respect for other people - from whatever walk of like. It was also the first book I read from an American Indian perspective, and his gentle (and not so gentle) illumination of cultural and historical issues also has had a lasting impact on me. Definitely absitively pick this up. Show Less
LibraryThing member yapete
Classic road trip literature. A pleasure to read. A journey through small-town America with authentic characters.
LibraryThing member phlegmmy
I loved this book. I read it when it was first published, then again last year. It's the kind of book you annoy the person you are with by saying, "Listen to this" and then reading them a passage. I did this over and over with my husband. To me that is the sign of a great book, when you can't
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contain yourself from sharing it. We have even added the term "blue higway" to our vocabulary, referring to a back roads kind of trip as the "blue highway route." Show Less
LibraryThing member NellieMc
Engrossing account of a trip on the back roads of America in the 80's (highways marked in blue on road maps). Ran into an amazing number of philosophers, so somewhat suspect that he might have put some words in other people, but in the end didn't really matter--a lot to thing about and chew over.
LibraryThing member GirlFromIpanema
I don't know how long I have known this book. My copy is of 1995, but I suspect that this is one of the books I checked out from the library over and over again until I finally got my own copy. I do know however, that I have given away copies as gifts to friends and family.
This is a
I love Least Heat-Moons description of the people he met on the way and I come back to read this book every few years.
This is a
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quintessentially American thing: Climb in your car and just follow where your front wheels lead you. Europeans would probably walk (St. Jacob's Way to Santiago de Compostela, or Via Alpina or any E trail.I love Least Heat-Moons description of the people he met on the way and I come back to read this book every few years.
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LibraryThing member bookblotter
I love traveling/exploring the back roads by car (sorry about all the petroleum). For me, this is the quintessential back road book. Wonderful, wonderful.
LibraryThing member ffstorer
The best of Least-Heat Moon's books.
LibraryThing member ava-st-claire
loved it! I will read it again.
LibraryThing member dele2451
A good look at the America and Americans we all believe are still out there, but we rarely get to see. Be warned though, this book is sure to get you thinking about chucking everything and hopping in your own vehicle to hit the open road.
LibraryThing member debnance
I read this back in the early eighties and immediately added it to my favorite reads of all time list. Now, after completing my first reread, I would have to say that this remains a favorite. Pretty good book if it hangs in there almost thirty years later.Heat-Moon travels America after losing his
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job and his wife in rapid succession. He takes to the blue highways, the roads on the map where few travel. He finds, for the most part, that solace and quiet companionship and time for reflection that he sought. Show Less
LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
For armchair tourists like myself, who prefer reading to travelling, William Least Heat-Moon is the perfect tour guide to late 1970s America. Part travelogue, part journey of self-discovery, Heat-Moon set off one day in his campervan - a 'self-propelled box' he calls 'Ghost Dancing' - to drive
Heat-Moon, on his circular journey of 'emergence' around the States - taking in places with odd names from the east, south, west and north of the country - is a friendly and instructive combination of Bill Bryson and John Steinbeck. In between random dialogues with strangers, Heat-Moon is full of insightful and lyrical descriptions of his homeland. I also love his turn of phrase, from 'the expression of a man pulling on wet swimming trunks' (think about it) to the 'texturised substitute in polystyrene sarcophagus' he was forced to eat in a fast food outlet. People, places and poetic imagery, all in one entertaining guide (could have done with less Walt Whitman quotes, though).
Not only has Blue Highways left me hungry for more travelogues - perhaps Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - but I am also tempted to start reading about the history of America, which hopefully survives in books where shopping malls and parking lots have destroyed the living evidence in real life.
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around the 'blue highways', or b-roads, of America, meeting a host of wacky characters along the way. Really, without photographic evidence of some of the people he strikes up conversations with, I would have my doubts about the authenticity of his anecdotes! My favourites are the droll Carolina deputy - 'Garrantee one thing, Wim. This boy wouldn't sleep up here mongst the whangdoodles withouten his peace of mind' - the two women running a cafe on a bombing range in Nevada, the disgruntled husband in Hat Creek, California, and the eighty year old keeper of local history on Smith Island, Maryland. Sometimes, fact is stranger than fiction!Heat-Moon, on his circular journey of 'emergence' around the States - taking in places with odd names from the east, south, west and north of the country - is a friendly and instructive combination of Bill Bryson and John Steinbeck. In between random dialogues with strangers, Heat-Moon is full of insightful and lyrical descriptions of his homeland. I also love his turn of phrase, from 'the expression of a man pulling on wet swimming trunks' (think about it) to the 'texturised substitute in polystyrene sarcophagus' he was forced to eat in a fast food outlet. People, places and poetic imagery, all in one entertaining guide (could have done with less Walt Whitman quotes, though).
Not only has Blue Highways left me hungry for more travelogues - perhaps Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - but I am also tempted to start reading about the history of America, which hopefully survives in books where shopping malls and parking lots have destroyed the living evidence in real life.
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LibraryThing member co_coyote
One of the classic American travel books that I somehow missed when it was written 25 years ago. Very glad I finally stumbled upon it.
LibraryThing member oldman
A journey across America and the people seen there. Also a journey into the author's life and how he deals with it. A book worth re-reading
LibraryThing member keylawk
Having seen thirty-eight Blood Moons, at the end of a broken marriage, desparate with isolation, a mixed-blood Osage took to the open road: "A man who couldn't make things go right could at least go."
Least Heat Moon headed East from Columbia, Missouri, on a circular trip over the back roads and
He wrote about the trip. This is his first book. It's the kind of book you love and you ending up loving the people he places he found.
Least Heat Moon headed East from Columbia, Missouri, on a circular trip over the back roads and
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through the small towns of the United States [3], "in search of places where change did not mean ruin and where time and men and deeds connected" [5].He wrote about the trip. This is his first book. It's the kind of book you love and you ending up loving the people he places he found.
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LibraryThing member r.j.nichols
For me, this is one of two books that came with a very late sort of coming of age for me. Recommended by a mentor (along with Kerouac's "On the Road"), this was one of those books that came along at just the right time for me.
But more importantly, it was good to find someone else who loves the
But more importantly, it was good to find someone else who loves the
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backroad, someone for whom the American road (and the road novel) was both escape and the road home. Show Less
LibraryThing member martialalex92
His conversations with people along the way were good and the imagery was nice, it just wore on a bit too long and got to kind of navel-gazing levels of self-obsession about halfway in
LibraryThing member Con.Rad
It's funny how reading the book takes me to the places I am most familiar with by the end of the book. I've been to the places in New England he talks about and by this time, the rest of the country feels like a strange land.
Overall, a insight from a perspective we rarely see, and a flavor that
Overall, a insight from a perspective we rarely see, and a flavor that
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makes the commonplace seem so much stranger. The stories of the people he meets are the best part, and the scarcity is not unfamiliar, it is sometimes hard to get people to trust you when you are just passing through, although, sometimes that can be a freeing opportunity. Show Less
LibraryThing member ffifield
An interesting read about a road trip around the edges of America.
Awards
Language
Original publication date
1982
ISBN
0449204324 / 9780449204320
DDC/MDS
| 917.304927 |