These dialogue-stories are astonishing.Īfter reading the beauty of Steinbeck's writing style, I have to admit it was hard to get into Blue Highways.

Least Heat-Moon has the help of a tape recorder and is able to lift whole conversations up and smooth them out onto the page for a brilliant look at the thought processes, cadences, and diction of the talkers. Because of his awareness of the temperature and elements, the spareness also puts Least Heat-Moon and the reader more in touch with each natural setting.īoth authors share an interest in the stories that people tell and the ways in which they interact. Least Heat-Moon, on the other hand just let go from a teaching job, has converted a 1975 Econoline van, which is spare, and the reader feels the cold. He himself is part Osage, and his Native background also lends a different viewpoint, particularly in his descriptions of the land and to the animals that live there.Īdditionally, Steinbeck, a well-established author by the time he writes his book, has a camper custom-built, which reads as quite comfortable he even invites people in for coffee or an alcoholic beverage. Unlike Steinbeck, he doesn't have a wife who flies out to meet him periodically, in fact, he is separated from 'the Cherokee' as he calls her. He initially says a dog would be a distraction, but about halfway through, loneliness kicks in. In one section, Least Heat-Moon has a conversation with a woman who wistfully thinks about traveling as well, but she says she would bring a dog for company (like Steinbeck, although she doesn't say this). But his perspective, while sharing some of Steinbeck's sentiments, is from a somewhat different point of view. It turns out that Least Heat-Moon was definitely aware of Steinbeck's book, perhaps inspired by the quest. William Least Heat-Moon's book, Blue Highways: A Journey into America appeared to be a good next step. After reading Travels with Charley in Search of America, I wanted to continue the journey across the country.

Blue highways book