Blue Highways

A Journey into America

By: William Least Heat-Moon

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©1982 William Least Heat-Moon (P)2013 Hachette Audio

My second-favorite book

Just read it, and then, ten years later read it again. You'll be surprised at how much of it stays with you. It is a peak into the rest of the USA no matter where you are from.

A Classic Tour of America

I had never heard of this book and only decided to read it after it was recommended by a virtual book club. The story started slowly but there were many interesting stories and experiences along his circuitous journey. Either times have changed significantly or the author must have amazing charisma to be able to have such varied experiences. The book was very well written with many eloquent axioms. Definitely worth your time!

Please take the time.

I had a hard time getting into this book and almost quit. Then suddenly I got caught up in the cadence of the language, the history of the times and the wisdom of William Least Heat-Moon and the people he met on his journey. I've listened to several sections over and over. I'm so glad I didn't miss this book.

I didn’t know how bereft I was…

At first I wasn’t sure, about the author or the voice reading….but it wasn’t long before they both fit the bill. Not many authors possess an inherent way of being that is unfakeably original and also worthy of upping your listening level, or maybe deepening it to meet a challenge- just finished another and i am wanting still more…be careful. Melville was not an appropriated author in his time, Moon is more so but I would submit not enough for the gifts given, especially in the times we find ourselves living.

Overall good

Interesting road log. Slow at times but worth a listen. Would like to try this kind of road trip myself now

Well written, well read and well enjoyed!

I was looking for something similar to Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley" and found this gem.

Loved hearing this story again

I read this book in college which gave me the “go ahead” to make a 7,000 mile trip in a little Mazda pickup truck after finishing grad school. Hearing this book 30 years later reinstilled my wanderlust for the blue highways, the small towns along them and the people you meet.

Lovely book!! Outstanding.

This is an outstanding story!! It has a magic quality that I can't put my finger on, but I loved it so much that I went and bought other books by the author when I was only 1/2 way through!!

This adventure is actually born of tragedy in the author's life. William Least Heat-Moon was separated from his wife when he lost his teaching job. With no prospects for the near future, Moon decides to travel the country using back roads and sleeping in his truck, which he converted it into a sort of make-shift RV. Along the way, he meets many interesting, compelling and charming people. He travels to a variety of fascinating destinations, some unknown and some famous, and some with really strange names! He delves into all kinds of issues with the people he meets. Some issues are serious and important, and some are just strange and humorous. The result of it all is the adventure of a lifetime. A true JOY to read!

Im pretty sure Blue Highways was first published in 1983. Fortunately, I didn't know that when I started listening. I might have skipped the book, considering it too dated to be of interest for me. In fact, Least Heat-Moon began his drive through the U.S. in 1978, the year I was born. After only a few chapters though, I was hooked. This book is anything but dated!! Don't get me wrong, some of his experiences don't reflect the the current state of things; for example, his encounters with racism in the Deep South were shocking to me and far worse in 1978 than in 2013. But this is incredibly relevant. It feels really good to see how far we've come as a country. It gives hope that the positive changes will continue. Moon also discusses the changes in the cities he visits. Exploring the histories with the people who live there and love their city.

For me, the most touching aspect of the story involves issues that are timeless, issues that involve the complexities of human nature. The search for spiritual balance, the contrast of the religious and the secular, the desire to be isolated or to be social, the fundamental need to connect and understand people of different cultures, ages, and backgrounds...

I was really blown away by Moon's beautiful writing style. It's very human, thought provoking, and quite clever! As an audiobook, this was a sheer joy!

Highest recommendations!!

THE dream of running away on a long driving escape

Would you consider the audio edition of Blue Highways to be better than the print version?

Yes, as I was listening as I was in the car.

What did you like best about this story?

The people he met along the way.

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

Seemed to ride with the journey and reflected the changing mood so well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Toward the end and coming to terms with trying to live one's own life rather then collecting the lives of strangers as one's own.

Any additional comments?

Get a decent map of the US highway system down to the "Blue highways" and follow the route if you can. Adds much more meaning.

Great Story, Wonderful Performane

Blue Highways is a great story about oneself and finding America.
While I usually would rather read or listen and think for myself about the characters (especially in non-fiction), the characterization done by Mr Barrett added so much to this reading. Thank you.
Highly recommended.