Carsick

John Waters Hitchhikes Across America

By: John Waters

Narrated by: John Waters

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A cross-country hitchhiking journey with America’s most beloved weirdo.

John Waters is putting his life on the line. Armed with wit, a pencil-thin mustache, and a cardboard sign that reads "I’m Not Psycho", he hitchhikes across America from Baltimore to San Francisco, braving lonely roads and treacherous drivers. But who should we be more worried about, the delicate film director with genteel manners or the unsuspecting travelers transporting the Pope of Trash?

Before he leaves for this bizarre adventure, Waters fantasizes about the best and worst possible scenarios: A friendly drug dealer hands over piles of cash to finance films with no questions asked, a demolition-derby driver makes a filthy sexual request in the middle of a race, a gun-toting drunk terrorizes and holds him hostage, and a Kansas vice squad entraps and throws him in jail. So what really happens when this cult legend sticks out his thumb and faces the open road? His real-life rides include a gentle 81-year-old farmer who is convinced Waters is a hobo, an indie band on tour, and the perverse filmmaker’s unexpected hero: A young, sandy-haired Republican in a Corvette.

Laced with subversive humor and warm intelligence, Carsick is an unforgettable vacation with a wickedly funny companion - and a celebration of America’s weird, astonishing, and generous citizenry.

©2014 John Waters (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

A John Waters Classic

The first half of this book takes place in John Waters mind. He imagines rides both good and bad and shares his fantasies with us.
Aside from being hilarious, they give tremendous insight into the mind of Waters.

Second half of book are the rides. The best possible thing about Carsick is Waters refusal to pull a Travels With Charley/ On the Road shtick to spice things up (both famous road books are largely fiction despite being touted otherwise).

We get John the sympathetic journalist engaging in other peoples lives and growing in his own.

This is an encouraging book. You end it feeling good about Americans and people in general. If ever there were a time for this book to be heard, it is now. This book is the guide post for public socialization in our culturally/politically divided world.

We should interact with everyone as though we were hitchhikers in need of something only they can give us. The truth is you do need everyone. You might not need a ride but their humanity has something to offer you.

We should also approach everyone who looks different, destitute, and "lesser" than us as if they were John Waters thumbing a ride. Which means with kindness and generosity. Anyone can give you the adventure of a lifetime if you open yourself up to them.

Fictionalized account?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I like Waters, but it seems he jazzed-up this story with quite a bit of fiction. Much of seemed like this account of his adventure was what he wished would have happened instead of what actually happened... but only he knows the truth about that.

Would you be willing to try another book from John Waters? Why or why not?

Yes, because in general I like him.

Which character – as performed by John Waters – was your favorite?

N/a

Was Carsick worth the listening time?

Not really, but I may listen to it again just to see if I could like it more. I love real-life adventure stories and I was really trying to like this one.

My Filthy Hero

Waters does it again. The King of Filth reigns supreme! Funny, Filthy, Fabulous story told by a voice you love to hear.

Hilarious, sweet and smutty!

I loved the way this book was broken up into the three parts. If you're not paying attention, the first ride sounds somewhat plausible. It gets better and better. I was laughing out loud at the magic limo duet....
Also love that this was narrated by John Waters himself; he has a great speaking voice and it's nice to hear it spoken in his tone!

A great book

It had me cringing, crying, laughing, and never "not-entertained".
It is such a great book to listen too especially if you find yourself listening to it while on the road!
Even if you haven't read any of
John Waters other books, make this your first!!!

awesome

It was really funny and full of surprises. I really enjoyed it. I will definitely listen again.

Highly recommend for die hard John Waters fans!

As someone who has John Waters and Divine tattooed on me, I loved this book! I do have to admit though, a large portion of the book is fictional. If you were looking for a nonfiction and/or non-exaggerationed story, I'd probably say you should pass. If you like John Waters, have seen his movies, enjoy his work, the large portions that are fiction are amazing and wonderfully filthy! He used his talents for pushing boundaries in his movies and he his not lost that in this book.

Take your filth on the road!

Made me laugh, gag, and shudder. The Pope of Filth took on Middle America and invigorated my faith in humanity. The perfect book for your travels

Entertaining Romp From a Twisted Mind!

Definitely from the mind of John Waters, doubley reinforced with the narration by the man himself!

I love his approach of imagining the best and worst case scenarios on top of his actual experience. And the playlist of his suggested soundtrack is aces!

exciting all the way through

it is dirty in the first 3/4 but very interesting. I liked the real story more than anything but would have been hard to do a entire book on it. good listen even for a straight guy.