Travels with Charley in Search of America

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: Gary Sinise

A stunning evocation of America on the eve of a tumultuous decade—and a moving elegy for more innocent times.

In September 1960, John Steinbeck and his poodle, Charley, embarked on a journey across America, from small towns to growing cities to glorious wilderness oases. Travels with Charley is animated by Steinbeck’s attention to the specific details of the natural world and his sense of how the lives of people are intimately connected to the rhythms of nature—to weather, geography, the cycles of the seasons. His keen ear for the transactions among people is evident, too, as he records the interests and obsessions that preoccupy the Americans he encounters along the way.

©1962 John Steinbeck (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Pure delight, a pungent potpourri of places and people interspersed with bittersweet essays on everything from the emotional difficulties of growing old to the reasons why giant sequoias arouse such awe." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Profound, sympathetic, often angry...an honest moving book by one of our great writers." (The San Francisco Examiner)

"This is superior Steinbeck - a muscular, evocative report of a journey of rediscovery." (John Barkham, Saturday Review Syndicate)

Enjoyed the Journey

Would you consider the audio edition of Travels with Charley in Search of America to be better than the print version?

For me, yes. I started the print version a year ago and got about half way through. When I saw there was an audio, I bought it and listened to it each day on my short commute. I took my time with it and felt like I was along for the ride.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Travels with Charley in Search of America?

There were many memorable moments. Difficult to select only one. When he met the man who lived in a mobile home and how it gave me a different perspective on folks that choose mobile homes over permanent homes.

What about Gary Sinise’s performance did you like?

I appreciated how Gary Sinise brought the story and characters to life. It felt very real to me.

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

What I did feel with this book is a sense of reflection. I am a writer, an observer, a traveler of the mind, so it prompted me to reflect on my own experiences and the people I run into in my local travels. It was a very human book, relevant now, just as much as when it was written.

Any additional comments?

Charley added something special to the story. I felt myself smiling a lot, letting out a few laughs, and reflecting a bit.

On the Road Adventure

A middle aged man and his dog go on an adventure. They leave their comfortable life to meet people and see parts of America unknown. This memoir is sweet and touching, Mr. Steinbeck clearly loves people and his special dog Charley. I had to give an extra star to this book for the authors spot-on (no pun intended ) description of Charley, his standard poodle. I dare say they are all alike, and yet we who own and care for Standards think each of ours is so very unique.
A nice read, a kind man and his pup meet people and reflect. I liked this book quite a lot.

Love Steinbeck and particularily this book.

I had read it years ago and now listened to it. I will listed again in the future. There is so much in the book.

Travels with Charlie by JohnSteinbeck

I should of read this book many years ago, but am very glad I am older so that I appreciate it more after seeing much of the country now myselt.

Amazing history and personal.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very well written and read. It was recommended by an eighty year old friend. Fanastic choice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Travels with Charley in Search of America?

The chapter which covered the desegragation with schools. It still amazes me of the ignorance not to many yeas ago, and still now with some people. It was very disturbing.

Have you listened to any of Gary Sinise’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I had not. He was amazing. I have always loved his performances and his read was just as fantastic. Would love more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted too...not possible with time.

What’s changed in 55 years?

If you love good writing and you scratch your head about America, read this book. Or listen-well done.

wonderful block

this is I think my best Steinbeck book but that's saying something it's the second time I read it and will read it again

Great book

A very good insight of what the country was like when he took this trip.

An enjoyable listen

This was an interesting story. I read that there is controversy over whether or not he really went "on the road" and met all the characters he described in the book. But I thought he did a good job describing America of the 1960's.

I loved when he talked about his poodle, Charley. I thought those parts were highlights!

Gary Sinise gave an excellent performance. I'd listen to other books he narrates, if there are any!

one of my favorites ever!

wonderful narration, really written exclamation point this is perhaps my favorite audio book of all time for its charm and character.