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Blue Highways  By  cover art

Blue Highways

By: William Least Heat-Moon
Narrated by: Joe Barrett
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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

What listeners say about Blue Highways

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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • KG
  • 09-16-18

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.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Overall good

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

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Well written, well read and well enjoyed!

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

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  • AV
  • 11-01-23

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.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Book - Amazing Narration

If you could sum up Blue Highways in three words, what would they be?

Fun. Motivating. Insightful.

What other book might you compare Blue Highways to and why?

Travels with Charly.

What does Joe Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

So many different characters. So many different, seemingly excellent, accents. I'm not an expert.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Motivation to go out and explore.

Any additional comments?

If you've read this book before, the narration makes listening well worth your while!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Slow and Delightful road trip...

I really enjoyed this. A road trip mixed with history, characters, and Americana. This is not a fast paced book. There's no need to rush through it.

Good narration by Barrett.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best backroad journey

Would you listen to Blue Highways again? Why?

I love the wisdom and self reflection, always seeing things in detail.

What other book might you compare Blue Highways to and why?

similar in a sense to A Walk In The Woods by Bryson

Which scene was your favorite?

All of the little back road adventures highlight how kind Americans are!

Any additional comments?

Best book for folks thinking of driving around America!

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1 person found this helpful