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.

Quiet but beautiful journey

This is a quiet journey that is best with full attention rather than multitasking but the lyrical descriptions will reward your focus . I took breaks at times for something faster paced but came back. My favorite parts are his conversations with folks on the East Coast near the end. If you are looking for a story of everyday people from across the country mixed with poetic descriptions of geography, listen to this book. Oh and the reader did a fantastic job, changing voices, tone and cadence to fit the region and gender and age.

Extraordinary Narration

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

I have not read the print version.

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

The only thing I have read that is remotely similar is On the Road.

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

This is the fist time I heard Joe Barret. It is an extraordinary performance. I think he is the most talented narrator I have heard so far. His narration is extremely versatile with great accents for the huge number of people encountered in this book from all across the United States.

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

The afterward where he talks about getting this published. Also, the desription of his day on the fishing boat was particularly vivid.

Brilliant and captivating

you can read this many times and always find something new. he has captured for us a moment in a changing America