Travels with Charley in Search of America

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: Gary Sinise

An intimate journey across America, as told by one of its most beloved writers

To hear the speech of the real America, to smell the grass and the trees, to see the colors and the light—these were John Steinbeck's goals as he set out, at the age of fifty-eight, to rediscover the country he had been writing about for so many years.

With Charley, his French poodle, Steinbeck drives the interstates and the country roads, dines with truckers, encounters bears at Yellowstone and old friends in San Francisco. Along the way he reflects on the American character, racial hostility, the particular form of American loneliness he finds almost everywhere, and the unexpected kindness of strangers.

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

“The eager, sensuous pages in which he writes about what he found and whom he encountered frame a picture of our human nature in the twentieth century which will not soon be surpassed.” —Edward Weeks, The Atlantic Monthly

A really good choice for an in-between book!

If you're looking for some lighter fare while you rest from your latest thriller, this book should fit the bill. Steinbeck hits the road with his faithful companion Charley, looking to reconnect with America and the people within it, and as you'd expect from this renowned author, the story is painted with a very descriptive brush, letting your imagination place you right there in the front seat with the two of them.

Wonderful Window into the United States of 1959.

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

Yes, very well written. Mr. Steinbeck is someone I can identify with. Fiercely independent with a strong interest in the outdoors.

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

Swimming into the bay to save his boat during a storm. His emotional ties with his dog. The harsh reality of racism in the southern states in 1959.

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

no. This is well read.

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

I laughed a few times in the beginning. The book ends on a serious note.

Any additional comments?

This is a well written book that is worth the credit and the time. I believe that you will definitely learn from the experience. Enjoy.

Steinbeck travels

If you could sum up Travels with Charley in Search of America in three words, what would they be?

Epic in a small kind way

Who was your favorite character and why?

Steinbeck. Bears his soul in loving America and particularly the common person

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

He is just a superb reader. Really brings out all the characters!

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

Yes. When Mr Steinbeck was talking about killing the coyotes.

Any additional comments?

His comments on the loss of regional languages resulting from TV was right on and quite sad actually!

Wow!

Nothing I can add to what's already been said. I enjoyed traveling with Steinbeck and Charley around the country. Much of the book is clearly rooted in its time, but I didn't find that at all distracting -- probably because I'm old enough to have lived through much of that time. Younger listeners might feel otherwise. His description of the demonstrations in New Orleans against school integration is powerful: I could feel his rage. I think, more than anything else, what this book did was make me want to learn more about Steinbeck's life. Happily, there's a new biography coming out this fall.

Very special praise for Gary Sinise's absolutely brilliant narration!

Excellent!

Gary Sinise is just perfect (SO TALENTED!) and the story is marvelous! Thought provoking all the way. Well done!