Road trips in the United States have an undeniable allure that captivates the imagination of adventure seekers and wanderers alike. The idea of hitting the open road on a day trip, embarking on a journey of discovery, and immersing oneself in the vastness and diversity of the world is both exhilarating and liberating. It’s no wonder that road trips have been a source of inspiration for countless authors, resulting in a rich collection of literature that celebrates the thrill and transformative power of the open road. These are some of the best books about road trips and they’ll have you excited to jump in the car for your own.
Books about road trips encompass a wide range of genres, including fiction, memoirs, life lessons, cross country trips and travelogues. They take young readers on a literary expedition, allowing them to experience the freedom, challenges, and unexpected encounters that come with traversing vast landscapes and venturing into the unknown. These books often explore not only the physical aspects of the journey but also the emotional and psychological transformations that occur along the way.
A great road trip book goes beyond just detailing the logistics of the journey. It delves into the human spirit, the quest for self-discovery, and the connections forged with people, places, and cultures encountered along the way. It captures the essence of wanderlust, the longing for exploration, and the profound insights that come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Whether you’re an armchair traveler seeking awesome books to read or planning your own epic long drive road trip, there’s a great book out there to satisfy your wanderlust. From classic road trip novels that have stood the test of time to contemporary gems that offer fresh perspectives, the literary world is filled with remarkable road trip favorite books waiting to be discovered.
In this compilation of favorite road trip books, we will explore some of the best books about road trips, each offering a unique lens through which to view the world on wheels. From Jack Kerouac’s iconic “On the Road” to Cheryl Strayed’s transformative “Wild,” these books will transport you to the highways and byways, providing a literary roadmap for your own journey of the mind and soul. So fasten your seatbelt, turn the ignition, and embark on a literary adventure as we dive into the captivating world of the best books about road trips.
On the road Returning to the country after the ravages of the second war, Sal Paradise, the narrator, is back in the USA and finding it difficult to stay in place. He meets Dean Moriarty, a young guy who is a little crazy, a little exalted, seductive and enraged, who will give him a taste of the pleasures of the road, and will encourage him to travel across America, from east to west, from north to south, to Mexico.
Disjointed journeys, not always coherent, traveled over and over again, with no other avowed goals than friendship, driving, beers and girls… A quest for subjectivity, which pushes back the barriers of a world in full reconstruction, and addresses a hymn to the simplest life, beyond all pathetic considerations of poverty or madness.
Three young backpackers set off in search of an idyllic beach nestled in an archipelago off the Thai coast. There, a New Age community settled in a rigorous social organization. Fishing, gardening, DIY and contemplation. Everyone has their place, no fantasies and total break with the outside world. But at the first incursions of reality, the community cracks, jealousy and resentment are exacerbated until the bloody implosion of the system of this great place.
For my part, I find that the book and the film that was adapted from it have nothing to do with each other. The book plunges us into the darkness of the human soul and raises the question of the model of the perfect society. The film is rather “light” and relies on its pretty landscapes.
Out of the ordinary by nature, this travelogue recounts a hitchhiking trip and nomadic lifestyle around the world spread over five years, from its genesis to its completion, including its preparations and its progress. Its form is mainly chronological since we follow the narrator on his itinerary, accompanying him in the decisions he makes along the way such as spending three more years on the road than planned, whether or not to cross a country or region, etc. .
More than just a travelogue, Ludovic Hubler’s book is a true hymn to life. Indeed, throughout his book, Ludovic Hubler does not only share with his readers his encounters or the beauty of the landscapes he visits.
You are on vacation in Bali and shortly before your return, you consult an old healer. For no particular reason, just because his great reputation made you want to meet him. His diagnosis is clear: you are in good health, but you are not happy. Bearer of infinite wisdom, this old man seems to know you better than yourself. The very special light it brings to your experience will lead you into the most captivating adventure there is: that of self-discovery. The experiences in which it leads you will turn your life upside down, giving you the keys to an existence that lives up to your dreams.
This is a memoir written by Cheryl Strayed that chronicles her remarkable journey of self-discovery and healing during a solo long-planned road trip and hike along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Strayed’s incredible journey begins in the Mojave Desert and she hikes through California and Oregon to the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. The book provides a raw and introspective account of Strayed’s physical and emotional transformation as she embarks on an arduous 1,100-mile hike through the rugged wilderness.
The story begins with Strayed at a crossroads in her life. Struggling with the loss of her mother, a failed marriage, and a spiral into destructive behavior, she decides to undertake the daunting challenge of hiking the PCT, despite having no prior hiking experience. With a heavy backpack, Strayed sets out on a solo adventure that will test her limits, both physically and emotionally.
This is a memoir written by Cheryl Strayed that chronicles her remarkable journey of self-discovery and healing during a solo long-planned road trip and hike along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Strayed’s incredible journey begins in the Mojave Desert and she hikes through California and Oregon to the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. The book provides a raw and introspective account of Strayed’s physical and emotional transformation as she embarks on an arduous 1,100-mile hike through the rugged wilderness.
The story begins with Strayed at a crossroads in her life. Struggling with the loss of her mother, a failed marriage, and a spiral into destructive behavior, she decides to undertake the daunting challenge of hiking the PCT, despite having no prior hiking experience. With a heavy backpack, Strayed sets out on a solo adventure that will test her limits, both physically and emotionally.
Throughout the narrative of this modern classic nonfiction book, Strayed reflects on her past, delving into her troubled upbringing, the unraveling of her life, and the mistakes she made along the way. As she traverses the breathtaking landscapes of California, Oregon, and Washington state, she encounters various obstacles, including treacherous terrains, extreme weather conditions, and encounters with wildlife. These challenges of this great American road trip book become metaphors for the personal struggles she must confront and overcome.
Along her long trip, Strayed encounters a cast of colorful characters, both fellow hikers and locals, who leave a lasting impact on her. Their interactions provide moments of connection, support, and sometimes even humor, reminding her of the shared humanity and resilience that can be found even in the most isolated of places. This is an American classic and one of the best nonfiction road trip books.
These are just a few of the best books about road trips and they have a timeless appeal, capturing the essence of wanderlust and the transformative power of the open road and the best things that it has to offer. These literary works take readers on captivating journeys, immersing them in the physical, emotional, and psychological landscapes of the characters’ adventures. Whether through fiction, memoirs, or travelogues, these books offer insights into the human spirit, self-discovery, and the connections forged with people and places along the way.
For more travel book recommendations, check out this massive list of the best books for travelers, as recommended by travel bloggers.
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