The beauty of a good road trip
585801
The beauty of a road trip is the opportunity to reflect, veg and ultimately evaluate as the miles go by. I thought I was going on a road trip with Shawn and his family, but this book took me on my own personal trip. I 'came home' excited, worn out, and having been given the space to reflect on my own journey.

I can't find the adequate description for the style -- it's not pure travelogue nor memoir, yet there is a reflective aspect to it I hadn't expected. Shawn has created a new category: road trip. This is one to be saved, savored, and revisited.

(p.s. I rarely give four stars. This is high praise from me. High.)
4367740
For people who love the details of Route 66 travel or history this beautiful book is s must. Lovely photos, maps, and thumbnail descriptions of each bridge- past and present - present a picture that is unmatched.
968944
Everybody has a CD in their car for road trips. It might be something rockin' to make the white lines go faster. It might be something bluesy, well, because the blues feels just right for the road. Well, here's one that'll put you in a nice, mellow mood for traveling. Its jazzy and will have you snappin' your fingers and tapping the wheel. It'll make that wanderlust feel so much better, whether your getting your kicks on Route 66, or On The Road Again, there's something here for the Gypsy in all of us.

Welsman is an expressive piano player, having majored in piano performance at the acclaimed Berklee College Of Music. She is also a fine song writer, although you'll have to check her Discography for her previous ten albums where that particular talent is on display. On top of all that talent, she is also blest with a voice that was built for jazz. The lady can sing. On Journey Welsman invites us to ride shotgun on a sassy, yet intimate adventure. Here she explores 14 classic `road songs' that pay tribute to not only the songwriters and artists that made these tunes hits but her lifelong love of travelling. To give you an idea, here's a hit from her album, Language of Love.

Welsman's style, both on the piano and vocally, covers expressions from sly and witty to sexy and sensual. It doesn't hurt that she is fluent in French and Portuguese, and thus has mastered the nuance of inflexions and can turn a clever phrase and never misses a chance to insert double entendre. The band here is guitarist Pierre Cot and drummer/percussionist Jimmy Branly, Marc Rogers on bass and a guest spot by trumpeter Ron Di Lauro on "You Came A Long Way From St. Louis".

The true joy in experiencing the 14 tracks included here comes not only from hearing Welsman swing a batch of obscure tunes that were new even to her (including "You Came A Long Way From St. Louis" and "Detour Ahead"), but also hearing her explore new harmonic possibilities and create deeper emotional worlds for familiar pop chestnuts like "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" and "On The Road Again." Welsman takes sly and sensual turns with more obvious choices ("Route 66," "Two For The Road") and smartly picks some titles where the traveling is embedded in the lyrics, including "Never Make Your Move Too Soon" (a jazzy romp showcasing Welsman's dynamic scatting style), Johnny Mercer and Jimmy Van Heusen's "I Thought About You" and "Where Can I Go Without You".

There were also a few (originally unintentional) winks back to Peggy Lee with "...St. Louis" and "Where Can I Go Without You," whose lyrics were penned by the legendary singer. Journey closes with an elegant rendition of her friend Marian McPartland's ,  "Twilight World,"
After listening to the album, and reading the press release from Justin Time Records, one thing that caught my eye and ear was the fact that every tune was recorded in one or two takes over a four day period. The presentation, the preparation - just a few runs through in rehearsals before entering the studio - are astounding and speak volumes about Welsman and the band as performers. The improv that happened in rehearsals really does embody the true essence of jazz in letting the creative mood filter through all the experience you have had in learning to be this good at this level. Truly astounding. It adds an intimacy to the final work the result is a palette of sonic colors that sets the vibe. The feel of the album as a whole is very cohesive.

The Dirty Lowdown
2140200
I own about 250 books on roadside america, perhaps 50 are "highway books."  I have driven this road all my life and found out I've been missing much.  I really enjoy the author's voice and perspectives.  And like the author I believe the great plains, especially during a June thunderstorm have a special beauty.  I especially like when he talks about the people he met and he's able to share these visits very well, almost like you're there with him.  I would recommend more photographs for the next book.  Looking forward to the write up of Valentine Nebraska.  Don't miss the new murals in the Western Store there, they are relatively new, but have the feel of vintage Wall Drug!
3487429
It was a joy to write.  I hope you find it a joy to read.  Plan your family road tripping adventures not someday, but today!
3938540
This was the perfect trip book.  It is more than eight hours of listening that kept me awake and interested through a long drive I made recently.  There was one point in the book that did not feel plausible to me.  But all-in-all, I'm glad I experienced it.
4199559
If you want to see the real America rather than the corporate media facade` "normal" guidebooks present, this book is for you.  Thanks to this book, we've discovered wonders we never knew existed.  Best of all, most of these places are free or low-cost surprises along the way of great road trips.  From a thirty-foot tall Superman in Southern Illinois to a fantastic castle tucked away well off the beaten path in southwestern Colorado to a concrete garden of Eden in Kansas, this book has helped us find them all.  Recover the joy and wonder of the road trip and let Eccentric America be your guide!
3022808
In addition to the British countryside and the quirky accents, I have fallen in love with the gorgeous old automobiles.  They are a joy to watch, speeding along narrow country roads or dodging through traffic.  I envy the actors their opportunities to sit behind the wheels of such delightful vehicles.
3013812
A fascinating road story - journey actually, that entertains, with some good clean humor as icing on the cake.
727820
A road trip, a cool rock band reuniting for one show and one show only, an ancient tricked-out VW van, and three ex-BFFs -- all these fun ingredients, and Hilary Weisman Graham's sparkling writing, make this book the perfect summer read! It's so refreshing to read a book focused on female friendships. Oh, there are boys in and out of the picture, but whatever -- these girls are on a mission, to drive 2,000 miles to attend Level 3's last concert, and there's a complicated past with their friendships to sort out along the way. Their road trip is at once hilarious and poignant, the dialogue spot-on, the friendships raw and real. REUNITED is a great ride!
4729611
I spent two weeks Toscany last year, and we drove over one thousand miles to many of those beautiful hilltop towns.

This book captures so well the beauty, simplicity, and romance of one of the finest places on earth.  And it does so while keeping your attention with a juxtaposition of life's ups and downs, food, cycling and love.

If you have experienced any of these, it's an easy must-read.
2710859
Good entertainment for road trips and airplanes
82559
The perfect album for cruising on a road trip. Personal highlights are 'DOUBLE DEAL', 'Heaven Only Knows ~Get the Power~', and 'Summer Blizzard'. 'Count ZERO', 'FLAGS', and 'The party must go on' are used for various Sengoku BASARA media, which was an extra bonus for me since I already enjoy them through said SenBASA media.
1372085
A new philosophy for riding
Mr. Schiereck takes the reader on an astounding, yet personal journey of our great nation. While reading, it's as if one is seeing, feeling and experiencing the journey with the author. For those of us who have taken long motorcycle treks, we can certainly empathize. While justifiably annoyed at times, whether due to road obstructions or inconsiderate drivers, his gratitude and joy is quickly rekindled at the stunning beauty and unexpected kindness of strangers. It is easy to feel alone when one is a hundred miles from any apparent civilization. Happiness, frustration and being lost in one's thoughts is all part of this voyage. Don't be fooled by the roads challenges. Many may be in fact, a blessing in disguise. They will reshape you. Mr. Schiereck has an amazing talent for sharing his deepest emotions and thoughts with the reader. I absolutely loved this book. Please keep writing Mr. S.
3614605
This is one of the best road travel guides I have. We refer to this before planning any trip. I prefer exploring the local drives than catching a flight and travelling to far and away. The map in the beginning of the book helps me to plan any trip, and then I zoom in to the geographical region I am interested in ( Carolinas, Northeast, Great Lakes) and then plan an elaborate road trip. It helps us to avoid the boredom and monotony of the Walmarts and McDs on an interstate.

Each drive is described as succinct as possible, this helps while you are on road and if you just want to get an overview of the drive. Though short, the description does not miss the nearby attractions or any other detail any traveler is interested in. I wish if they had an online interactive website where we could plan an itinerary.
4033817
A road trip to spiritual growth is an interesting idea and a fun way to learn about a different approach to life. It doesn't come off as preachy and it does give you plenty to think about.
1025034
If you want to take a happy, hip, information packed transcontinental road trip across America, Stay on Route 6 is a must read. Route 6 (not the mythical Rt. 66) is the longest cross country road in the U.S., starting in MA., running through 14 states and ending in CA. As you travel it with gifted, lively travel writer Malerie D. Yolen-Cohen you live vicariously, and become joyfully enriched and educated. You visit a surprising range of "who knew" museums (dinosaur, prairie, carousel, clock, railroad, antique, tractor, quilt, windmill, arsenal, scouting, mining and many more). You sample some of the tastiest foods, cheeses and wines found anywhere, experience unforgettable, local home-made, home-grown specialties and sleep in historic, pampering, antique decorated B&B's, posh hotels or economical motels (depending upon your preference and budget). In each state you'll visit the quaint, the quirky, the beautiful and have memorable fun -- art galleries, candy factories, a perfumery, local libraries, huge zoos, amusement parks, jails - and places that restore your faith in humanity (e.g., Boys Town in Nebraska). You'll meet welcoming, talented and talkative locals who will provide historic insights, enlighten and entertain you. Malerie tells you what to expect along all of Route 6 from stunning scenery to all too familiar Big Box Central commercial plazas and some seemingly endless deserts. Because of her unique way with words and phrases she keeps you excited, delighted and amused while providing you with excellent directions, contact and cost information (websites, addresses, phone numbers). When your trip across Route 6 ends it is with joy and sorrow. You've learned so much, so painlessly, and while experiencing so much pleasure for 3,652 miles.