Blue Highways is a travelogue of sorts, written by William Least Heat-Moon. The author sets out on a journey across America, using only the country’s blue highways – back roads that are typically less traveled. Along the way, he meets all sorts of interesting people and experiences a variety of Americana. The book was published in 1982 and is still considered a classic of American travel writing.
For who is this book for ?
Blue Highways is a great read for anyone who loves travel, road trips, or simply wants to learn more about America and its people.
Pros :
- The book is a classic of American travel writing.
- It provides an interesting perspective on America and its people.
- The author’s journey is both entertaining and informative.
Cons :
- It is VERY outdated, mentioning things that are no longer relevant
- It can be a little dry at times
- Not everyone will enjoy reading about the author’s personal experiences
Learn more about the author
William Least Heat-Moon is an author and professor who has written extensively about American history and culture. Born in Kansas, he has spent his life exploring the United States both on foot and by car. Blue Highways is his most famous work, but he has also published several other books including PrairyErth: A Landscape of Plains Indians (1991) and River Time: In Search of America’s Lost Watersheds (2004).
Reader Reviews
“This is a journey that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. . . an American classic.”
“One of the finest pieces of Americana I’ve ever read.”
“Blue Highways is an unforgettable journey down the less-traveled roads of America, a mesmerizing exploration of our people and landscapes. William Least Heat-Moon’s sentences are lean and lyrical, his eye for detail exquisitely sharp. This book is at once a celebration of the open road and a meditation on home, exile, and roots.”
“In Blue Highways, William Least Heat-Moon proves himself an eloquent and engaging guide to America’s overlooked heartland. A true journey of discovery, it is a book filled with fascinating people and memorable stories – all rendered in lyrical prose that captures the beauty of the open road.”