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Out of print items can often be difficult to find, especially if they are no longer being produced.

It may be necessary to search through various sources, such as used bookstores, online marketplaces, or collectors' groups, in order to locate a copy.

Additionally, the price of an out of print item may be higher than its original retail price, due to its scarcity.

However, for some people, the value of owning a particular item outweighs the cost or the effort required to find it.

Whether it's a rare book, a collectible record, or a discontinued product, the allure of something that is no longer widely available can be very strong.

In conclusion, while the fact that an item is out of print may present some challenges, it can also add to its desirability and make it all the more special for those who are able to obtain it.

I just truly despised this whole situation.

They were constantly driving around in circles. First, they would fix the bikes, then drive off again. After that, they would have some beer, and once more, they would attend to the bikes. In between all of this, they would think about random stuff. And then, they would just drive some more.

I found it impossible to endure. It felt like this never-ending cycle was driving me crazy. There was no real purpose or end in sight. I just wanted to get out of this mess and do something more meaningful with my time.

But there I was, stuck in this rut with them, unable to break free and find my own way. It was frustrating and demoralizing, and I couldn't wait for it all to be over.

I read an early edition, perhaps even the first, of a mm pb bound in boards by the library.

To be honest, it was a rather difficult book to get through. However, I persevered because of lines such as "We are in the desert now; before, it was around us" as the boys got off the highway onto a smaller road.

They are NYC Jews, creative, imaginative, clever, educated, and a bit silly, with aspirations to be rogues. It's sort of a picaresque, I guess.

But it does make me want to give the author's The Last Unicorn another try someday.

It also makes me want to look up the poet James Stephens for the line "I think the mountains ought to be/ Taught a little modesty."

This book has left an impression on me, making me curious about both the author's other works and the poet whose words were quoted within its pages.

A bit out-dated in 2008, but I had this book MEMORIZED. I read it so often in 1971. It was truly a remarkable book that had a special charm. No matter how many times I read it, it always managed to make me laugh. The stories and characters within its pages were so vivid and entertaining. Each time I picked it up, it was like embarking on a new adventure. The humor was timeless and continued to bring joy even years later. It was a book that I held dear in my heart and one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good laugh. Even though it might seem a bit old-fashioned by 2008 standards, its essence and ability to make people smile remained as strong as ever.

Funny, sad, amusing & everything in between. Life is a complex tapestry of emotions that we all experience. There are those moments that make us burst into laughter, when something truly funny occurs. It could be a hilarious joke, a comical situation, or the antics of a friend. These funny moments bring joy and lighten our spirits.

On the other hand, there are also times when we feel sad. Maybe it's due to a loss, a disappointment, or a difficult situation. Sadness can weigh heavy on our hearts and make us feel down. But even in the midst of sadness, there can be glimmers of hope and moments of reflection that help us grow.

Amusing is another emotion that falls somewhere in between. It's that feeling of being entertained or finding something slightly comical or interesting. It might not be laugh-out-loud funny, but it still brings a smile to our faces. And then there are all the other emotions that we experience, the ones that are harder to define, the ones that fall somewhere in between the funny, the sad, and the amusing. These are the emotions that make life rich and full, that add depth and complexity to our experiences.

His description of Vegas is truly remarkable.

He painstakingly details every aspect, from the ersatz glamour that seems to shine brighter than the sun, to the intense desert heat that can make you feel as if you're being baked alive.

It's as if he has a magical pen that transports you directly to that bustling city in the desert.

You can almost see the flashing lights of the casinos, hear the excited chatter of the gamblers, and feel the dry, hot air on your skin.

His words paint a vivid picture that is so real, it's like you were actually there, experiencing all the wonders and excesses of Vegas for yourself.

Whether you've been to Vegas or not, his description will leave you with a lasting impression and a desire to visit this unique and captivating place.

I absolutely loved this book.

From the moment I picked it up, I was completely engrossed.

The story was so captivating, filled with interesting characters and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

It had a unique charm that drew me in and made me unable to put it down.

Every page was a new adventure, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Before I knew it, I had finished the book, and I was left with a sense of satisfaction and a longing for more.

Instantly, it became one of my favorites, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

Whether you're a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone.

It's a must-read that will surely leave a lasting impression.

I'm always on the lookout for books about scooters. So, following a recommendation on the Modern Vespa forum, I tracked down a copy of I See By My Outfit by Peter S. Beagle. (Later, he achieved fame for The Last Unicorn and other fantasy novels.) It's out of print in the UK at the moment, but my lovely local library had it in the stacks, stamped 'SPECIAL INTEREST DO NOT DISCARD'.

The story is about a journey made by two friends, Peter and Phil, from New York to San Francisco on Heinkel scooters in 1963. Peter is traveling to be with his girlfriend, while Phil tags along hoping to find inspiration for some paintings along the way.

That's nearly 3000 miles by the most direct route, and these guys make frequent detours or just plain get lost on their 175cc machines, which are laden with camping gear and art supplies. They encounter deserts, mountains, rainstorms, and freezing April nights. There are also mechanical failures and bitter rows. They travel through an America of beatniks, Happenings, and motels, in an age when references to The Lord of the Rings have to be explained because only geeks have read it.

It's an epic journey. You can imagine Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman blubbering as they describe the hardships and the loneliness. But this is a very funny book, full of language, descriptions, and snippets of dialogue that make me laugh out loud. Occasionally, it also sneaks in a philosophical or poetic gem that is all the more effective for its lighthearted surroundings.

My only complaint is that even though it's a book about scooters, Penguin saw fit to put a photo of a motorcycle on the cover. It's a bit of a disappointment, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the book itself. Overall, I highly recommend I See By My Outfit to anyone who loves adventure, humor, and a good story.

This is an incredibly real and fun road trip on motor scooters from the vibrant city of New York all the way to the beautiful San Francisco.

This book has such an impact that it makes me eager to take On the Road out of every white boy's hands and gently replace it with I See by My Outfit. Beagle and Phil possess several remarkable qualities. Firstly, they are actually respectful of women, which is a refreshing change. Secondly, they are aware of the struggles faced by other minorities, showing a great deal of empathy. Thirdly, they are good, supportive, and emotionally vulnerable friends to each other, creating a deep and meaningful bond. And finally, they are not preachy or annoying, which makes their story all the more enjoyable. (The writing is indeed much better too. There, I've said it.) However, although their friendship is the main essence of the story, it also delves into their growth and separation as they transition from youth to adulthood. Throughout most of the novel, you are constantly reminded that something is coming to an end between them, which is both truly sad and cathartic. After all, Phil still chose to accompany Beagle to San Francisco. True friends don't abandon us; they grow with us, don't they?

That being said, while I really liked this book a lot, it didn't completely blow me away. Since it's a memoir, it is a little scattered thematically, but somehow it still works. Interestingly, it's also quite hard to obtain a copy of this book. So, if anyone out there wants a copy, I happen to have one!

This is an autobiographical account of a cross-country trip that Beagle and his friend made in the early 1960s on motor-scooters. Beagle, one of the finest literary craftsmen of his time, saw his other work overshadowed by his masterpiece The Last Unicorn.

However, this book has a friendlier feel compared to other famous road-stories like those by Thompson or Kerouac. The sense of discovery and friendship is profound. The dialog is charming and clever, painting a vivid picture of the odd places and characters they met along the way, capturing the awakening of the '60s poignantly.

For example, the descriptions are striking: "Standing up, he's no bigger than we are, but you could play baseball with his bones and live all winter off a slab of face steak. His name is Earl." Not to mention the explanation of the book's title.

All in all, it's a delightful and insightful recollection that has become an important portrayal of a long-gone era of the country. It makes one wonder if motor scooters are still a thing. This book offers a unique window into a bygone time, filled with adventure, friendship, and the spirit of exploration.

A Lovely Road Memoir

This is a truly lovely road memoir written by the author in his youth. It takes the reader on a captivating journey through the author's memories of the roads he traveled.

The memoir is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the people he met, and the experiences that shaped him. It is a 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating that it is a very good read.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers of all ages. The memoir is not only a reflection on the past but also a source of inspiration for the future.

It reminds us that the journey is often more important than the destination and that the memories we create along the way are what truly matter. Whether you are a lover of travel or simply enjoy a good story, this road memoir is sure to delight and inspire you.

Back before he was widely recognized as a renowned fantasy novelist, Beagle penned this truly captivating, delightfully humorous, and yet touchingly sad account of his remarkable motorcycle journey.

He embarked on this adventure with his dearest friend, the talented artist Phil. Their destination was Menlo Park, CA, a place far away from their starting point in the Bronx.

Phil's motivation for undertaking this trip was twofold. Firstly, he had a deep desire to explore the diverse landscapes of the country and, secondly, to engage in some sketching along the way. On the other hand, Peter was driven by the hope of beginning a brand new life with his beloved girlfriend, Enid.

However, both of them were acutely aware that the success of this trip hinged on the motorcycles they cherished. These bikes, while dear to them, might prove to be a bit unreliable for such an arduous and long journey. The uncertainty loomed large, but their determination to make it through on their beloved motorcycles remained unwavering.