I bought this book solely because of the author. However, I then ignored it for a long time. The reason being that, when I really thought about it, the concept of the book reminded me of "On the Road," which I couldn't endure. And I truly dreaded the thought that I would read this book and hate it too, considering how much I adored Beagle's other works. I suppose I was afraid that the portrayal of Beagle in this book would somehow mar all of his novels. I don't know what ultimately prompted me to pick it up... but I'm extremely glad that I did.

It's fortunate that I didn't encounter this book in high school. Otherwise, my family might have been appalled, and my life might have taken a very different turn. But that's the only cautionary note for this book. Although the actual journey and the slang might seem dated, there is something indescribably fresh and wonderful about it. The way Beagle tells the story - with equal measures of hope and dismay, naïve trust and skepticism towards the future, and a simple fascination with the world - at times reminded me of the nature writing of Edward Abbey. It made me long to go back in time and be part of this journey. Reading the book, of course, is the closest we can get... but it is indeed a rather remarkable adventure.

Read it.

Peter S. Beagle and his childhood friend Phil decide to embark on an exciting adventure. They set off from the bustling city of New York with a sense of anticipation and excitement.

As they travel along, Peter meticulously details the towns they stop in. Each town has its own unique charm and character. They encounter a diverse range of people along the way, from friendly locals to interesting strangers.

While Phil uses his artistic skills to paint the beautiful sceneries they come across, Peter uses his words to paint their story. His vivid descriptions bring the journey to life and allow the readers to experience it vicariously.

This book is not just a travelogue but also a captivating story of friendship and adventure. It offers a fascinating glimpse into 1960s America and is a must-read for anyone who loves to explore new places and experience different cultures.

So, if you're looking for a good read that will transport you to a different time and place, then this book is definitely worth checking out.

What a blast from the past!

I had completely forgotten those days when one had to explain the reason for growing a beard and used to call people "dad" instead of "man."

The best line in this book remains "Only dogs and escaped criminals walk in California."

It is such a lovely evocation of friendship. People meet on the road, sharing their stories and dreams.

It also brings back the hopes and ideals of the vanished sixties, a time of great change and possibility.

The book takes the reader on a journey through a bygone era, filled with nostalgia and a sense of longing for a simpler time.

It makes us realize how much has changed and yet, in some ways, how much remains the same.

The power of friendship and the pursuit of one's dreams are timeless themes that continue to resonate with us today.

Overall, this book is a wonderful read that will transport you back in time and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

This is truly such a charming and lively romp!

In the Afterword of the 2001 printing of the book, the author neatly summarizes the book in this way:

"...a road book, an account of a cross-country journey on two small motor scooters by two New Yorkers in their early twenties; wise-ass Jewish artists both, completely urban and from the East, with no inkling whatsoever that the Rocky Mountains were that huge, the Mojave Desert that vast. They camp outdoors, they shiver with cold, they get drenched in the rain, they face mechanical breakdowns; they look up old friends and the friends of friends, they meet remarkable strangers---they have adventures, as is the case in all proper road books."

This is a very fitting summary. However, what makes it a joy to read is the lighthearted and youthful spirit that shines through in the telling. The author was in his mid-twenties when the book was published. I was truly impressed by the quality of writing in someone so young. There is a youthful freshness in his perspective on their experiences, along with some perceptive observations about himself and life in general.

Books like this make me feel a bit nostalgic and wistful, as they remind me that I was born about twenty or thirty years too late. I can't help but imagine the kind of adventures I might have had if I had been around during that time.

The publisher's comment, ""travel book with a difference,"" seems rather an understatement. The author and his friend Phil, two charming young bearded bohemian Jewish lads from the Bronx, speed across the country on their beloved motor scooters. It's early spring, and these two likable troubadours journey to California with joy in their hearts, clad in thermal underwear, and a voracious appetite to experience America, not to mention its cuisine. They develop their own all-purpose American speech, ""hoping for a vaguely Midwestern effect,"" practice entertaining routines for conversational crises (like when they had to explain what it's like to be a Negro in New York to an inquisitive Navaho), sing for their supper, and record their adventures with high-octane zest. Phil paints, Peter writes. It's an exuberant, wide-eyed look at America that will likely have no impact on American Airlines' passenger list, a 1960ish, squared off version of On the Road.

This is one of the few books I own that is on two shelves. It contains many ""stickies"" for passages to be re-read. It captured the American road reality much as I remembered it. Hitching rides while in uniform in the early ""60s was a relatively fast and fear-free wandering time. Omaha was a hub. I once beat the big dog bus from Offit to Portland in terms of time. I caught a hop somewhere, hiked back to base, starting with a flight on a SAC to Massachusetts, hauling brass in style. There were tablecloths and white-gloved servers. My first long ride was in a Texas rancher's newish Caddie, after USAF computer school near Wichita Falls, Texas, beginning a non-stop trip to Portland, Oregon. Unaware of its power, I took a bennie from a woman in a convertible on an LA freeway. I got a second ride in a Texas rancher's caddie about 8 years later from the Costa Rica border through most of Nicaragua.

Although this book was written in the 60s, is not a fantasy and has never been translated into German, it is not only my favorite by Beagle but also one of the most beautiful books ever.

Only in the English original can one truly appreciate the amazing way Beagle uses language. He creates the most wonderful metaphors and images far from any clichés. For example, he describes the Grand Canyon as the quarry for the moons of other planets.

However, I don't delude myself into thinking that I will ever understand all the allusions and jokes because I didn't grow up in that time or culture. The afterword included in this edition helps to clarify a bit, in which Beagle describes the autobiographical background of this tour of two Jewish Americans on their scooters through America.

It is a cold land in the truest sense of the word, yet they meet many warm-hearted and some slightly crazy people. It's not a travel guide as they don't experience the major tourist attractions at all or in a very bizarre way. But I have never read anything more beautiful than this tour across the great continent.

Beagle's way of using language is absolutely astonishing. He invents wonderful metaphors beyond clichés. It's not a travellers guide written in the 60s, but the characters the two guys on their scooters are meeting on their way are heartwarming. In this copy there is an afterword that explains all the autobiographical quotes somewhat better, but I will never get all the jokes because I grew up in Germany. Still, it's one of my favorite books ever!

Beagle embarks on an exciting adventure, riding on a motor scooter with his buddy as they traverse across the vast United States. However, they are constantly being nagged by the cops, which adds an element of challenge and excitement to their journey.

It's interesting to note that the world has undergone significant changes since the 1960s. In this regard, I believe that a particular scene in the movie Dumb and Dumber serves as a watershed moment. This scene perhaps represents a shift in the cultural and social landscape, influencing our perception of such adventures and the relationship between individuals and authority.

As Beagle and his buddy continue their scooter ride, they not only face the challenges of the road but also the watchful eyes of the cops. Their journey becomes a symbol of freedom and rebellion in a changing world, where the boundaries between right and wrong are sometimes blurred.

Overall, this story of Beagle and his scooter ride across the USA, with the backdrop of a changing world and the influence of a memorable movie scene, offers a unique perspective on adventure, authority, and the passage of time.

I read this work as a form of ethnography. It provides a snapshot and layering of the American landscape, both physical and temporal, along with the road-trip experience and the essence of the 60's. True to Beagle's distinct voice, it is filled with the kind of sentimental, beautiful, and bittersweet elements that I have come to expect from his novels.

I wasn't anticipating to enjoy it to the extent that I did. Interestingly, the parts that left a lasting impression on me were perhaps not the ones the author had in mind. For instance, I was quite struck by the antiquity of their travel gear. It added a certain charm and a sense of nostalgia to the story. However, I felt that the section involving the (probably) prostitute was about 2 pages too long. It seemed to drag on a bit and could have been more concise.

One of the most appealing aspects of the book was its beautiful lyricality, which was mirrored in the frequent musical references and quotes. The prose had a soft, old rhythm that rocked and swayed, making it both memorable and comforting. It was syncopated and evanescent, adding a touch of magic to the overall reading experience.

A Tale of an Epic Road Trip Across the US

Embarking on a road trip across the US is an adventure like no other, and this particular tale is no exception. It's a journey filled with laughter and heartwarming moments, much like all the wonderful works that Peter S. Beagle has penned.

As the story unfolds, we follow the characters as they traverse the vast landscapes, encountering various趣事 along the way. From quirky roadside diners to breathtaking natural wonders, every stop on their journey adds to the charm and humor of the adventure.

The author's vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life, making us feel as if we are right there with the characters, sharing in their joys and misadventures. It's a story that will make you laugh out loud one moment and touch your heart the next, leaving you with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Whether you're a fan of road trips or simply love a good story, this tale about a road trip across the US is sure to delight. It's a testament to Peter S. Beagle's talent as a writer and his ability to create stories that are both entertaining and deeply moving. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this hilarious and sweet adventure across the United States.

I am not truly a camper, particularly in my advanced years. I have no inclination to sleep on the hard ground. I have a deep affection for my comfortable bed, the convenience of indoor plumbing, and the access to the internet. Having stated that, there is indeed something captivating about being a free spirit and embarking on a cross country journey on a motorcycle, living a joyous and carefree life, even if it's just for a few short weeks.

This book is not a disguised self-help book like so many others of its kind. It is simply a story about Peter Beagle and his best friend Phil undertaking a cross country trip to see a girl. The narrative mainly focuses on the people they encounter along the way. Beagle doesn't spend an excessive amount of time on any one individual, yet manages to convey what each person's life is like. All of the people portrayed were shown to be likable in some manner. I would assume this is more of a reflection of the era rather than the actual character of the people. In the early 1960s, life was different, and our expectations of others were also different. Mothers taught their children that if they couldn't say something nice about someone, they should remain silent. And I believe Beagle took this to heart while penning this book.

Many of the characters were blatantly racist. Both Peter and Phil were extremely tolerant of this, even though they were Jewish themselves. They accepted even anti-Semitic statements with a somewhat nonchalant attitude. Despite this, Beagle still presented these people in the most favorable light possible, which speaks volumes about his kind heart. His portrayal of Jilly, the hooker from Los Angeles, was an interesting one. On one hand, she was depicted as a person who had led an adventurous, albeit criminal life, and who might have been a good person beneath it all. However, as Beagle unfolds her story, you come to realize that she is not truly a good person, not particularly evil, but willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Jilly is probably the most interesting character aside from Peter and Phil in the book. Beagle also dedicates the most time to her.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is by no means an action adventure story. It is simply a slice of real life in 1962 America. It reminded me of why I have a passion for traveling and why I don't really mind driving across the country, as long as I have someone enjoyable to share the experience with.

Before Peter Beagle penned "The Last Unicorn", he embarked on a remarkable journey across the United States on a motor scooter.

I, too, have completed numerous motorcycle trips, and thus, I can effortlessly relate to the accounts of the peculiar individuals he encountered during his travels.

The thought of those unique experiences has now enticed me to scour Goodreads in search of a shelf filled with captivating road trip stories.

These tales have the power to transport readers to different places, introduce them to a diverse range of characters, and evoke a sense of adventure.

I'm eager to explore the various narratives and perhaps gain some inspiration for my own future road trips.

Who knows what hidden gems I might discover on that virtual shelf?

Maybe there will be stories that make me laugh, others that make me cry, and some that will simply leave me in awe of the beauty and wonder that can be found on the open road.

I read this memoir when it was recently published and I was a hippie-wannabe child, and adored it.

As a child with a longing to be a hippie, I was immediately drawn to this memoir upon its recent publication. I devoured its pages, completely enamored by the story it told.

Years later, I was a bit nervous reading it again. One naturally fears that the Suck Fairy has gotten to a book that you loved years ago. However, to my great relief, aside from a few winces at the misogyny of the time, I loved it again.

The memoir is a beautiful tale of friendship, of growing up, and of seeing America. It takes the reader on a journey through the lives of the characters, their joys and sorrows, and their experiences as they navigate the world around them.

In the afterword in this printing, Beagle mentions wincing himself at some of the content. It's a testament to the power of the memoir that even the author himself has mixed feelings about certain aspects of it.

Overall, this memoir is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story about friendship, growing up, and the beauty and complexity of America.