I truly relished this book.

In my perspective, it doesn't neatly fall into any specific genre.

It is far more introspective compared to the majority of travel writing.

Beagle is meticulous in explaining how he comprehends the individuals he encounters through the prism of his own background.

I firmly believe that this is an extremely significant and honest approach to narrating any journey.

It adds a depth and authenticity to the story that makes it truly engaging.

The way he delves into his own thoughts and feelings in relation to the people and places he experiences makes the reader feel as if they are on the journey with him.

It's not just about the destinations he visits, but also about the internal transformation that occurs within him.

This book is a refreshing departure from the typical travelogue and offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the art of travel and storytelling.

Ah! The roving fuzzies! What a truly wonderful book this is.

It is not just a travelogue, but equally a beautiful portrait of a close, platonic friendship. The sharing of in-jokes, cultural references, those same-wavelength-moments, and even the minor hardships they faced together all add to the charm. Best-buddies have rarely been portrayed so tenderly in non-fiction.

Thankfully, it's not a journey that attempts to ape Kerouac or pay homage to anyone in a cliched way. It predates the Age of Aquarius, Fonda and Hopper, and the summer of love. It's profoundly un-hipster, and that's precisely what makes it so delightful!

Admittedly, the Las Vegas chapter is perhaps a bit overly drawn-out, and the Jilly character in particular gets a few too many pages. But I'm really just nit-picking here. Overall, the book is utterly charming. So, grab a buddy, hop on your vespa, bring along a guitar and the Brassens songbook, and hit the road, my men!

Let this wonderful story inspire you to have your own adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

It was an enjoyable read. However, it wasn't precisely what I had anticipated. Instead, it delved more into the long friendship within the context of a particular journey. But that's perfectly okay. Beagle is an outstanding writer, and one can clearly observe his penchant for fantasy shining through in some of his word choices.

Moreover, I understand that it was in line with the times. But, wow, traveling across the country on motor scooters without any protective gear. That truly could have had a disastrous ending. And Beagle himself acknowledges this in the Afterwords. It makes one wonder about the courage and perhaps a touch of recklessness of those days. Despite the potential dangers, the adventure and the bond of friendship seem to have outweighed all else. It's a fascinating account that offers a unique perspective on both friendship and travel in a bygone era.

I read this for the first time, many years ago, specifically in the late 70s or early 80s. At that time, when I wanted to search for other books by this author, I could only come across A Fine and Private Place and The Last Unicorn. However, my resources for searching were extremely limited back then, as there was no internet available.

As a native of northwestern Ohio, I have a particular favorite line from this work. Forgive me for potentially misquoting it, as it truly was a long time ago. The line was about all the streets in Toledo/Maumee being named after Mad Anthony Wayne. In reality, there is only 1 street, but it is a rather long one. This detail always stuck with me and added a touch of local flavor and charm to the story. It made me think about the history and significance of the names given to the streets in my own area.

Even though it has been many years since I first read this, the memory of that line and the overall experience of reading this work still lingers in my mind. It serves as a reminder of a simpler time when finding new books was a bit more of a challenge, but also a more rewarding and memorable experience.

I initially picked up this book simply because he makes a mention of my hometown in the very first chapter. Oh, and my hometown is East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania! You can imagine my excitement when I saw that. As I started reading further, I found myself getting more and more engaged. The story had a certain charm that kept pulling me in. Before I knew it, I had read a significant portion of the book. I liked it so much that I decided to keep it on my shelves. It's not just a book anymore; it has a special connection to my hometown and has also become a part of my collection. I'm sure I'll pick it up again in the future and enjoy it all over again.

The travels of two hipsters.

But this was not in the present day. It was a full 50 years ago.

Back then, the world was a different place. The two hipsters, with their unique sense of style and a thirst for adventure, set off on their journey.

They wandered through bustling cities, taking in the vibrant street scenes and the sounds of a bygone era.

They visited small towns, where they interacted with the locals and learned about their way of life.

Their travels were filled with excitement and discovery. They saw sights that most people could only dream of.

They experienced different cultures and cuisines, broadening their horizons and expanding their minds.

Even after all these years, the memories of their travels still remain vivid in their minds.

It was a journey that changed their lives forever.

This is an all-time favourite of mine.

I've re-read it a number of times and enjoyed it each time.

I think I read it first 'way back in the 1980's.

Since then, it has remained a constant source of entertainment and inspiration for me.

The story is filled with engaging characters and a captivating plot that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

Each time I pick it up, I discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages within.

It's a book that truly stands the test of time 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.

So, if you haven't already, give it a try and see for yourself why it's one of my all-time favourites.

If you had told me before I read this that I would truly relish a book that almost no one has ever heard of, a book about a couple of twenty-something guys and their cross-country adventure (from the Bronx to San Francisco) on motor scooters in 1964, I would have simply laughed it off.

However, to my great surprise, I did enjoy it! This serves as a perfect illustration of why I have a preference for prowling around used bookstores located on narrow side streets rather than shopping for books solely based on reviews and popularity.

In those hidden corners of used bookstores, one can discover hidden gems like this one. It's not about following the mainstream or the latest trends. It's about the thrill of finding something unique and unexpected, something that can transport you to a different time and place, like this remarkable story of two young men on their scooter journey across the country.

These kinds of books have a charm and authenticity that often gets overlooked in the rush to buy the latest bestsellers. They offer a different perspective, a different kind of entertainment, and a chance to explore the unknown. And that's exactly what this book did for me.

My exploration of the comfort authors from my teenage years persists.

Typically, I would pick up "A Fine and Private Place" to reread around this time each year. However, for some reason, I desired to revisit Beagle's road trip book.

It is a meandering and lonely kind of story. Beagle, the writer, and Phil, the painter, depart from New York and embark on a cross-country journey on motor scooters to bring Beagle to his fiancé Enid.

The trip winds in and out of the lives of strangers, their homes, pawnshops, gas stations, and campgrounds. I appreciate it because it captured the essence of what life in America was like in 1960.

I formerly believed that this book chronicled the move that signified the end of Beagle's earlier, more cynical and dark fantasies (true products of NYC) and the beginning of his later, lighter fantasies that were thoroughly Californian.

Then I discovered that he wrote "The Last Unicorn" after the move, and that theory was discarded. This time, it did assist in tempering some of my "urge for going" that has been flowing through my mind lately.