I truly appreciated the fascinating dynamic that existed between the historical/geographical elements and the intricate plot.

It was as if the story was delicately weaving together these different aspects to create a rich and engaging tapestry.

The metaphor of the road/journey was particularly profound. It made me realize that in life, the destination is often not the most crucial thing.

Sometimes, it's the experiences we have along the way, the people we meet, and the lessons we learn that truly shape us.

This metaphor served as a powerful reminder that we should not be so fixated on reaching the end goal that we forget to enjoy the process.

It made me look at life from a different perspective and appreciate the beauty and significance of every step of the journey.

Overall, this aspect of the story added depth and meaning, making it a truly memorable and thought-provoking experience.

I have a profound affection for Quebec. The concept of embarking on a journey in a VW bus and driving all the way from Gaspé to San Francisco seems absolutely wonderful to me. Even though I might be more like the lively, young female companion rather than the 50-year-old man with a specific mission.

This book takes a direct path right through the very heart of my home state of Illinois. What makes it truly special is that it has a genuine essence and warmth to it that I have not found in other travel books. For instance, compared to "On the Road", this book has a unique charm. It doesn't just describe the places visited but also delves into the emotions and experiences along the way. It makes me feel as if I am right there with the author, sharing in their adventures and discoveries. It has a way of captivating the reader and making them fall in love with the journey just as much as the destination.

Classic Road Trip Book to Read!

Embarking on a road trip is an adventure like no other, and what better way to enhance the experience than by having a great book to read along the way?

There are several classic road trip books that have stood the test of time and are sure to captivate readers. One such book is "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. This iconic novel follows the travels of a group of friends across America, exploring different cultures, meeting new people, and experiencing the freedom of the open road.

Another great option is "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat-Moon. In this book, the author takes a journey along the lesser-known back roads of the United States, uncovering hidden gems and learning about the history and traditions of the places he visits.

These classic road trip books not only provide entertainment but also offer a unique perspective on the beauty and diversity of our world. So, the next time you hit the road, be sure to bring along one of these literary treasures and let the adventure begin!

This book is centered around a man named Jack, who hails from Quebec. He embarks on a quest to find his brother Theo, whom he has not seen for a considerable period of time.

During this unforeseen journey, he encounters a mixed-race woman called Pitsémine. Together, they travel in an old Volkswagen along the path that the French initially took when they discovered North America. This path is significant as it is the trace that Theo inadvertently left behind.

Overall, it is not a particularly thrilling story, and by the end, I did not feel a strong connection to either of the characters. However, on the positive side, it is an easy read that manages to keep you somewhat engaged through certain chapters.

The narrative, although not overly exciting, does have its moments that draw the reader in and make them curious about what will happen next. It provides a glimpse into the relationship between Jack and Pitsémine as they navigate this journey together, as well as the mystery surrounding Theo's disappearance.

While it may not be a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat, it is still an enjoyable read that can pass the time and offer a bit of entertainment.

Roman qui donne le goût de voyager!

It's truly a remarkable novel that instills the passion for traveling. The way the author weaves the story and描绘 the various destinations makes you feel as if you are right there, experiencing it all.

Magnifique plume, j'ai adoré! The writing style is magnificent, and I absolutely loved it. The author's words flow like a gentle breeze, carrying you away to different lands and cultures.

Je veux lire davantage de cet auteur! I can't wait to read more from this talented author. Their ability to transport readers through the power of words is truly amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing what other adventures and stories they have in store for us.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves traveling or simply enjoys a good story. It will open your eyes to new possibilities and inspire you to explore the world around you.

One journey in search... is significantly less interestingly written than "On the Road", with many lyrical digressions regarding the history of different Indian tribes, as well as historical personalities related to Canada.

And the purpose of the journey turns out to be rather anti-climactic at the end of the novel, so it seems, almost as if the author himself is saying that it didn't matter what the reason was, as much as the journey itself was in the spotlight. Okay.

Still, since the work is advertised as a "cult beat novel", I must warn you not to expect anything in the style of Kerouac or Burroughs.

The pluses are that it reads quickly and is written accessibly, and there is also a bit of charm in the whole plot. Otherwise, I highly doubt that I will remember anything special, maybe just one quote, that one picture is not worth a thousand words, but one word is worth a thousand pictures.

A travel book often takes readers on exciting adventures.

In this particular story, an unlikely Québécois couple embarks on a remarkable journey. They set off from New Brunswick with a specific goal in mind - to find the man's brother who is located in San Francisco.

Their path is filled with unknowns and challenges. Along the way, they encounter different landscapes, meet various people, and experience the unique cultures of the places they pass through.

The couple's determination to reach their destination and reunite with the man's brother keeps them going. As they travel further west, they face unexpected obstacles and make new discoveries about themselves and each other.

This travel book not only tells the story of their physical journey but also delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of their adventure. It offers a captivating account of their search for family and the bonds that tie them together.

Readers will be drawn into their world, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and rooting for them to succeed in their quest.

I devoured it in one go.

It has a beautiful and simple writing style.

The plot unfolds slowly, creating a wonderful sense of complicity.

It's a reading experience that feels really good.

And it makes you want to go on an adventure.

This book is like a magical portal that transports you to another world.

The author's words paint vivid pictures in your mind, making you feel as if you are right there with the characters.

The slow pace allows you to fully immerse yourself in the story and appreciate every little detail.

As you turn the pages, you can't help but be drawn in by the charm of the narrative.

Before you know it, you've reached the end, but you're left with a longing for more.

It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished reading it.

This is truly a really beautiful book that has brought a lot of fun.

It tells a story about two completely strange people who embark on a road trip together.

Their journey is filled with various adventures and unexpected encounters.

As they travel along the road, they gradually get to know each other better and form a special bond.

The descriptions in the book are vivid, making the readers feel as if they are right there with the characters.

The author has done a great job of creating an engaging and entertaining story that keeps the readers hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, it is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves reading adventure stories.

Volkswagen Blues by Jacques Poulin is an engaging Quebecois road trip story.

It follows a man on a quest to find his long lost brother. His companion throughout this journey is Le Grande Sauterelle, also known as "The Girl", and her black kitten.

Their mode of transportation is an old, second hand Volkswagen bus. This bus has been rebuilt, but in a rather practical and no-frills way. While the rebuild will slow down the rusting process, it won't completely prevent it.

The story unfolds as they travel along the roads, facing various challenges and experiences. The relationship between the man and The Girl develops, and they share moments of laughter, sadness, and reflection.

The black kitten adds an element of cuteness and mischief to the journey. As they continue their search, they encounter different people and places, each leaving an impression on them.

Volkswagen Blues is not just a story about a road trip, but also about self-discovery, friendship, and the power of hope.

You can find more about this story at http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...

Jack Waterman, a moderately successful author in the midst of a creative crisis, has reached a point where the past is gaining significance. Especially his brother Theo, who disappeared nearly twenty years ago. The only trace is an illegible postcard, sent from Gaspé. Jack wants to see him again, so he sets off in his aging VW bus. Right at the start of his journey, he picks up a hitchhiker who will not only be a pleasant travel companion but also a valuable help in the further course. Pitsemine, the "Great Grasshopper", is a half-Innu, an intelligent young woman, constantly on the hunt for the true history of the indigenous people and thus also for her own identity.

For me, the highlight of this novel are the conversations of the protagonists, in which they exchange ideas about literature and American history. These are not only entertaining but also highly informative. In particular, Pitsemine's perspective shows a completely different view on the common historiography when it comes to the discovery of North America. The motives of the French researchers may have been noble and sprung from a scientific interest, but their travels paved the way for all those for whom it was primarily not about the discovery but about the conquest, the occupation of the continent and its resources. The decimation and expulsion of the indigenous people and thus also the destruction of their identity was thereby acceptably tolerated.

"Volkswagen Blues" is a classic of Franco-Canadian literature, belonging to the genre of the road novel. And although it was originally published in 1984, the novel still feels timeless. It is a melancholic story in which the search for the brother somehow turns into a search for the collective memory and one's own self.

Sie sind ein ungleiches Paar.

The introverted Franco-Canadian writer with the Anglo-Saxon pseudonym and the bookish young mechanic Pitsemine, also called the "Big Grasshopper" because of her long, thin legs.

Jacques Poulin, also a Franco-Canadian, has them meet by chance on a campsite on the Gaspé Peninsula in his novel "Volkswagen Blues" - the writer is spending the night in his converted VW bus, and the young woman is hitchhiking.

What starts as a targeted short distance turns into a long shared journey, and from strangeness comes trust and friendship in this slowly told book, which is also always about books and words, about discoveries and the traces of North American explorers and pioneers.

The writer is looking for his brother Théo, with whom he has had no contact for many years. An old postcard with a strange old script is the only clue he follows - and the young woman can fit the puzzle piece into place - it is a text by Jacques Cartier, the explorer who once claimed Canada for the King of France.

It is a bit ironic that the hint about the colonial explorers in North America comes precisely from Pitsemine, who is a half-Indian and therefore particularly sensitive to the theme of the conquest and settlement of the continent - at the expense of the indigenous population - while at the same time not really being able to find her own place in society.

A small cat joins the travel group in the VW bus as the third in the federation.

The story of the explorers and voyageurs, the Franco-Canadian fur hunters who often lived with indigenous peoples and had indigenous wives, runs like a red thread through "Volkswagen Blues".

For Théo also seems to have followed these traces, or at least their routes - across the border into the USA, into the prairie regions, and finally onto the Oregon Trail to the West Coast, which became the promised land for many settlers but which they never reached.

The tragic history of the "first nations", the destruction of their livelihoods and the wars of the conquerors against the indigenous peoples, constantly sets dark accents.

The writer and Pitsemine follow these traces not only on the road but also with books and maps.

For the writer with writer's block and the bookish mechanic (who proves to be a blessing for the old VW bus, which is only limitedly suitable for the long road trip), books are the places that connect them, two loners who actually prefer to be alone and yet are now traveling together.

"Volkswagen Blues" is a quietly told book about being on the road, in which the journey is ultimately the goal for the protagonists as well.

For even when the journey ends, when the search for Théo comes to an end, Pitsemine will continue to travel on the road.

And for the writer, who has said that writing is a journey of discovery for him, a journey of a different kind awaits.

Beautiful language images and descriptions bring to mind images of vastness and the seemingly endless ribbon of the road when reading.

"Volkswagen Blues" is a travel novel full of melancholic poetry that takes the reader on a journey of discovery through space and time.