Route 66: The Mother Road

If you ever wanted to make a real journey to a place that's both real and imagined, a place in your heart as much as in your geography, and if that place happens to be Route 66, take this book.Michael Wallis is the unofficial poet laureate of 66 and this book reflects exactly what the Mother Road meant to America and can mean to you. He's covered every inch of it, and he knows where it leads.

I read Wallis' original book some years ago and now he has offered us an update. It is now 75 years since the highway numbering system went into effect, and more than ten years since the original book came out. What we get is an extra chapter in the back outlining some of the many changes that have occured in the past decade. Some old friends of the road have passed away; and a whole lot of new ones added. One gripe. We don't hear how Angel and Juan in Seligman are doing these days. Experienced 66 hands will know who I mean--the rest of you, make sure you find out about those two fine gentlemen. This, new, book will help you on your way. Highly recommended. 11/2/06--I should mention that Juan Delgadillo, the Juan in my review, passed away Summer 2004. Regrets. He seemed such a genuine character.

I read Wallis' original book some years ago and now he has offered us an update. It is now 75 years since the highway numbering system went into effect, and more than ten years since the original book came out. What we get is an extra chapter in the back outlining some of the many changes that have occured in the past decade. Some old friends of the road have passed away; and a whole lot of new ones added. One gripe. We don't hear how Angel and Juan in Seligman are doing these days. Experienced 66 hands will know who I mean--the rest of you, make sure you find out about those two fine gentlemen. This, new, book will help you on your way. Highly recommended. 2006--I should mention that Juan Delgadillo, the "Juan" in my review, passed away Summer 2004. Regrets. He seemed like such a genuine character.

This is an excellent tape, with its narration by the author. I have listened to this book while travelling Route 66, and it really makes for excellent driving/listening! Sound quality is excellent; the abridgment does not compromise the book at all. Wallis really knows the road and its people, and his narration brings the book to life.

Wallis is a skillful storyteller who brings this highway alive! He ignites in the reader the desire to travel the road & get to know the cast of characters who live & work on the shoulders of Rt 66. Lots of great memories for baby boomers who took family driving vacations. The book reminds us that so much of what we love about America; the "mom & pop" businesses, the quirky tourist attractions and the good people are still out there, waiting to be rediscovered on Route 66.