Uneasy Rider: The Interstate Way of Knowledge

The first thing I noticed about Mike Bryan's UNEASY RIDER was a review proudly displayed on the back cover. "Easily the best road book since Blue Highways" I believe it said. Of course anyone who has enjoyed William Least Heat-Moon's classic journey across America knows that is would be almost impossible to repeat his brilliance, though Bryan gives it his best shot. At times his constant need to remind us of his love for the interstates can get a little old and i believe he would have been better off attempting to tone down his distaste for the "blue highways" so many have come to know and love. I personally am ambivalent about the subject, any road that can take me from here to somewhere else is alright with me. What Bryan does accomplish is an in depth look into some of the quirky (strange) people and places lying on the interstates (or in some cases, the back roads). At times I believe he gets too caught up in the supposed significance of some event and could stand to lighten up on the philosophical underpinnings of some of his subjects. All in all, I enjoyed the book. I particulary liked Bryan's ability to weave history and information together as he did in the chapter about Texas Highway Construction. Anyone who spends their time reading road books has to accept them as creations of the author who has his own set of beliefs and feelings about the greatest creation in the modern world, highways. With this thought in mind (it is Bryan's trip, not yours) Uneasy Rider is one of the better road books out there. Please let me know if you find any better.