Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon

I've known of this book for many years, probably since 1982 when it was originally published and my mom, a journalist, had the opportunity to interview the author.  During a recent visit with my mom it came up in discussion and she sent me a copy the following week.

We all think about just packing up a few things and heading out on walkabout around the country (or is it just me?)  But Heat-Moon actually did it, during one of those times in life when we just need to get away and disappear and find ourselves by getting lost.

His journey took him in a 10,000+ mile loop around the country, sleeping in his van and avoiding interstate highways, sticking to the back roads, the ones drawn in blue ink on road maps; hence the name of the book.

I envy his ability, his innate desire to engage strangers on a regular basis, striking up genuine conversations as with long lost friends.  He does it constantly on his journey.  He frequently mentions his boredom and loneliness, striking out to a bar or restaurant specifically to meet people.  Not for journalistic sake, but for his own enjoyment.  I envy that quality in a person; it's not something you can just pick up when alone on the road.  It's who he is.

He also finds great ironies and humor along the way, at least if you enjoy dark humor.  He's a brilliant observer.  He must have used a tape recorder over the course of every day, as he recalls innumerable facts and details (most of it while driving), the types of things I couldn't remember from this very morning.  He remembers details that most people never even notice.

His journey takes him through all sections of the U.S., central, north, south, east and west, and he seems comfortable and knowledgeable throughout.  It's as if he's done this journey many times and is simply recalling stories, history and factoids from previous visits.

My only beef is one of the overriding themes throughout the book, that nothing is as good as it used to be, that everyone is selling out for the almighty dollar, and that nothing is so glorious as the past.  I don't enjoy such negativity in literature any more than when I encounter it in real life.

The past is always revered, throughout societies and throughout history, but the notion becomes wearisome towards the end of the book.  If you don't like they way things are, then change them.  Don't just complain and complain and complain; sooner or later you need to either quit complaining or do something about it.

Still it's a great read, one that has stood the test of time.  I'm glad my mom sent me the book and I'm glad to have read it.