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4.5
I will admit right from the start that true travel/adventure books top the list as to my favorite genre in the nonfiction category...they are right up there with biographies. I will also tell you that the book being reviewed here, `The Kindness of Strangers,' had me hooked on the first page and it did not disappoint me one time while reading it.The author, who was 37 years old at the time, resigns from a very nice job as a journalist in San Francisco, says goodbye to his girl friend and family and leaves without a cent in his pocket (He gives his last change to a homeless person), no credit cards and an expired driver's license. He begins hitchhiking and walking across the country with the goal of reaching Cape Fear, North Carolina. He is alone and he admits right from the beginning that he is afraid; actually, he admits to being afraid of just about everything.This book is a record of his journey across America. Now before you go on, please realize that this is not a work of fiction. There is no hint of contrived drama, enhanced and embellished stories, nothing is blown up, no one is killed and there are no zombies on the roads he travels. No, the author who is a professional journalist/writer has reported his trip and reported it well with what I feel is absolute honesty. I like that. It is a rare commodity these days. Make no mistake, this author can write and he can tell a story and he at times can be rather funny. You will find no snide and sarcastic remarks as is to be found in Bill Bryson's work; no, this is a different animal we are dealing with.The author meticulously records conversations he has with the various people that give him a ride and those he meets while traveling on the road, with those who give him shelter and those who feed him. Remember, he has no money! He tells their story. Some of the tales are sad, some inspiring, some rather whimsical. The author assures us that the only thing he has changed is the names of the individuals in most cases to protect their privacy.It should also be noted that the author stays away from interstate and super highways; traveling only the back roads and by-ways. This is much the technique use by William Least-Heat Moon and it works. Anyone who has traveled these roads will know the plethora of characters they will meet and the fascinating tales many of them have to tell. The author has captured this perfectly in this work.The reader should be informed that the author has not tried to sugar coat anything. Some of the individuals he meets are not the sort you would want setting in your home. On the other hand; overwhelmingly so, the author has found that for the most part the American people are kind an generous for the most part and we are most certainly a trusting lot. I will tell you truthfully - the author did things I personally would not do and the author had people help him along the way that will surprise you.I enjoyed this work. My wife recommend this one to me and I am grateful to her.Don BlankenshipThe Ozarks
