With a title like Roads: Driving America's Great Highways, it's easy to assume Larry McMurtry has written a travelogue of his cross-country driving experiences. An author with several bestsellers, a few screenplays and a Pulitzer Prize under his belt could provide remarkable descriptions of this great country.
This assumption is incorrect, however. I've read too much by Charles Kuralt and Bill Bryson, I guess. They're known for penning funny, poignant and priceless travel experiences. McMurtry doesn't follow that route. He states,
"Other than curiosity, there's no particular reason for these travels, just the old desire to be on the move. My destination is also my route, my motive only an interest in having the nomad in me survive a little longer."
Fans and readers of Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen know that McMurtry is from Archer City, Texas. He had a ranching childhood, but realized he was better with books than horses. Along with his writing credits, the author is also an antiquarian bookseller. Many of his earlier road trips involved the hunt for literary treasures with which to stock his store.
Roads discusses nine trips in nine months in 1999. McMurtry travels by plane to his beginning points and meanders home to Texas each time by car. It's possible to symbolize home as the ultimate destination for each trip, but I choose not to go that deep.
As stated earlier, there is no Kuralt or Bryson in this piece. Roads is pure McMurtry: a mix of physical descriptions, historical events, classic book settings and the typical complaints you'd expect from a cranky guy (literary gods may strike me down for saying that about a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, but the guy is pretty grumpy).
What's most enjoyable about Roads are McMurtry's views of the plains. He sees great beauty in the land and describes it well. The author spends some time in the areas in which his books are set, reflecting on his past and the characters he's created. He's also very well-read and mentions many old but worthy books from his memory. Lovers of the printed word appreciate this trait.
It's clear McMurtry despises urban sprawl, but he sure seems to spend a lot of time on the interstate highways. He has definite tastes, speeding through certain states in an attempt to spend as little time there as possible. Because of a long-standing silly grudge, the stubborn man refuses to stop in Alexandria, Louisiana. Instead, he pushes on to Shreveport in order to get some rest for the night.
I am surprised to see that McMurtry actually enjoys Los Angeles. He sees right through the glitter, and still appreciates what most tourists don't take the time to find. While making his way from L.A. to Barstow, McMurtry comes within 2 miles of my home. To his credit, he is familiar with my area's citrus history. I am impressed by his intelligence. Many people who live here don't even know about the old groves.
Clearly, Roads is not a travel aid. Unless you want to find the Holy Tortilla, this book is of no assistance as a guide. McMurtry's trips are quite solitary. He passes the time discussing whatever is on his mindusually books.
If you've never read a book by Larry McMurtry, you will most likely hate Roads. From the other side of the street, the book appears to be about nothing but a man driving, observing, praising or complaining about everything he sees. I also expect the entire population of Idaho to hate this book based on one single paragraph. Skip it if you live in the potato state.
You will probably like this book if you have read some of the authors earlier works. He mentions several of them and their characters in this book and it's a nice connection. Besides, reading the old stuff will give you a clearer picture of the man as a whole.
Those who have read Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen will most appreciate Roads. The earlier book of essays introduces readers to this complex author and helps them accept McMurtry's unique approach to this work. Yes, Roads is a book about driving in circles, going nowhere. However, familiarizing yourself with earlier McMurtry works will help you understand the meaning of nowhere and why it's good to go there now and then.
