This was an interesting book, and it is one that makes me want to go see the places the author visited. The author embarks on a journey to see 50 of the remaining independent roadside motels in mainly the U.S. (he does start in Canada, but he then travels through the U.S.). These are motels that are now historical for the most part, and in many cases, they are in danger of extinction. Many of these continue working as roadside motels. Some have been renovated and turned into boutique destination motels, but all these places have charm and stories, and the author has collected the charm and stories in this book.
- 38 chapters covering the various motels he visited .The last chapter also features an essay, "Postcards from the Roadside" where he looks back at his time on the road and summarizes the state of these motels after the journey.
- An appendix by his partner Amanda where she writes about learning to be a motorcycle passenger.
- A directory of places visited with contact information.
The book combines travelogue with personal stories. The author describes his journey, often down to very minute details including mishaps, such as leaving one of his bike's containers unlocked, and his stuff including his laptop falling out all over the highway. He also describes the properties he visits in detail. In addition, he speaks to owners and managers as well as guests to get their stories. The motel workers' stories are interesting and varied from married couples to immigrants who buy a property, work it, and make a go of the American Dream. Along the way, the author gives us a bit of motel history as well as some U.S. history. You get a lot in this book. Additionally, you get some nice color photography throughout the book. The photos do enhance the book and narrative.
A strength of the book is the author's narration, which is down to earth and warm. He also pays attention to detail without overdoing it. I'd say this is a book to take your time reading it. I read through it a bit fast to do the review on time, but as I said, this is one to linger on a bit.
Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts will likely enjoy the book. However, you do not have to be a biker to enjoy the book. If you enjoy good travel writing combined with a good dose of Americana and a bit of nostalgia, you will enjoy this book as well. The book is very evocative, makes you want to travel.
This is one I would highly recommend for public libraries. I think patrons who enjoy travel books will enjoy this one. For academic libraries, those with good popular culture and/or Americana collections may want to add it. I think it could also make an interesting addition for academic libraries serving hospitality schools.
Overall I really liked this one, and I do recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars.
* * * * *
Additional reading notes:
The author on writing the book:
"I wrote Sleeping Around America as a travelogue, photo-book, and travel guide all in one. The title is a tongue-in-cheek play on the pillow trade that so many of the mid-century motels grew to rely on just to make ends meet through the 80s and 90s. It is also an irony that at fifty I'm joking about sleeping around. I don't (except to literally sleep). As this book is more than a guide to unique places to have motel sex, I added Revisiting the Roadside Motel as the subtitle.
Through the book I travel the country seeking out retro motels, learning their stories and trying to find out what the future holds--What better way to do this than by riding a motorcycle" (ix).
More on how he wrote the book:
"I learn about the motels by meeting the people who own them and the people that stay in them. Through the book I meet moteliers, talk with guests, meet the employees and speak with people in the community to learn all I can about the motel. This book is as much about their stories as it is about the buildings themselves" (xi).
Reader's advisory note. These are books I have read that may have similar appeal factors. Links go to my reviews:
- Icons of the Highway.
- Two for the Road.
- Fried Twinkies, Buckle Bunnies, and Bull Riders.
- Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure.
- Are We There Yet?: The Golden Age of American Family Vacations.
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