The Book Review Podcast: "It's Still Summer. Let's Talk Road Trip Books."

Release Date: August 1, 2025
Host: Gilbert Cruz
Guests: Dwight Garner, Alexandra Jacobs, Jennifer Versalai
Description: Host Gilbert Cruz, along with New York Times Book Review critics Dwight Garner, Alexandra Jacobs, and Jennifer Versalai, delve into the world of road trip literature, exploring iconic and contemporary works that capture the essence of American adventure and individualism.

1. Introduction to the Road Trip Book Project

In the latest episode of The Book Review, host Gilbert Cruz introduces a special project focusing on "18 Great Road Trip Books," tracing the evolution of road trip narratives from the seminal On the Road by Jack Kerouac to modern interpretations. The discussion sets the stage by highlighting summer as the quintessential season for road trips, embodying themes of freedom, exploration, and the American spirit.

Gilbert Cruz (00:38):
"Summer is the season for road trips, for tapping into that broad and baked in American narrative of adventure and individualism."

2. Revisiting On the Road and Its Impact

The conversation begins with a reflection on Jack Kerouac's On the Road, a book that has significantly influenced the critics' personal and professional lives.

Dwight Garner (01:58):
"This book changed my life and it changed my life to the extent that it sent me out there into the world myself, hitchhiking, traveling, trying to find a different place."

Alexandra Jacobs expresses her appreciation for the book as a window into the Beat Generation, while Jennifer Versalai admits to never having finished it, finding its rambling style initially off-putting.

3. Defining the Essence of a Great Road Trip Book

The panel delves into what makes a road trip novel compelling, emphasizing the flexibility of the genre to explore diverse themes and character dynamics.

Dwight Garner (03:39):
"It's such a flexible form. You can do anything with the road trip idea."

Alexandra Jacobs (04:25):
"The car is also just a great place for conversation. You're trapped. So you know there's absolutely gotta have dialogue."

Jennifer Versalai highlights how road trip books can subvert traditional narratives, citing Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward and The Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli as examples that blend road trip elements with ghost stories and familial quests.

4. Exploring Notable Road Trip Novels

a. Fiction Highlights

• Tramps Like Us by Joe Westmoreland (12:03):
  Dwight praises the novel for its authentic teenage voice and cult classic status, lamenting its initial obscurity due to its unfortunate launch timing during the events of September 11, 2001.

Dwight Garner (12:14):
"At every moment in this book you feel like you're reading a character who is exactly that age."

• Dog of the South by Charles Portis (23:17):
  A quirky road trip tale involving undead love and dark humor, Portis's work is celebrated for its unique style and offbeat narrative.

Dwight Garner (23:26):
"Charles Portis is so gifted a writer that he could have had the kind of career that Cormac McCarthy had if he had wanted to go that way."

• Driving Mr. Albert by Michael Paternitti (15:37):
  Jennifer describes this non-fiction work as a charming and wacky cross-country journey transporting Albert Einstein's brain, blending historical intrigue with personal reflection.

Jennifer Versalai (15:37):
"It's really enjoyable... and I was glad to revisit it all these years later."

• All Fours by Miranda July (24:21):
  An unconventional road trip narrative where the journey is abruptly halted, leading to a profound personal odyssey.

Jennifer Versalai (24:40):
"It's a different kind of journey."

b. Non-Fiction Highlights

• Gypsy by [Author Name] (18:45):
  Alexandra discusses this work on a burlesque entertainer, noting its connection to the classic musical and its portrayal of Mama Rose's relentless pursuit of success.

Alexandra Jacobs (18:45):
"There's an amazing document of... the resourcefulness of this famous stage mother rings very true."

5. Personal Road Trip Stories and Reading Experiences

The critics share their own memorable road trips, intertwining personal anecdotes with book-related experiences.

Dwight Garner (06:33):
"I proposed marriage over fried chicken in Talassie, Alabama."

Gilbert Cruz (10:06):
"For my 40th birthday, my best friend and I took a trip from New York to New Orleans... and I proposed over fried chicken."
(Note: Gilbert narrates Dwight's story with slight variation.)

Jennifer Versalai (09:01):
Describes a family road trip through Las Vegas and Death Valley, highlighting how the journey immersed her in Americana.

6. Banter on Road Trip Snacks

A lively segment where the panel humorously debates the best and worst snacks for the road.

Alexandra Jacobs (20:53):
"My favorite road trip snack is a date shake."

Dwight Garner (20:19):
"Twizzlers. Because you put them up in your visor and they dangle like flowers."

Jennifer Versalai (22:43):
"Pringles. They come in a resealable container, which is key if you have kids."

7. Additional Book Recommendations and Missed Titles

The panel expresses regret over notable omissions from their list, suggesting beloved works that embody the road trip spirit.

Alexandra Jacobs (30:08):
"I'm absolutely furious that Lolita is not on this list. Christopher Isherwood once called it the best travel book ever written about America."

Dwight Garner (31:08):
Recommends The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, emphasizing its enduring impact and unforgettable scenes.

Jennifer Versalai (31:34):
Mentions The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, highlighting its intriguing narrative and legacy.

8. Embracing Audiobooks and Alternative Reading Formats

The discussion touches upon the role of audiobooks in road trips, with personal preferences shared.

Jennifer Versalai (27:34):
Loves John Le Carre's The Pigeon Tunnel audiobook for its engaging narration.

Alexandra Jacobs (28:18):
Admits certain audiobooks can be soporific, preferring them only in specific situations.

9. Closing Remarks

Host Gilbert Cruz wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the featured road trip books and share their own favorites.

Gilbert Cruz (32:43):
"Check it out if you haven't already, and email us@booksytimes.com to let us know about your favorite books set on the road."

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility of the Genre: Road trip novels can encompass a wide range of themes, from personal growth and adventure to unconventional narratives like ghost stories and family sagas.

• Personal Connections: The critics' personal road trip experiences enhance their appreciation and understanding of the genre, demonstrating how literature and real-life journeys intertwine.

• Cultural Reflection: Road trip books often mirror the socio-cultural landscapes of their times, offering insights into American values and transformations.

• Humor and Humanity: Even amidst serious themes, the inclusion of humor and relatable human experiences makes these stories resonate deeply with readers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dwight Garner (01:58):
  "This book changed my life and it changed my life to the extent that it sent me out there into the world myself, hitchhiking, traveling, trying to find a different place."

• Jennifer Versalai (15:37):
  "It's really enjoyable... and I was glad to revisit it all these years later."

• Gilbert Cruz (24:21):
  "Yeah, it's a different kind of journey."

• Alexandra Jacobs (30:08):
  "I'm absolutely furious that Lolita is not on this list."

Whether you're planning your next summer getaway or simply love exploring diverse narratives, this episode of The Book Review offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of road trip literature. Tune in to discover your next favorite journey through the pages of these memorable books.