America at Twelve Miles an Hour

Rating:
Summary: A Most Entertaining, Interesting, and Inspring Book
Review: Having traveled by automobile much of the route taken by Phil and Merj Shrout on their bicycle trip across America, we were amazed at how much we had missed as to the `real' people of the United States. The numerous stories and colorful characters painted in "America at Twelve Miles an Hour" by the author really bring their trip to life for all readers, whether well traveled or not. If not, we can only imagine that reading this book will spur many to giving serious consideration to embarking on such a trip themselves. We highly recommend this book to all, particularly those who enjoy living vicariously, which is easily attained given Phil's highly entertaining writing style, or those who are serious or aspiring bicyclists. No, doubt, though, that this book can serve as a tremendous guide book for anyone interested in traveling their scenic and interesting route, whether by bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or RV.

Rating:
Summary: You won't want to put it down!
Review: It has always been a dream of mine to bike cross country and after reading "America at Twelve Miles an Hour" I'm so inspired! This account goes well beyond a typical travel narrative - it recounts the trials and (humorous) tribulations of life on the road. Phil Shrout gives us a unique glimpse of the people and places in America that most of us will never get a chance to see...but this book will make you feel like you're along for the ride.

Rating:
Summary: America at 12 miles per hour
Review: Reading Phil Shrout's book, "America at 12 miles per hour" was like traveling across the country on my bicycle but in the comfort of an easy chair. Feeling the anxieties, discomforts and exhilarations of a cross country bicycle trip, learning about the differences and similarities of people on the west coast, across the north and midwest, and through the south, catching a glimpse of the compromises that make a marriage work, were lessons in geography, culture, and psychology. Add to this a sense of humor and you have many hours of enjoyable reading.

Rating:
Summary: Great Read!
Review: This book was such an easy and fun read! I felt like I was right there with Phil and Merj on their journey. Between the characters, the mishaps, and the wonderful descriptions, this was better than fiction! I laughed the whole way through. I highly recommend this book to not only bike enthusiasts, but life enthusiasts. It sure inspired me to get off the couch :)

Rating:
Summary: Delightful!
Review: What a fun way to see our beautiful country! I enjoyed reading the Shrout's adventures as well as the conversations with all the local people. It's amazing to have the stamina and the desire to take on a project such as they did. Well written and a great read!

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: What a great book! I laughed out loud at times and loved to read about the history of the places visited by Phil and Merj.

Rating:
Summary: What a surprise!
Review: When I first sat down to read this book about a ride across the country, I did so with a bit of doubt as to how entertaining it could be. I was pleasantly surprised, as the pages and miles went by and I found I was actually having FUN! I've never been a bicycle enthusiast, but this book makes me want to become one! The great interactions with the people along the way are interesting and amusing! I love the historical information that Phil gives along the route as well. When I got to the end of the book, I could imagine the bittersweet emotions that must have marked the end of the trip! A great read! I literally laughed out loud a time or two. You'll really feel like you are riding along with Phil and Merj - except maybe without the pre-sweat and sweat!

Rating:
Summary: You'll get weary reading this book
Review: While 12 mph is a reasonable pace for a long-distance bike ride, the pace through this book is sluggish. This diary is also way too complete. It has the names of all the places they ate and the names of perhaps 80% of the waitresses. I think one premise of the book was simply to talk to as many people as possible and recount their stories - no matter how uninteresting. Many more interesting accounts of biking across the country can be found on the web. I must say that I've only read a little less than half of the book and don't plan on reading any more. There are no photographs, maps, diagrams, lists or tables of information.