Rating: 
Summary: Perfect listening for a road trip
Review: Steinbeck is brilliant and Sinise is amazing. This is the longest book on tape I've ever listened to, and by far the best. Sinise expresses Steinbeck's observations on Americana with the perfect blend of curiosity and wit. A drive across the country will surely be enhanced with this in the car stereo.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, witty, observant.. got me obsessed with Steinbeck
Review: This book got me obsessed with John Steinbeck. I'd read Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men in high school and enjoyed them for their realism and eloquent characterizations. Also, knowing how much of Steinbeck's work reveals an active social conscience, I figured his "search of America" would have to be intriguing. And I was right. Steinbeck's travelogue is beautiful, witty, and highly observant. Travels With Charley takes the detailed autobiographical leanings of Walden or the Autobiography of Ben Franklin, adds the unpredictability of the best road stories, and throws in at least one great, classic, funny one-liner every few pages. By the time I finished this book, I could picture Steinbeck as one of the greatest traveling companions one could want. Another sign that his work his successful: now I want to read more by him. In the middle of Cannery Row right now. Thanks, Mr. Steinbeck.
Rating:
Summary: A very pleasant change of pace
Review: Travels with Charley offers a rare opportunity to simply spend some time with one of America's greatest writers. There is no structured plot, there is no in-depth look at a character's life, there is no symbolism. Instead we just ride along with Steinbeck as he travels across the country with his dog. We see things as Steinbeck sees the. We enjoy the scenery and sites that Steinbeck enjoys. And we make the mistakes that Steinbeck makes. The only character we get to know on this journey is Steinbeck himself, and he is a joy to behold. A lot of people often speculate on what famous characters they would like to have to dinner so they could engage in conversation with them instead of trying to get to know them through their work. Here, Steinbeck offers us the opportunity to not only have dinner with him, but to have lunch with him. To help him clean up his house. To lend a hand at changing a tire. We are allowed to see a genius up close and personal and to have him as a companion as we traverse the United States. This is something that no other author has ever offered, but I wish that every author did. Reading this book is like being allowed to read through Steinbeck's journal. We see his little slipups and we watch him engage in conversation with the people he meets. It is just Steinbeck's personality, which is warm, witty, smart and fun to be around. No pretenses, no art, just Steinbeck, his dog, and you taking a little trip across the country.
Rating: 
Summary: Travels with Charley is just fantastic!!!!
Review: Steinbeck is expert at weaving a tale! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Readers who enjoy adventure, traveling, and experiencing new things will love this book. Travels with Charley is an interesting novel that is almost biographical in the sense that it tells a lot about Steinbeck himself, and his own experiences while traveling across America. The author's descriptions of places such as the Salinas Valley are made so real that I can almost imagine I was there, at that time. While reading this book it is important to not rush through it because it is better understood and enjoyed if you are relaxed while reading. All of the sights are seen through Steinbeck's eyes and retold as Steinbeck sees them. This book also supports the theme that companionship is essential to survival. The companionship and comfort that Charley,the poodle, gives Steinbeck is vital and very necessary. Not only does Charley protect his master, but he is Steinbeck's lifelong friend. Their bond is truly inseparable. Besides this theme, the author touches a little on other topics such as racism in the South, defining the national identity of America and its people, and the loneliness as well as the benevolence of Americans in different geographical regions. As a result of reading Travels with Charley:In Search of America, I want to travel again. My spirit of adventure has come alive!
Rating: 
Summary: Bland
Review: I didn't quite get the feel of America that I wanted to. Perhaps I'm too stuck on Kerouac and his pace. The words were there but the feeling wasn't. Suggest "Grapes of Wrath" to anyone interested in getting to know Steinbeck.
Rating: 
Summary: torture!!
Review: This book is painful to read because you are hosted by a crotchety old man who is annoyed by life and loves no one except his dog. He meets people who he finds boring and visits places that insult him and tells you about all of the lousy things that happen to him and then reminds you of all of the good things that have disappeared about America. If you love Steinbeck don't read this book because perhaps you are meeting the real man and you will feel different about his other beautiful books. If you don't know Steinbeck and want to, try Pastures of Heaven or Cannery Row. Those books are how you want to remember him by, and not by this last, wheezing gasp.
Rating: 
Summary: NO!
Review: A master story-teller, he should have stayed with stories. This is a bore.
Rating:
Summary: I like Charley
Review: I really liked Charley. Although just a dog, he basically broke the ice with everyone Steinbeck met as he traveled across America. I don't really recommend this book as it is not very entertaining. There is more hidden in certain phrases in the book that deserve applauding due to their perfect harmonious syntax, but overall I thought the story was dull. I only like Charley because he had so many human characteristics that gave his mostly unspoken character depth.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful
Review: I read half of this book, it's wonderful, but too long for a computer scientist like myself. Will recommend it to any teachers. Very good thought of America. I like the character Charlie, the dog. Wish all the books are just 10 pages at most. I read this to complete an assignment by my teacher. I resent that, but, this book is good. If you're into travel and like to know more about the people in other places of the U.S, this is the book for you on the road. It'll relax your mind and bring you the peace and comfort and expectation of your meetings with strangers.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book To Take On Vacation
Review: This book is great. I found it relaxing, humorous, and heart warming. A must read.
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