Rating: 
Summary: A Fine Trip, by fermed
Review: I didn't think I would like it: a couple take their Winnebago on a trip across the US that hits places with cute names such as Joy, Harmony, and Bliss and then write about their experiences on the roads and hamlets, and about the people they encounter. Too contrived for my taste, and do we need another Korualt imitator? A Tocqueville manqué?But once I started I was hooked. The author's occasional cynical comments have been noted by other reviewers, and I agree that they are distracting and unecessary. One would wish that he would step aside more often and let America reveal herself unencumbered, which she does splendidly when allowed. On the positive side, Mr. Herzog is a good and competent writer, and it is through his pen that America becomes alive in its robust and vibrant glory. Yes, there is a Glory, in Georgia. The photography (by Amy Herzog, the silent wife) is precisely what it should be: homey snapshots without pretense, only a couple per chapter, in black and white, and the sort one would expect to find in the albums of any of the citizens encountered on the trip. The humbleness of the photography enriches the book. Highly recommended for armchair travelers (especially foreigners) who seek to read something wonderfully touching and different about America. An America one hopes will never vanish.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Concept, Indifferent Execution
Review: I don't usually read non-fiction (I tend to bore easily). However, this book was terrific. It was thought-provoking, very readable and, indeed, well-written. I found myself making notes to research information on various topics the author touched upon in his travels like the Cherokee nation, Hatfield-McCoy feud, etc. Written by a twenty-something gave a new perspective to this travel journal and then some. Herzog is a philosopher as well as a latter-day Steinbeck, Least Heat Moon, and Charles Kuralt. Definitely worth your time.
Rating: 
Summary: Readable and educational
Review: I don't usually read non-fiction (I tend to bore easily). However, this book was terrific. It was thought-provoking, very readable and, indeed, well-written. I found myself making notes to research information on various topics the author touched upon in his travels like the Cherokee nation, Hatfield-McCoy feud, etc. Written by a twenty-something gave a new perspective to this travel journal and then some. Herzog is a philosopher as well as a latter-day Steinbeck, Least Heat Moon, and Charles Kuralt. Definitely worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: States of Joy
Review: I had a wonderful time reading this book. I love travel writing and it's hard to find anything that matches this quality. The only book I've read recently that came close was `America's Back Porch' by Daniel Jeffreys, who is British. I hope Brad Herzog writes a sequel, there are so many towns in the US with names like `Confusion, North Dakota' that would benefit from his fine eye and splendid prose.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo for a travelogue assisting all people!
Review: I must admit, that I fell into the hype of this book after the whole, "Millionaire" mention, and wondered if this would be another "trek across America". I am so pleased to say I was completely wrong. This beautiful collection of stories from the true heart of America lift your heart, body and soul. I found myself not only envious of the Herzog's travels, but in a different "State of Mind" altogether. Americans know nothing more than what is on the other side of their own fence, and such a shame that is. This land has so many treasures to bestow on a curious mind, it is mindboggling. Returning from a driving honeymoon of my own recently to Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, & Illinois, the most enriching part of each day, was venturing off the highway to explore America's forgotten life, the rural town. I am completely enthralled with this book, and rejoice in some of the lessons it taught me in my own life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for reason in a hectic lifestyle.
Rating:
Summary: Nice slice of Americana
Review: I too heard of this book during the "Millionaire" show --- (where I hope to one day plug my own "Encyclopedia of Hell" and hope it shoots up the Amazon rankings as this book has done!) But it really does deserve a larger audience than it had been getting, it's a nice collection that paints a poignant "American Scene". I was especially partial to the story on Love, Virginia, but all had depth and character that was honest and refreshing. And collectively they offer a great overview of America in all its quiet pain and glory. A highly recommended read!
Rating: 
Summary: The author needs to get out of the way
Review: I was really looking forward to this book, and it half way met my expectations. Problem is that the author brings too many of his own preconceptions to bear and doesn't let these places explain themselves. My advice to him is to pack up the ole Winnebago and do a return trip and let the places and the people tell their own stories without the author's injecting his literary pretensions. (I mean, he seems like a nice guy and all, but this book wasn't billed as a memoir).
Rating:
Summary: Great Concept, Indifferent Execution
Review: I was sold on the concept of States of Mind - the idea of looking for various virtues in towns of the same name (Hope, Unity, etc.) Unfortunately I was disappointed by the writing. Herzog developed a formula for this book and doggedly stuck with it. Every piece has a similar structure: 1. Talk about the virtue the town is named for. 2. Give a quick rundown of the route to get to the town (I thought if he "climbed aboard" any more highways I would puke. 3. Give a long, often dull history of the town. 4. Interview a couple of people; in many cases there seems to be no rational for chosing whom to interview except their availablitiy. 5. Give a paragraph or two of commentary, them move on to next town and repeat. Amy, Herzog's wife and the photographer for the trip, rarely is mentioned. There is no window into how the trip affected their relationship. There is no commentary on how they adjusted to living in an RV. There are few casual encounters with other travelers. The result is a set of newspaper style features that I found unrewarding. I was also concerned because one town I know intimately (Unity, NH) and there were factual errors in that chapter. I don't know about the other towns, but I did wonder how accurate the material was. All in all, it was a great concept, but a lifeless book.
Rating:
Summary: My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
Review: My husband and I just took early retirement (read: big merger buyout). We bought an RV and are planning to criss-cross the US to Alaska and back next Spring. Thinking this would be a good preparation for our own upcoming trip of a lifetime, I bought the book and embarked on an engrossing read. The characters and towns are so vivid that I only hope our actual journey will seem as real! The blending of history and recent political, social, cultural events was inspired. My only objection is Mr. Herzog's admitted but repetitive cynicism, especially about Faith and the value of God in the lives of those He created. Perhaps if Mr. Herzog looked for his answers from God in Christ, instead of from other mere humans, he would find the peace he needs to calm his cynical nature. But then, that Book has already been written! Overall, an excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Way to win $64,000!
Review: OK, so I suspect every freelance writer/author/cumpulsive-amazon.com-rankings-checker in America was cheering Mr. Herzog on last night on "Millionaire." (Couldn't you hear us all yelling "The Stones, man, it's the Stones"?) But he did such a succinct and eloquent job describing (a.k.a. pitching) this contemporary Blue Highways to Regis that I don't begrudge him shooting from a ranking of 122,000 or so to #9 overnight, literally. Heck, it couldn't have happened to a better sportswriter. But I'll have to start calling that 800 number so maybe one day MY book can shoot up from 60,000 or wherever it is this week.
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