Miles to Go
Miles to Go
An African Family in Search of America along Route 66
Miles to Go is the story of a family from Africa in search of authentic America along the country’s most famous highway, Route 66. Traveling the scenic byway from Illinois to California, they come across a fascinating assortment of historical landmarks, partake in quirky roadside attractions, and meet more than a few colorful characters.
Brennen Matthews, along with his wife and their son, come face-to-face with real America in all of its strange beauty and complicated history as the family explores what many consider to be the pulse of a nation. Their unique perspective on the Main Street of America develops into a true appreciation for what makes America so special. By joining Matthews and his family on their cross-country adventure, readers not only experience firsthand the sights and sounds of the road, but they are also given the opportunity to reflect on American culture and its varied landscapes. Miles to Go is not just a travel story but a tale of hopes, ambitions, and struggles. It is the record of an America as it once was and one that, in some places, still persists.
Intertwines history and a family’s exploration of Americana.
A delightful way of slowing down time.
Part travelogue, part quest.
A glimpse of how non-Americans view the United States, its customs, and its hang-ups.
In telling the story of his African family’s journey on Route 66, Brennen Matthews has made an important contribution to the legacy of the highway. He offers both a new voice and a new look at the Mother Road.
An impassioned and engaging road trip along and deep inside Route 66, with a bright, thoughtful guide and his engaging family. If you ever want to travel the Mother Road yourself, it would be a terrific, quirky guide. If you don’t have the time to make that quintessential American drive, the book is as close as you’ll come to experiencing the sheer wonder of it.
Miles to Go awakens fond memories of my many road trips by car and Greyhound bus along the ‘Mother Road,’ Route 66!
Miles to Go fills my heart with the freedom of being back on the road. Reading Brennen Matthews’s story has time traveled my mind to when I drove Route 66 as a teenager and transported me back to all the unique places, the rich characters, and the smell of freedom that only America has to offer. What a joy to feel that once more. Route 66 is the artery of Americana and is now calling my name again. Here I go…
If there is a route to take to get to know America it’s Route 66. If there is a book to read before you take it, it’s Miles to Go.
Brennen Matthews is the editor of ROUTE, the nation’s leading national Route 66 and classic Americana magazine. Originally from Mombasa, Kenya, Matthews currently lives with his family in Toronto.
Foreword
Prologue
Introduction
Part One: In Search of Americana
Part Two: The Great Push West
Part Three: Into the Desert
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
