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A Walk Across America Paperback – September 1, 2001
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Twenty-five years ago, a disillusioned young man set out on a walk across America. This is the book he wrote about that journey -- a classic account of the reawakening of his faith in himself and his country.
"I started out searching for myself and my country," Peter Jenkins writes, "and found both." In this timeless classic, Jenkins describes how disillusionment with society in the 1970s drove him out onto the road on a walk across America. His experiences remain as sharp and telling today as they were twenty-five years ago -- from the timeless secrets of life, learned from a mountain-dwelling hermit, to the stir he caused by staying with a black family in North Carolina, to his hours of intense labor in Southern mills. Many, many miles later, he learned lessons about his country and himself that resonate to this day -- and will inspire a new generation to get out, hit the road and explore.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherMariner Books
- Publication dateSeptember 1, 2001
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.72 x 8 inches
- ISBN-10006095955X
- ISBN-13978-0060959555
- Lexile measure1020L
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From the Back Cover
Twenty-five years ago, a disillusioned young man set out on a walk across America. This is the book he wrote about that journey -- a classic account of the reawakening of his faith in himself and his country.
"I started out searching for myself and my country," Peter Jenkins writes, "and found both." In this timeless classic, Jenkins describes how disillusionment with society in the 1970s drove him out onto the road on a walk across America. His experiences remain as sharp and telling today as they were twenty-five years ago -- from the timeless secrets of life, learned from a mountain-dwelling hermit, to the stir he caused by staying with a black family in North Carolina, to his hours of intense labor in Southern mills. Many, many miles later, he learned lessons about his country and himself that resonate to this day -- and will inspire a new generation to get out, hit the road and explore.
About the Author
Peter Jenkins is the author of The Walk West, Along the Edge of America, Across Chinaand Looking for Alaska.
Product details
- Publisher : Mariner Books; 1st edition (September 1, 2001)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 006095955X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0060959555
- Lexile measure : 1020L
- Item Weight : 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.72 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #133,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #332 in Travelogues & Travel Essays
- #517 in Traveler & Explorer Biographies
- #4,139 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe the story as captivating, exciting, and inspiring. The writing quality is praised as well-crafted and profound. Readers appreciate the wonderful insight into America and its diverse cultures. They praise the author's perseverance and humor. Overall, they consider the book a timeless classic that captures a period in American history.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They describe it as a refreshing escape from the hectic world today.
"...This is a true story , an overall good book. I liked hearing the interesting stories of the diierent people Peter me (he wrote the book)...." Read more
"In the crazy world of today it is a refreshing escape of a read...." Read more
"...in this story of a man and his beloved dog and the many wonderful, amazing, and occasionally scary people they meet." Read more
"...I sent my father a copy to read as well. I can't stress how incredible this book is." Read more
Customers enjoy the story's engaging content. They find it captivating, with exciting and humorous adventures. Readers describe it as an inspirational account of a young man's adventure. The book is described as a classic tale of a college student who decides to see the Appalachian Trail.
"...This is a true story , an overall good book. I liked hearing the interesting stories of the diierent people Peter me (he wrote the book)...." Read more
"...The book took me both across the country and back in time...." Read more
"...This story truly provide hope in the restoration of humanity and should be read by all. Highly recommend." Read more
"It is a very heart-warming and inspirational account of a young man’s adventure as he seeks to rekindle faith in America and her people." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it well-written and easy to read. The book is profound and inspiring, especially for high school seniors. Readers praise the author's skill in describing places and events vividly.
"The book is written in a way that makes it very easy to read and follow. Recommended!" Read more
"...Peter is a very good writer and does a fantastic job of describing places and events to the point that you feel you are on the journey with..." Read more
"...This is one of those books you could read in one sitting, front to back, because it captivates you so much you can't put it down!" Read more
"...as good as "Blue Highways" by Least Heat Moon, but most definitely very well told and a recommended read...." Read more
Customers find the book a great introduction to America. They enjoy learning about different places and experiences. The book provides a wonderful insight into what America is truly like, with beautiful descriptions of the nation and its people. It's an easy read and they enjoy learning about the variety of experiences Mr. Jenkins had.
"...It is interesting to hear about all the people he meets along the way, and what America was like in 35 years ago...." Read more
"...He has many varied experiences. You will love it." Read more
"This is a great read that teaches you what America is truely like. Although this book was written over 20 years ago, its story still hits home today...." Read more
"...Many beautiful descriptions of our nation and it's people, and some dangerous and unpleasant circumstances as well. An impressive and touching book!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find the protagonist remarkable and praise his perseverance, especially in the face of challenging weather conditions. The author is considered a good writer.
"...As they travel they meet many wonderful people along the way, with unique stories...." Read more
"Loved his story of walking the Appalachian trail, the people he met along the way...." Read more
"...He meets some great people, works odd jobs, endures hardship, and has plenty of good times too...." Read more
"...into the same bucket as "Never Cry Wolf", Fascinating but not exciting. An interesting read that will draw you back to re-read it again." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's timeless content. They say it captures a period in American history that is rapidly fading.
"...Loved it thirty five years ago and love it still. Cooper is still my favorite dog. I even named one of my dogs after him. :)" Read more
"This is a very good book that captures a period in American history that is rapidly fading...." Read more
"...This is a timeless classic." Read more
"Oldie but goodie! They just don't write them like this anymore!" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They say it makes them laugh and cry, with plenty of good times as well.
"...I laughed audibly at this book, cried, and have already reread it. I sent my father a copy to read as well...." Read more
"...are sections in the book that are very sad, and others that are laugh out loud funny. I highly recommend this to any reader...." Read more
"...loved this first book ..He had very exciting adventures as well as hilarious ones." Read more
"...Full of laughter -- and tears." Almost twenty years later, I still consider it to be the best story I have ever read...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2016A Walk Across America is a different kind of story about a man and his dog in the 1970's. Peter Jenkins id fed up with America and is about ready to head to a foreign country when a friend tells him to take a closer look before he decides to abandon it. So Peter and his dog, Cooper, decide to walk across America. As they travel they meet many wonderful people along the way, with unique stories. There are a few, of course, who do not like them, like a small town who thinks Peter is a drug dealer trying to "grt" their kids. Most, though, like Peter and Cooper and some evern offer them places to stay. This is a true story , an overall good book. I liked hearing the interesting stories of the diierent people Peter me (he wrote the book). If you expecting to hear the whole tale, all the way to the Californian coast, though, you may disappointed, this book only goes about half way there. That's because Peter stopped to write this book. I think people who like interesting, true stories about human nature in general will like this book
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2011I found this book at my parents house stashed away somewhere. What a find! It was an original copy from 1979. If you enjoy travel novels (Such as Bill Bryson's a "Walk in the Woods") you will really enjoy this book. The book took me both across the country and back in time.
As someone in his 20s I can identify with the author and the way he felt at the start of his journey. But this book was set in the mid 70s, just under a decade before I was born. It is interesting to hear about all the people he meets along the way, and what America was like in 35 years ago. Jenkins paints a very vivid picture of the places he visits and the people he meets along the way. He also goes on an inner journey of self discovery. From a lost recent college grad disillusioned with the US he gains an appreciation for his country and a better understanding of himself. I really enjoyed it and even ordered a copy for one of my friends.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024Like the one
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023In the crazy world of today it is a refreshing escape of a read. This story truly provide hope in the restoration of humanity and should be read by all. Highly recommend.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024It is a very heart-warming and inspirational account of a young man’s adventure as he seeks to rekindle faith in America and her people.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2012I really feel as though I took this journey with Peter Jenkins. He is a hiker who can make you feel as though you're on the trail with him. I fell in love with him and I fell in love with his dog, Cooper. I came to realize why dogs have been referred to as man's best friends. I'd thought from the title that Jenkins would be walking the entire time, not realizing that he would need to stop and work in order to continue to survive. On the whole, Jenkins was treated well. Ask yourself if you ever imagined that a white man in the seventies could move into a black neighborhood, live with a black family, and go to church with them every Sunday and become like one of the family? Or could you imagine a mountain man who raises all his own food, a virtual hermit, welcoming Jenkins into his home and treating him like a son? Still, there are some scary experiences on the road--some close calls--ones that will make your heart pound a little faster.
Jenkins enjoys neighborly love in this book and by the end falls in love two more times (I won't spoil the story by providing details). Let me just say that I feel this book has it all--a little of every type of connection a healthy man or woman needs for the good life. Dog lovers and even those who have never felt a deep connection with animals of any sort (the exception for me would be my brother's dog in recent years) will feel an emotional investment in this story of a man and his beloved dog and the many wonderful, amazing, and occasionally scary people they meet.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2021About the time he was doing this, I was considering doing something similar myself. He was able to figure out some logistics that escaped me. I bought this copy as a gift, having read it years ago. My mom became partially blind and unable to read herself, so after not being able to find an audio book version of it, I made one for her myself. Obviously I recommend this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2019I had never heard of Peter Jenkins until I found his books in my Mother's library. Now I am a real fan and will read all of his books in the coming months. What grabbed me and won't turn me loose is his story telling ability as he records his walk across America beginning in Connecticut and ending on the Pacific Ocean in Washington State. He wanted to see the real America back in the 70's. He was depressed and having a hard time finding a reason to look forward after graduating college until he was inspired by one of his Art Professors to leave everything behind and go forward. His story is good for today's generation, too because not much has changed in the big world and his story still applies today.
Top reviews from other countries
- Sameer KumarReviewed in India on October 25, 2024
1.0 out of 5 stars One of the worst travel books I've ever read
I had very high hopes when I bought a copy of 'A Walk Across America' but those hopes were completely destroyed once I started reading the book. The first thing that hits the reader is the author's utter, complete obsession with his dog, Cooper. At least half the book is merely "I love my dog so much. My dog is so beautiful and wonderful and great. My dog loves me so much. We love each other so much and we have so much fun playing with each other. I can't live without my dog and my dog can't live without me." And a million variations thereof. One soon gets sick and tired of reading about Cooper, the wonder dog.
Apart from the dog thing, the writing is disjointed - the prose stutters and balks, the stories are dull and not at all engaging. Everything is just dull, dull and DULL, and things just drag on and on.
I know my view of this book is contrary to what most other people think of it but, hey, that's my honest view - it's a terrible book. If you enjoy reading adventure-travel books, there a thousand others that you can buy. Just give this one a miss.
- Matthew GiesbrechtReviewed in Canada on August 25, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Product exactly as shown
Product exactly as shown
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Philip SchommerReviewed in Germany on May 18, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Long lost friend
Hab das Buch in den 80's gelesen und nach all den Jahrzehnten wollte ich es wieder lesen
- HKJacksonReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm so in her good books.
Copy arrived quickly and in time for Mothers day as her present. She's been after this for ages. I'm so in her good books...
- CondearandaReviewed in Spain on February 22, 2016
3.0 out of 5 stars Condearanda
In the beginning was very interesting, then when the dog dies the book becomes a little dull, but I liked it a lot and it's a wonderful epitome of that epoch