Lost on Route 66- Tales from the Mother Road

By: Katelyn Bohl; Eric Wilder

This book is a collection of poems, essays and shorts stories of expriences traveling Route 66. As a reader I was drawn into each story, poem, and essay as if I was there experiencing it myself. Whether the writing was, sad, happy, or angry. This book is amazing and filled with such detail, as stated above the reader will feel as if they are the character.

Reviewed on 04/11/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Michelle Lichtenfels

Two years ago, my husband and I went a road trip from New York all the way to Arizona. One of the memories that still stand out today, is that of an old white and black sign that read Route 66 as well as the signs that read 'Historic Route 66". It was not until we entered an old gas station in Texas that we learned how old that raod was. Post cards with route 66 printed on them layed all over that gas station. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review this book.

In reading Lost on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road, written by Katelyn Bohl and Eric Wilder, I was able to relate and appreciate this highway's rich history. This road meant so many diffent things to so many different people, and I was one of them.

Lost on Route 66 is a collection of short stories, essays and poems about the famous highway and those that traveled on it or lived close to it. These stories gives you life lessons that entails the life of being an american at the turn of the century, which molded the American life of today. As I read each story, I was able to place myself on that road at the particular time. The stories are heartfelt, sad and some are humorous but in all, each story teaches us a lesson, as in my favorite story in the book "Life's Little Lessons", which describes a leather dressed, tattooed biker helping a couple with a flat tire. What he wanted in return? For the couple just to pass on the favor and help others. This story teaches us that simple lesson, "don't judge a book by it's cover" as in the case of this gentle-hearted biker.

Lost on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road is a beautiful art of American history compiled in written memories which has now left me wanting to explore more. I wait for the day I am back on the raod, face to face with that sign that's reads "Route 66".

Reviewed on 10/26/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Johanna LoPorto

Lost on Route 66 is a fascinating and nostalgic summary  of short stories, poetry and essays about “The Mother Road; Route 66” also known as the "Will Rogers Highway”. In it's heyday, Route 66 was on the mapped route of nearly every traveler whether traveling during Christmastime or taking a vacation in the family roadster. And as this was before “google maps”… the fun of refolding the map being a memorable part of the fun.

Route 66 was a piece of Americana highway which originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, before ending at Los Angeles, meandering through a total of 2,448 miles, thus making quite a scenic, not to mention interesting, trip across America.

Like most lovers of anything Americana, there is a part within me that has the desire to grab a duffle, pack it with memories and toothbrush and leap into my old Chevy to make that adventurous trip across the country. I miss the scenery, areas of interest and quite frankly the interesting personalities of persons one met along the way. Somehow with the advent of superhighways/interstates, the chain “grab a burger” joints don’t quite hold the same ambiance as the local diner with burgers so thick you had to open wide to devour them and milkshakes so thick a spoon stood straight up in their delectable goodness. And for those who are too old to appreciate what Route 66 meant to drivers of this era, this book fleshes out quite nicely the personality of the time, and allows those poor unfortunate souls but a taste of what Route 66 meant in the history of our country.

Filled with short stories, poems, and many incidents which bring forth both sadness and laughter within, this is truly a book that draws the reader into an era that officially removed Route 66 after it was replaced by the Interstate Highway System. Surprisingly (and thankfully,) it is recently  being resurrected by the Natural Service under the name "Historic Route 66.”

As I read each story I was able to place myself in the heart of the writer, smiling at some, laughing at others, and feeling sadness as well. The voices of the writers are poignantly authentic, while they bring experiences to life for readers to enjoy, escape to or merely touch upon an era that meant so much to so many.

With the considerable talent and turn of a phrase from writers Katelyn Bohl and Eric Wilde, “Lost on Route 66“, brings back fond memories of families of station wagons and family vacations. The writers are exceptional in the way the authors introduce to the modern reader, nostalgia. And graciously, without leaving the comfort of our own homes, allow us to be a part of the history of this great country of ours.

Though periodically along this once busy road, one still spies an abandoned diner or gas station, almost lost to the elements by ruin and neglect, there is still within those weathered boards memories which are begging to be heard despite the readers age. When viewed, one cannot help but wonder what occurred in it’s “salad days” and when it came to wreck and ruin. The mere sight of some of these deserted and lonely monuments to Route 66 are ones that strike to the heart.

A snapshot of America’s history, Lost on Route 66: Tales From The Mother Road, can offer even those who never experienced the magic firsthand, for a short time, a step back into time, when gas was under 50 cents a gallon, diners dotted the countryside, phone booths were on every corner,  and the din of squabbling kids in the backseat was a true piece of the American way. Though, US 66 was removed officially from the U. S. Highway System June 27, 1985, it will live on forever in those who still hold its memories deep within their hearts and thanks to these talented authors, we have a book which will forever keep Hwy 66 alive.

I highly recommend this book for those who fondly remember Route 66, for those who never experienced it in all it’s glory or even those who are looking for a unique Holiday gift for those who spent countless hours hearing “are we there yet?” as they traveled down that wonderfully magic road called Route 66. Think of the memories you can offer with a mere book and the stories that will be inspired to share when gifting this book, for it is not a book that is just for casual reading, it is more than that. It is a book which will cause as many as “remember when’s?” as it will smiles and perhaps tears along the way.

 

Reviewed on 08/31/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Susan Pettrone

Crossing eight states the infamous Route 66 has been an American legend since its birth in 1926 and almost everyone at one time or another either has been on the route, part of it, or wishes to explore it. Either way, "Lost on Route 66" gives a glimpse into experiences of some people while they drive the route or live near it.

As I read each story I was able to place myself in the heart of the writer, smiling at some, laughing at others, and feeling sadness with a few. The voices of the writers are authentic while they bring their own experiences to life for readers to enjoy or relate to.

Thanks to Katelyn Bohl and Eric Wilder Route 66 continues to live on.  They bring to us nostalgia at its best and allow us to be armchair travelers at our leisure through the experiences of others. 

Reviewed on 06/27/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Irene Watson