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· 1,028 ratings · 219 reviews
Start your review of The Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family
This is a memoir bearded as a travelog. The author decided to treat his elderly parents to a cross country trip featuring sites of full general interests and in some cases sites of significance from his parents' younger years. Too accompanying them on the trip are three of the author's grown children, and a girl-in-police. Equally the story progresses we learn much about the family, their ancestors, and the life experience memories of the author himself. The book'south narration concludes with the caravan
This is a memoir disguised as a travelog. The author decided to care for his elderly parents to a cross state trip featuring sites of general interests and in some cases sites of significance from his parents' younger years. Also accompanying them on the trip are three of the author's grown children, and a girl-in-law. As the story progresses we learn much about the family, their ancestors, and the life experience memories of the author himself. The book's narration concludes with the caravan arriving home in time to witness the nascence of the author'due south outset grandchild (great-grandchild for his parents). The author'south wife stayed abode to be available in case the birth arrived early. This placement of a "new beginning" at the terminate of a series of past recollections provides a climatic goal for this family unit'southward trip, and it as well furnishes to readers of this book a moving emotional conclusion.
The shared family and personal stories vary from funny to cringeworthy. The author'south father is described equally a natural storyteller, and it'due south credible from this book that the author has inherited some of this talent too. The writing is well crafted and a pleasure to read.
The author is a retired feature correspondent subsequently thirty-two years for NBC's Today Testify. Information technology is my understanding that many of the incidents described in this book were filmed, recorded, and afterwards shown on the Today Show every bit role of a human being interest story.
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"The Ride of Our Lives" wasn't what I thought it would exist, but it is what it says information technology is. I was expecting one of those road trip stories where yous got a lot of "compare and dissimilarity" between the state and the people met along the manner. In that location's a bit of that hither, simply more often than not it is a record of the stories a family tells themselves, how the ancestors came to America, how Mike got his first job in Television, how anybody met and got married. The travel wasn't the centerpiece of the book, the family stories we "The Ride of Our Lives" wasn't what I idea it would be, but information technology is what information technology says it is. I was expecting one of those road trip stories where yous got a lot of "compare and contrast" between the land and the people met forth the way. In that location's a bit of that here, but mostly it is a tape of the stories a family tells themselves, how the ancestors came to America, how Mike got his get-go job in TV, how everyone met and got married. The travel wasn't the centerpiece of the book, the family unit stories were. Yous also got a lot of clarification of the family members as characters, the grandpa who sings at the drop of a hat, the hard driving TV reporter who has to do 2 things at once. It was like rampage-viewing something similar "The Waltons" – you got to know a petty about everyone and a lot about some, and you too know how the generations all interacted. Leonard is similar a John Male child who has go a successful network Tv set reporter, so you practise get stories of a well-to-do family, but also of family members borrowing to brand ends meet and working for little pay to prove their worth – typical Walton storylines. If yous have an appreciation for those kinds of stories, you will enjoy this volume. ...more
I loved the writer's manner. He's very funny and not agape to take pot shots at himself. Traveling effectually the land with his parents and children, you learn that family is what is really important. As well you cannot go dorsum to life as it used to exist, it has changed. Be happy with who you are and who you are with. I loved the author'southward style. He's very funny and non afraid to take pot shots at himself. Traveling around the country with his parents and children, yous learn that family unit is what is really important. Also yous cannot go back to life every bit it used to exist, it has changed. Exist happy with who y'all are and who yous are with. ...more than
In addition to reading I dearest to melt and I love to travel. My most recent travel read, A Yr In the Earth by the author of Under the Tuscan Sun (saw the movie but have not read the book), was a bit of a disappointment. So I wasn't sure what to expect with The Ride of Our Lives: Lessons of an American Family unit by Mike Leonard about a three-generational family road trip in ii RVs that no one had any experience driving. But information technology turned out to be a actually fun read with no heavy topics and no politics In add-on to reading I love to cook and I love to travel. My about recent travel read, A Year In the World by the author of Under the Tuscan Sun (saw the moving-picture show but accept not read the volume), was a bit of a thwarting. And so I wasn't sure what to look with The Ride of Our Lives: Lessons of an American Family by Mike Leonard almost a three-generational family route trip in two RVs that no i had any experience driving. But it turned out to be a actually fun read with no heavy topics and no politics other than those expressed by the family members. This book exceeded all of my expectations and so some. As they say, I laughed, I cried, I went into deep thoughts. Who would think a volume about someone else's road trip could ever exist that interesting. It made me think almost life and what family unit ways to me. I besides learned, along with the writer, a bit about making a trip in an RV, which I accept never done. If you are looking for a refreshing fun read to escape from all the usual reading about wars, religious conflicts, and even history, this may exist just the break you are looking for. Highly recommended for general readers who may be seeking something different! ...more
Brave son invites crochety, outspoken mom and engaging dad to travel across the U.s.a. in two rvs, and see what they have not seen and revisit personal history locations.I do not recollect I would e'er hold to Practice this, just I loved this book. This family is presented honestly with humour and love, but is not too sweet nor vapid. Individuals are fleshed out and failings are as charming as successes.
Mike Leonard'due south personal story is fascinating and his family adds to it!
Brave son invites crochety, outspoken mom and engaging dad to travel across the USA in two rvs, and see what they take non seen and revisit personal history locations.I do not retrieve I would ever concord to Practise this, but I loved this book. This family is presented honestly with sense of humor and beloved, simply is not as well sweet nor vapid. Individuals are fleshed out and failings are as charming as successes.
Mike Leonard's personal story is fascinating and his family unit adds to it!
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The volume starts off with a mishaps right away. The cast of characters mirrored people in my life. The family embarks on a trip across the usa in two RV's. The son wants to requite his parents a last tour of the country before they can't travel anymore. They visit special places to them as well as familiar state marks forth the way. The family's interactions through out the book fabricated me laugh. The volume starts off with a mishaps correct abroad. The cast of characters mirrored people in my life. The family embarks on a trip across the us in two RV'southward. The son wants to requite his parents a last tour of the country earlier they can't travel anymore. They visit special places to them as well as familiar country marks forth the way. The family's interactions through out the book fabricated me express joy. ...more
This is a lovely book about families and what they mean to each other. Sure, there are times when they make you lot drinkable and want to run screaming for the go out. Only this book exemplifies the practiced things about keeping family unit together: laughter, history, self-knowledge, love.Who, when reaching middle age, doesn't realize all the things their parents have done for them? And, well, to them as well. Mike Leonard decided to give his parents ane last holiday, one last big trip to talk well-nigh, with the top
This is a lovely volume about families and what they mean to each other. Sure, there are times when they brand you beverage and desire to run screaming for the exit. But this book exemplifies the skillful things nearly keeping family together: laughter, history, self-cognition, love.Who, when reaching middle age, doesn't realize all the things their parents take done for them? And, well, to them besides. Mike Leonard decided to requite his parents 1 final vacation, i last large trip to talk almost, with the topper at the stop: the nascence of their first great-grandchild. In the process of telling the stories of the trip, he winds in the history of his parents' families, and his own babyhood and young adulthood.
The book made me cry, express joy, smile and even come to some "aha" moments near my own wacky family. There is a DVD included which contains the four-part series shown on the "Today" show (where Leonard is an occasional reporter) likewise as some other textile showing details about the trip that can't be conveyed in impress form. It's a wonderful parcel.
Not that I'k rushing out to propose this to my mom--she wouldn't, couldn't, exercise a trip similar this--merely it is a wonderful, lovely idea: enforced togetherness of three generations (three (I think?) of Leonard's children are with them on this road trip) with cameras rolling. It's just a reminder that as much equally we like to think we're more evolved and don't demand our parents, we did come up from them, and at that place are some things that can't be left backside forever.
Squeamish job.
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The Ride of Our Lives is life affirming, alternately hysterical and poignant; rich in eye and humor with only 1 fault. It is almost too rich. Two-thirds of the way into the book, y'all experience like you have eaten also much chocolate. But it is a practiced feeling.Are we having fun yet? Most people avoid vacations that involve both their grown children and their elderly parents. Perchance NBC journalist Mike Leonard doesn't take that common sense. He went on a cross-country trip with two RVs with his folk
The Ride of Our Lives is life affirming, alternately hysterical and poignant; rich in center and humor with only one fault. It is almost likewise rich. Two-thirds of the way into the book, yous feel like you accept eaten too much chocolate. Only it is a good feeling.Are we having fun withal? Most people avert vacations that involve both their grown children and their elderly parents. Perhaps NBC journalist Mike Leonard doesn't have that common sense. He went on a cross-country trip with two RVs with his folks (in their 80's) and well-nigh of his grown children and tried to recapture that detail family misery.
As he drives from Chicago through the Southwest, upwards the East Coast and dorsum to Chicago, Leonard intertwines his reflections with biographical stories by and virtually his somewhat eccentric parents. Their tales offering the book'due south nigh entertaining moments: phlegmatic Jack, who'south "conversational `off' push button got jammed," likes to sing old songs, while gregarious Marge likes to drinkable and repeatedly spices her conversation with profanity ("Toora loora, my ass!" she yells during ane of Jack's songs).
But what lies at the center of this memoir and the journey it describes (something that Leonard discovered en road) is the recognition that families may be missing out on their own legacies—the stories that reside in each of us, particularly our parents, that explain who we are, where we come up from and where we might be heading.
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Setting:an RV road trip from Chicago to Arizona to the Atlantic coast and back to Chicago
Time period: several weeks in early 2004 Discipline headings
Family unit and Relationships
Recreation vehicles
Family history
Us Travel
Appeal factors
Footstep ho-hum, leisured
Grapheme Development quirky, genuine, moving
Linguistic communication accessible, humorous, witty, ernest
Setting ancillary
Tone heartfelt, whimsical
Book Summary
Mike Leonard of the Today Testify wanted to requite his fourscore year-one-time parents a family unit reunion and a chance t
Setting:an RV route trip from Chicago to Arizona to the Atlantic coast and dorsum to Chicago
Time menstruation: several weeks in early 2004 Bailiwick headings
Family and Relationships
Recreation vehicles
Family history
Us Travel
Entreatment factors
Pace slow, leisured
Character Development quirky, genuine, moving
Language accessible, humorous, witty, ernest
Setting ancillary
Tone heartfelt, whimsical
Book Summary
Mike Leonard of the Today Bear witness wanted to give his 80 twelvemonth-onetime parents a family reunion and a take a chance to exist present for the birth of their outset peachy-grandchild, but he also wanted to requite them the opportunity to travel places they'd never been and revisit places that held important memories. He rented two RV's, and together with three of his adult children set out on a road trip from Chicago to Arizona, and so from Arizona to the Atlantic Declension and back to Chicago. While traveling and sight-seeing together, Mike and his family reminisce nigh family unit history and share some hilarious adventures. The cast of quirky family members and people and places along the journey provide stories that are touching as a well as humorous.
ane-iii sentence annotation
A heart anile Television receiver correspondent decides to rent an RV and have his adult children and his 80 year-onetime parents on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Along the fashion they reminisce about the family history and encounter a variety of adventures.
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I beloved family related memoirs and travel writing more focused on the relationships adult or rediscovered during a trip and this book from NBC correspondent Mike Leonard is a prime number example of what I enjoy about them. Based effectually a two RV caravan trip through the United States with his parents, both in their 80s, and various other family members the book wanders through southern Us and up through New Jersey on it'south manner to a final destination in the Chicago suburbs. The places visited are of I love family related memoirs and travel writing more focused on the relationships adult or rediscovered during a trip and this volume from NBC correspondent Mike Leonard is a prime instance of what I savor about them. Based around a two RV caravan trip through the United States with his parents, both in their 80s, and various other family members the book wanders through southern Usa and up through New Bailiwick of jersey on it'south way to a concluding destination in the Chicago suburbs. The places visited are of less importance, and less interesting, then the tales they inspire most by and current family members.
The writer makes much of his view that his family is full of eccentrics and mismatched personalities but in truth they are like whatsoever successful family though by successful I mean in the sense that at that place is deep and abiding dear that acknowledges not merely the feeling simply the obligations that come with that success. Personalities in direct contradiction to each other become whole organisms when in a committed relationship. Allowances are fabricated for each others strengths and weaknesses. And the sweetness of shared moments is palpable when described by a talented writer like Mr. Leaonard. This is a book worth reading more once. ...more than
I picked this book upwardly at the library. I was pleasantly surprised to find a DVD enclosed, that had the "Today Show" segments of his month long RV trip with his parents. I really enjoyed reading near his travels, and I wished there were more about his actual travels, and less about his growing up in the Chicago suburbs in the 1950's/1960's. His parents really reminded me of Kathy Griffin'due south parents in her reality serial--they could have been neighbors. The parents were the real stars of this book. I picked this book up at the library. I was pleasantly surprised to find a DVD enclosed, that had the "Today Evidence" segments of his month long RV trip with his parents. I actually enjoyed reading about his travels, and I wished there were more than about his actual travels, and less about his growing upwardly in the Chicago suburbs in the 1950's/1960's. His parents really reminded me of Kathy Griffin's parents in her reality series--they could have been neighbors. The parents were the existent stars of this book.The above I wrote 10 years ago. I only picked up this book in a "Little Gratis Library" kiosk and didn't retrieve that I had already read this volume. It was fresh and brand new to me. And I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. The volume was written 15 years ago, and this fourth dimension I actually enjoyed the parents idiosyncrasies and the family unit of four boys growing up in the 1950's and the lives of the parents struggling to provide for their family. I looked up the obituary of the female parent, Marge, who died in 2019. I tried to look upwards a website for Mike Leonard only it has been taken down now. I am just so glad I was able to read this book again.
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This book started out with a bang. Literally. As it progressed, it felt more like a bomb. Much of the backstory was tiresome and bogged down the telling. I think yous had to be in that location on this iii generational cross country trip to desire to read some of those mundane conversations.
However, there were snippets of hilarious. Just not enough of these to carry the book. I think Leonard should stick with his job as a circulate journalist and save this volume for his relatives.Like Leonard I retrieve the l'
This book started out with a bang. Literally. Equally it progressed, it felt more like a flop. Much of the backstory was tiresome and bogged down the telling. I think you had to be there on this three generational cross country trip to want to read some of those mundane conversations.
All the same, in that location were snippets of hilarious. Just not enough of these to carry the book. I think Leonard should stick with his job as a broadcast announcer and relieve this book for his relatives.Like Leonard I think the l's and could relate to this observation: "Most summer days, in fact, were spent without a parent in sight. They assumed that we would figure out how to spend the time. And we did, assuming that what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them. And they didn't know. And it didn't hurt them. It injure u.s.. But nosotros lived and we learned." If it wasn't a school day, I was often sent out later lunch and told to be home when the street lights in our development came on. Coming dwelling before then was not an option. Times CERTAINLY have changed.
...more than Mike Leonard is a characteristic writer for the Today show, and in this combined autobiography/travel story, his family travels in 2 rented RVs from Arizona across the southern states and up the Atlantic coast, and then back to Chicago. The occasion is Mike's souvenir to his elderly parents, the ultimate family unit reunion. Jack and Marge Leonard, well into their lxxx's, are real characters, and such opposites that one wonders how they could accept stayed married for lx years. Along for the ride are two of M Mike Leonard is a feature writer for the Today show, and in this combined autobiography/travel story, his family travels in two rented RVs from Arizona beyond the southern states and upward the Atlantic declension, and then dorsum to Chicago. The occasion is Mike'south gift to his elderly parents, the ultimate family reunion. Jack and Marge Leonard, well into their fourscore's, are existent characters, and such opposites that one wonders how they could take stayed married for lx years. Along for the ride are two of Mike's children and their spouses, and a single son. Mike's married woman is staying abode for the imminent birth of their first grandchild. The story alternates between events of their trip, Jack's accounts of growing up with his three brothers, and his parents' stories of their growing up in Paterson, NJ. The book is light as a feather but I enjoyed this crazy agglomeration, who make information technology dorsum to Chicago in time for the birth of their great-granddaughter- granddaughter-niece Josie. ...more than
What a fun book. I loved the familiarity of Mike'due south growing up years--the freedom that we shared when the globe was not such a scary identify--or at to the lowest degree nosotros did not know that it was scary. I was surprised and pleased to find Skoose singing a little ditty that Gary's dad used to sing--how strange to find it validated in print!! ( I used to work in Chicago, in a section shop..) I identified with Mike'south feelings about seeing his parents age. I wish had the desire to take my mom on a similar journe What a fun book. I loved the familiarity of Mike's growing up years--the freedom that we shared when the globe was not such a scary place--or at least nosotros did not know that it was scary. I was surprised and pleased to notice Skoose singing a trivial ditty that Gary'south dad used to sing--how strange to find it validated in print!! ( I used to work in Chicago, in a department store..) I identified with Mike's feelings nearly seeing his parents age. I wish had the desire to take my mom on a similar journeying, but perhaps I missed the window where she would have agreed and enjoyed going on such a trip. I as well enjoyed the references to Mike's and his kids interest and enjoyment in moving picture making and wish I had seen some of the Brenden Leonard Show--it is so something that our Michael/Charlie would do! There are then many good people in this world, why don't we hear more about them! ...more
Possibly this is an unfair review, equally I listened to this book on tape for a book gild meeting (and the abridged version was the only thing available to me), but I would not have picked upwards this volume unless it was for a book society. That was a off-white judgement, because I didn't find this book interesting at all. I was non familiar with Mike Leonard prior to reading this book, so maybe that played a role in my disinterest. But his stories nigh his parents aren't all that compelling and aren't fifty-fifty told Perchance this is an unfair review, as I listened to this book on tape for a volume lodge meeting (and the abridged version was the only thing available to me), only I would not have picked up this book unless it was for a volume club. That was a fair sentence, because I didn't find this book interesting at all. I was not familiar with Mike Leonard prior to reading this book, so maybe that played a office in my disinterest. Only his stories about his parents aren't all that compelling and aren't even told with that much heart. I really don't care about his high school hockey days, and build information technology upward all you desire, merely I bet Meg's infant turns out perfectly fine. I don't think this volume was necessarily poorly written, I simply recall the subject thing was boring and non what I was expecting from a memoir. ...more
This book was a nice story about the Leonard family who goes on a cross country RV route trip with the elderly k/parents. It'south witty and fast reading. Infused with lots of cornball tales of growing upwardly in a simpler time and when kids were kids and some hardships endured by immigrants. Mrs. Leonard is sassy and a spitfire; Mr. Leonard loves to sing whimsical piffling songs and it's difficult at times to believe these two opposites have been married for 60+ years! They have endured a lot of family unit sit
This book was a nice story near the Leonard family who goes on a cross country RV road trip with the elderly g/parents. It's witty and fast reading. Infused with lots of nostalgic tales of growing upwards in a simpler fourth dimension and when kids were kids and some hardships endured past immigrants. Mrs. Leonard is sassy and a spitfire; Mr. Leonard loves to sing whimsical little songs and it's hard at times to believe these 2 opposites have been married for 60+ years! They accept endured a lot of family situations.
Sometimes the book's writing transition was a lilliputian disruptive – on i topic then off to another and seemed more centered on the writer Mike instead of the whole purpose of the trip which was the grand/parents and giving them an run a risk in their onetime historic period.
Bonus: ½ hour DVD of the experience.
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My husband and I lived full-fourth dimension in an RV for nigh 2 years, so this story appealed to me. The trip covered some places nosotros stopped. Our RV life focused on driving to places where we wanted to stay for several months at a fourth dimension. This story's RV trip consisted of many long hard-driving days, cranking out many miles to get to each trip terminate. The elderly parents didn't seem to relish the spectacular scenery of the western states, so that's a shame. The elderly parents were mostly disappointed in retu My husband and I lived total-fourth dimension in an RV for well-nigh ii years, so this story appealed to me. The trip covered some places we stopped. Our RV life focused on driving to places where we wanted to stay for several months at a time. This story'southward RV trip consisted of many long hard-driving days, cranking out many miles to get to each trip stop. The elderly parents didn't seem to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the western states, then that's a shame. The elderly parents were mostly disappointed in returning to college towns and previous residences - time had marched on in more often than not unkind ways. Apparently the highlight of the RV trip was the family unit bonding betwixt/among the elderly parents, the 56 twelvemonth-erstwhile narrator, and three of his developed children. The stop of the trip was timed to coincide with the author'southward quaternary developed child giving nativity to the first peachy-grandchild in the family. ...more than
I bought this after hearing Mike Leonard speak at a book and writer luncheon in 2006 or 2007. Somehow it sat on a shelf for a decade (as and so many books practice in my firm) and I pulled it off to run across the "Read a Travel Memoir" job on Volume Riot'southward 2017 Read Harder Challenge. And, equally so often happens, the volume was in my life at the right place and right time. I am about the age that Mike Leonard was when he took this trip with his elderly parents and young adult children. I'm seeing my immature adult chil
I bought this later hearing Mike Leonard speak at a book and author dejeuner in 2006 or 2007. Somehow information technology sat on a shelf for a decade (as so many books do in my house) and I pulled it off to meet the "Read a Travel Memoir" task on Book Riot's 2017 Read Harder Claiming. And, equally and so often happens, the book was in my life at the right place and right time. I am about the age that Mike Leonard was when he took this trip with his elderly parents and immature adult children. I'm seeing my young adult child today and anticipating a visit from my own parents adjacent calendar week. And I'm going to pay better attention and listen more than.
A couple of weeks ago, I picked this book from my pile because I knew it was funny and I needed something less serious. I spent the final couple of chapters wiping away tears. That's life -- funny and tender.
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LOVED this book! Mike Leonard does a great chore of telling the story of their cross-state bulldoze and mixing in memories from his childhood and adult life every bit well as stories from his parents' lives. It's like a family history, biography, and novel all in one. I love the manner he describes his children because y'all can tell he's and then proud of them. And I fell in love with his parents, especially his dad. I really enjoyed the whole thing. I laughed out loud multiple times and fifty-fifty shed some tears. And t LOVED this book! Mike Leonard does a keen job of telling the story of their cross-country drive and mixing in memories from his childhood and developed life every bit well as stories from his parents' lives. Information technology's like a family history, biography, and novel all in one. I honey the way he describes his children considering y'all can tell he's so proud of them. And I fell in honey with his parents, peculiarly his dad. I really enjoyed the whole matter. I laughed out loud multiple times and fifty-fifty shed some tears. And the icing on the cake was watching the DVD that came with the book that has the segments from the Today Show equally well every bit other outtakes and pictures. There'southward goose egg like seeing the existent characters in action after falling in love with them in the book. I highly recommend this volume! ...more
This was a delightful book. The author decides to have his aging parents and 3 of his grown children in RV trek beyond the country, visiting places meaning in the family's history. He tells about incidents that occur along the style and stories that are shared betwixt family members. This was one upwardly those upbeat books that made me feel skilful and hopeful about life. There were parts where I laughed out loud. The author's parents were fascinating and endearing. I could see myself turning into the This was a delightful book. The writer decides to take his aging parents and iii of his grown children in RV trek across the country, visiting places meaning in the family's history. He tells about incidents that occur along the way and stories that are shared between family unit members. This was one upward those upbeat books that made me feel good and hopeful nearly life. There were parts where I laughed out loud. The author'south parents were fascinating and endearing. I could see myself turning into the Mom, who e'er gets to her destination making only right turns. The insights into human nature and how previous generations coped were thought-provoking and heartwarming. I would recommend this book for adults of all ages. ...more than
Four pages in and in that location'southward already cursing. My book club's going to detest information technology, only things are looking up for me!-----
Well, I'g finished at present, and extremely curious about my book social club's reaction. This book is bursting at the seams with positive family feeling, while also presenting them in a realistic light, blasphemous and light alcoholism included.
These kinds of "aw, shucks, ain't my family great" memoirs aren't really my affair, but it wasn't painful to read or a complete waste matter of time. The people were
Four pages in and there's already blasphemous. My book order'due south going to hate it, but things are looking upwards for me!-----
Well, I'm finished now, and extremely curious near my book club'due south reaction. This book is bursting at the seams with positive family feeling, while also presenting them in a realistic low-cal, cursing and calorie-free alcoholism included.
These kinds of "aw, shucks, own't my family unit bully" memoirs aren't really my affair, but it wasn't painful to read or a complete waste of time. The people were interesting plenty, but I think the cover is misleading. Information technology seems like the volume will be all virtually this family'southward hijinks on a month-long road trip. Really, the road trip was just a springboard for a lot of reminiscing about family history.
...more This was a book that was full of quirky characters and wonderful descriptions of the differences in the generations. The author, in taking his parents and several children on a long RV-style road trip, creates a wonderful opportunity for several generations to get to know each other meliorate. Our readers enjoyed the way the author cut dorsum and forth from past to nowadays. His writing was spare just with wonderful item. We enjoyed reading near how he stumbled upon his life's piece of work. Especially poign This was a book that was full of quirky characters and wonderful descriptions of the differences in the generations. The author, in taking his parents and several children on a long RV-style road trip, creates a wonderful opportunity for several generations to get to know each other better. Our readers enjoyed the way the author cut back and forth from by to present. His writing was spare but with wonderful detail. Nosotros enjoyed reading most how he stumbled upon his life's work. Especially poignant was his descriptions of how his parents kept their sadness to themselves. The experiences of the characters in the book acquired us to reflect on the changes in club and how returning to the past is never the aforementioned. It is better to keep our memories. We awarded iv.25 stars to this volume. ...more
Mike Leonard'southward self deprecating account of his family's month long travel across the country in two rv's is an like shooting fish in a barrel and enjoyable read. Mike's parents are in their tardily 80's and he loads them, some of his children and their spouses and off they go on an take a chance to revisit significant areas of their lives: his parents first domicile together, his parents colleges, and make some other scenic stops along the way. Merely that'southward really not what the volume'south about. Information technology'southward about the relationships of his family, r
Mike Leonard's cocky deprecating business relationship of his family's calendar month long travel across the country in 2 rv'southward is an like shooting fish in a barrel and enjoyable read. Mike's parents are in their late fourscore'due south and he loads them, some of his children and their spouses and off they go on an adventure to revisit significant areas of their lives: his parents first home together, his parents colleges, and brand some other scenic stops along the way. Only that's really not what the book'southward about. It's most the relationships of his family unit, remembrances of his parents as they delve back in their memories to tell how things were when they were immature, reminisces from Mike on his early years growing up with is brothers (hilarious) and just through plain happenstance met some of the people who most influenced his life.
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I should pay more attending to what my friends read. Beth read this two and one-half years agone and gave it 4 stars. I just picked it off the library shelf knowing nix virtually it or Mike Leonard. It'southward the story of a trip he took for a month with his parents and three of his adult children and a daughter-in-law in two rented RVs, visiting sites from the family'due south history, and ending with the nativity of the first child in the 4th generation. I laughed a lot, but also cringed at the Irish Catholic sweari I should pay more than attention to what my friends read. Beth read this two and half years agone and gave it 4 stars. I just picked it off the library shelf knowing zippo well-nigh it or Mike Leonard. It's the story of a trip he took for a calendar month with his parents and iii of his adult children and a girl-in-law in two rented RVs, visiting sites from the family's history, and ending with the nascency of the starting time child in the 4th generation. I laughed a lot, simply also cringed at the Irish Catholic swearing. You tin catch Mike and his family unit on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McpI68... ...more
o Mike Leonard is a lucky human being. It's not everyone who gets parents like Jack and Marge. At 80-vii, Jack is a pathological optimist with an inexhaustible gift of gab. Marge, Jack'south helpmate of sixty years, though cutting from the aforementioned rough bolt of Irish immigrant cloth, is his polar reverse–pessimistic and proud of information technology. Mike took a breather from his job with NBC News and so he could pile these two world-class originals along with iii of his grown kids and a daughter-in-law into a pair of rented RV o Mike Leonard is a lucky man. It's non anybody who gets parents like Jack and Marge. At lxxx-seven, Jack is a pathological optimist with an inexhaustible gift of gab. Marge, Jack's bride of sixty years, though cut from the same crude bolt of Irish immigrant cloth, is his polar reverse–pessimistic and proud of it. Mike took a breather from his chore with NBC News then he could pile these 2 world-course originals along with 3 of his grown kids and a daughter-in-law into a pair of rented RVs and hit the road for a month.
o 09/sixteen/2010 – 8 – I liked it. I recollect information technology'southward been made into a book on tape – full of amusing antidotes
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My sister sent me a re-create. She read it after seeing the features on the Today show, and it became her favorite volume. It's a skilful one. I'm thankful to meet Mike Leonard's delightful parents. They take much to teach us through how they handled some hard life experiences, including World War 2 and the loss of their first child. They accustomed each other'due south differences and lived with much humor and organized religion. I especially loved Mike's nifty grandmother who came to live with them when he was minor. Her My sister sent me a copy. She read it afterwards seeing the features on the Today show, and information technology became her favorite volume. Information technology's a good ane. I'm thankful to come across Mike Leonard's delightful parents. They have much to teach us through how they handled some hard life experiences, including World War two and the loss of their start child. They accepted each other's differences and lived with much sense of humour and religion. I especially loved Mike'south great grandmother who came to live with them when he was small. Her life story was one of coping with difficulty besides. She had a great impact on her grandsons and helped raise them. Great book. ...more than
This is more forth the lines of John Grogan's The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir than a touring book, much to my disappointment. I think Leonard has written a great book to share with his grandkids. It's all about their family unit stories, but they didn't seem that compelling to me. It was difficult to keep my interest level up through the whole book. It was peculiarly disappointing to me that the local people and local venues they visit in their trip really simply merit a cursory mention. In many cases, t This is more forth the lines of John Grogan's The Longest Trip Dwelling: A Memoir than a touring book, much to my thwarting. I call back Leonard has written a great volume to share with his grandkids. It's all about their family stories, but they didn't seem that compelling to me. Information technology was difficult to keep my involvement level up through the whole book. It was especially disappointing to me that the local people and local venues they visit in their trip actually merely merit a cursory mention. In many cases, those venues aren't even the catalyst for family unit story discussions. ...more
A 5 star book!! (I can't cull the number of stars on the site so I write information technology hither.) It was a great book. Mike Leonard relates funny, sad, and intimate stories about his life and the lives of his family members. He takes his elderly parents on a road trip across the land..."the gamble of a lifetime"...in an RV along with several of his children and their family members. It's a huge undertaking simply they finally make it to their destination and the other reason for the trip...a new grandchil
A 5 star book!! (I can't choose the number of stars on the site and then I write information technology here.) It was a groovy book. Mike Leonard relates funny, sad, and intimate stories about his life and the lives of his family members. He takes his elderly parents on a road trip beyond the land..."the adventure of a lifetime"...in an RV along with several of his children and their family members. Information technology's a huge undertaking but they finally make it to their destination and the other reason for the trip...a new grandchild/great-grandchild's birth.
I HIGHLY recommend this book!
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If I had a few more siblings, this would exist a volume about my family. Lots of laughing, proficient story-telling, nostalgia trips, Irish heritage...
I watched the unabridged documentary on PBS so I feel that I already know the characters. I am pleasantly surprised to meet that many of the stories in the volume are new to me and were edited out of the video version. I have often dreamed of one twenty-four hours going cross-country in an RV (or two) with my family; this book is a great manner to vicariously have that experience, If I had a few more siblings, this would be a book about my family. Lots of laughing, skilful story-telling, nostalgia trips, Irish heritage...
I watched the entire documentary on PBS and so I feel that I already know the characters. I am pleasantly surprised to run into that many of the stories in the volume are new to me and were edited out of the video version. I have often dreamed of one day going cantankerous-state in an RV (or two) with my family unit; this book is a groovy fashion to vicariously take that experience, and it helps me run into that it's possible and not that tough to programme. ...more than
I got this book because I heard about information technology from the Satellite Sisters book guild. I enjoyed this volume so much probably because I am around the aforementioned age as the author and could relate to his experiences and memories. I laughed out loud many times and had to read some parts to anyone that was around and then they could enjoy information technology also. What a wonderful experience it was for him and his family. We were thinking of taking a motorhome trip beyond country in a few years with all the family unit and so this book makes me I got this book because I heard about it from the Satellite Sisters volume guild. I enjoyed this book so much probably because I am around the same age equally the author and could chronicle to his experiences and memories. I laughed out loud many times and had to read some parts to anyone that was effectually so they could bask it also. What a wonderful experience information technology was for him and his family. We were thinking of taking a motorhome trip across state in a few years with all the family and then this book makes me want to all the more than. ...more
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