At the new year, I reflect on what I did the past year and what I want to do in the coming one. It never fails that travel shows up on my list of to-dos for the coming year. Even if I fly far away, I love a good road trip and try to allow at least a few days to explore the back roads and small towns of the area I’m visiting. It’s how I learn about and feel connected to the land, the history, and the culture. And, you never know what you’re going to find along the way! Here are some road trip books to spark ideas, or allow for some armchair travel when we have to stay where we are.
- America the Beautiful?: One Woman in a Borrowed Prius on the Road Most Traveled by Blythe Roberson. Roberson quit her day job and set off on a road trip to visit America's national parks. Along the way she met new friends, missed the comforts of home, and came to understand the limits and possibilities of trying to prove to yourself (and your Instagram followers) that you are actually free.
- Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance by Alvin Hall. From 1936 to 1967, millions relied on The Negro Motorist Green Book, the definitive guide to businesses where they could safely rest, eat, or sleep. Alvin Hall revisits the world of the Green Book and finds people who endured the dramatic challenges of that time, journeying from New York to Detroit to New Orleans, visiting businesses where Black Americans once found a friendly welcome.
- Wandering Woman, Washington: The Ultimate Road Trip: One Woman's Journey Across the United States by Car by Julie Bettendorf. The books in the series contain full-color photos, tips, tricks, and advice on what to bring along on your road trip. In this Washington edition, you will walk where the early pioneers once did, look for ancient fossils, and see historic Victorian mansions.
- The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA: From Weekend Getaways to Cross-Country Adventures by Jessica Dunham. From short to long drives, including in Alaska and Hawai'i, you'll find detailed driving directions, attractions, iconic photo ops and views, and planning and packing tips for the best road trips in America.
- The Best Coast, a Road Trip Atlas: Illustrated Adventures Along the West Coast's Historic Highways by Chandler O’Leary. This book is a travel guide, atlas, and illustrated history of the West Coast focusing on three historic West Coast highways, coastal Routes 101 & 1 and inland Route 99, connecting the traveler to major cities and attractions.
Library tip of the month: Save money on travel guides by checking them out from the library. We have many from the major publishers in our catalog. You’ll also find guides in eBook form to lighten the weight you’re carrying. You’ll find many guides under OverDrive and some under Gale eBooks.
Janet Alder is Marketing and Communications Coordinator with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, which has 15 locations in Clark, Skamania, Klickitat, and Cowlitz Counties. Call 360-906-5000 or visit the library district website for more information.
A version of this column first appeared in The Messenger, January 2024.
Find more book columns in our Off the Shelf blog.
