What Is Road Trip by Gary Paulsen About?

By Michael Ferguson

If you are a fan of adventure and coming-of-age stories, then Gary Paulsen’s Road Trip is a must-read for you. This book tells the story of a young boy named Ben who embarks on a road trip with his father, whom he hardly knows. The journey takes them from their home in Wisconsin to California, and along the way, they encounter several challenges that force them to confront their past and bond as father and son.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Ben receiving a call from his estranged father, who invites him on a road trip to California. Despite his reservations, Ben agrees to go on the trip as he is curious about his father and wants to know more about him. The journey starts off on an awkward note with both father and son struggling to communicate with each other.

As they travel through various states, they encounter several challenges such as car trouble, getting lost in the desert, and even getting arrested. These events force them to rely on each other for survival and gradually break down the walls between them.

Themes

One of the key themes in Road Trip is the idea of self-discovery. Both Ben and his father are trying to figure out who they are and what they want from life. Through their experiences on the road trip, they learn more about themselves and each other.

Another important theme is the idea of forgiveness. Both Ben and his father have made mistakes in the past that have led to their estrangement. However, through their journey together, they learn to forgive each other and move forward.

Writing Style

Gary Paulsen’s writing style is simple yet effective. He uses vivid descriptions to bring the settings to life and creates relatable characters that readers can connect with. The use of short chapters also helps keep the pace of the story moving at a steady pace.

Conclusion

Road Trip is a heartwarming and poignant story that explores the complexities of family relationships and the power of forgiveness. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys adventure stories with a strong emotional core.