Have you ever wondered who wrote the quintessential road trip book? The one that captures the essence of adventure, self-discovery, and the open road?
Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will take a closer look at the authors behind some of the most popular road trip books in literature.
The Classic: Jack Kerouac’s On the Road
No conversation about road trip books can begin without mentioning Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. Published in 1957, this novel has become a cultural touchstone for generations of readers. But who is Jack Kerouac?
Jack Kerouac was an American novelist and poet born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1922. He is widely considered to be one of the founding fathers of the Beat Generation, a literary movement that rejected mainstream values and celebrated individualism and spontaneity. On the Road was written over several years and is based on Kerouac’s own travels across America with his friend Neal Cassady.
The Misfits: Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Hunter S. Thompson is another literary icon known for his unconventional writing style and rebellious spirit. His book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a wild ride through the drug-fueled counterculture of the 1960s.
Thompson was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1937 and began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction writing. He was known for his sharp wit and biting commentary on politics and society.
The Solo Adventurer: Cheryl Strayed’s Wild
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild tells the story of her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail after experiencing personal tragedy. The book was published in 2012 and became an instant bestseller.
Strayed was born in Spangler, Pennsylvania in 1968 and began her writing career as an advice columnist for The Rumpus. She has also written several other books and essays.
The New Kid on the Block: Emma Hooper’s Our Homesick Songs
Emma Hooper’s debut novel, Our Homesick Songs, was published in 2018 and tells the story of a family in a Newfoundland fishing village struggling to survive as the fish disappear from the waters.
Hooper was born in Alberta, Canada in 1976 and is also a musician and composer. Our Homesick Songs is her first novel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authors behind road trip books are as diverse and unique as the stories they tell. From Jack Kerouac’s classic On the Road to Cheryl Strayed’s inspiring memoir Wild, these authors have captured the spirit of adventure and self-discovery that comes with hitting the open road. So next time you embark on your own road trip, take one of these books along for the ride!
- Jack Kerouac – On The Road
- Hunter S. Thompson – Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Cheryl Strayed – Wild
- Emma Hooper – Our Homesick Songs