Hitchhiking Across America: 1963
Nick is a nineteen-year-old college student at UC Berkeley who quits his Lake Tahoe summer job to see America and meet Americans, face-to-face, hitching rides from Tahoe to Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami, New York City, and points in-between.
He witnesses Jim Crow segregation in the South. He meets Yvonne, the daughter of a Palm Beach socialite. He learns something unexpected about his mother from his Aunt Rose's family photo album. World War II vets pick him up and tell him about their war experience and how it affects their current lives. He meets Oliver, a civil rights activist in Mississippi, and Gina, an aspiring Olympic swimmer, and Lorena, an aging silent film star in Palm Springs. He consoles Rosa, a young Mexican woman who has committed a mortal sin.
Hitchhiking Across America: 1963 by Daniel Robinson is about how America is changing. World War II, Civil rights, Vietnam, social mores, McCarthyism... all these things play a role.
See what others are saying about the book
A Great Read!
"What a great way to uncover all of the tumultuous happenings of 1963. In this book, you see diverse points of view from ordinary Americans of 1963. It stands as a precursor of what I see still happening in our country today. Maybe we all need to travel across our country today to talk to each other and to try to understand each other a little more. We made it through the turbulent 1960's and we can make it through today's political upheavals as well. Enjoy!"
It's a fun read!
Interesting tales of one man's adventures hitch hiking across the country. The things people will tell you if they know they'll never see you again. Highly recommend!!
A wonderful read about a 19 year old's travels in America summer of '63
Daniel Robinson has done an amazing job with his first novel based on his actual experiences during the summer of '63. His portrayal of Nick, a student at U.C. Berkeley, thumbing his way across long highways into small towns and big cities and into the minds and hearts of veterans, immigrants, ministers, the working class , the upper class, bigots and bar maids. All across America and throughout the entire book his writings are educational and inspiring.
Nick, a bright and articulate young adult, carries his wisdom and curiosity throughout his journey as he seeks to "get out and meet people around the country". One amazing adventure after another kept me riveted and eager to read on.
It's a fun and easy to read book which I highly recommend.