Homer's Travels: Book: Mike Rogers' "Riding Around America: A Photo Collection & Travelogue"

Monday, August 19, 2013

Book: Mike Rogers' "Riding Around America: A Photo Collection & Travelogue"

http://www.ridingaroundamerica.com/I have never read a book written by someone in my family before.  This ebook, "Riding Around America: A Photo Collection & Travelogue", was written by the Wife's GodSon.  Not only was it the first book written by a family member but it is the first book I've actually made an appearance in.  Hence, expect this review to be a tad bit biased.  The publishing of this book was funded using kickstarter and was the first kickstarter project the Wife and I invested in.

The book is a collection of blog posts and photographs documenting the GodSon's travel around the United States by train during the summer of 2004.  During his 8,000 mile train trip he visits friends, family, and interesting cities along the way.  The text is full of personal observations written in a colloquial manner that is easy to read.  You can hear the wonder in his writing as he experiences new things and visits new places.

The text is illustrated with seventy-five black and white photographs taken by the GodSon during the trip.  The GodSon is an excellent photographer and has a great eye.  These photographs do not disappoint.  My only criticism is personal really.  I agree that some images look better in black and white but I am also a fan of color.  I would have prefered a mix but I'm sure there may be a taboo against mixing the two - like crossing the streams if you know what I mean.

The book covers many subjects: travel, trains, baseball, just to name a few.  The best part of the book, naturally, is between pages 41 and 49 where the Wife and I make an appearance.

I have to admit that the GodSon is special to me.  His blog, no longer available online, was one of the first blogs I'd ever read and it was an inspiration for Homer's Travels.  The GodSon's photography pushed me toward taking my own pictures.  Because of this I don't think I could really give a totally unbiased review of this book.

I liked "Riding Around America" because it was personal for me.  I also liked it for what it was, a good collection of photography and a good personal travelogue.  Recommended.

2 comments:

  1. ohhhh awesome! I am going to check it out right now! Thanks for the biased review!! :)

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    1. Miss McC: The GodSon would really appreciate it :-)

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