Customer Reviews

Bowling Across America: 50 States in Rented Shoes

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This is the true story of a man who does what many in their late 20's always dream about, wander with a purpose. The author is a man in his late 20s, several years into the grind of life, who experiences the death of his father. This leads him to analyze his own life and is the catalyst for an adventure his father first started but was interrupted by life (work, family etc.) Walsh's dry wit and insights keeps the narrative moving along and is what separates this from a standard tale of a "quarter life crisis." I laughed out loud on a dozen different occasions.

"Bowling..." does a wonderful job capturing the angst, dilemmas and sources of happiness that is so typical of that segment of life. Walsh does a masterful job weaving in past experiences into the present that paints a wonderful self-portrait and offers the reader ample opportunity to relate. Scattered throughout are some wonderful insights on bowling, life, family and relationships. This is a great read.

An enjoyable and amusing book about the author's road trip to bowl in all 50 states, inspired by his recently-deceased father's goal to play handball in all 50 states. Written in a very funny, conversational style, we tag along on visits to bowling alleys ranging from a classy Manhattan one with a $20 cover charge and a bouncer, to dark, smoky dumps in seedy neighborhoods. At each alley, we are introduced to the characters who work there, and the colorful patrons Walsh engages in conversation. En route, he stays with just about any acquaintance who can provide him with a bed (or floor) for the night, from former bosses and classmates to friends of friends. His hosts for the night can be as quirky as the bowlers he meets, and plenty of partying and beer consumption occur. Walsh quit his job as an advertising executive to take this trip and write about it, and I hope that he has found a new calling as an author--it would be a shame not to read more from him.

This is a great read. I laughed out loud from beginning to end, even though there were moments of seriousness in the book, the fun experiences and Mike Walsh's ability to convey the humor was terrific. Great for mature audiences due to some bad language.

I can across this book when I was searching Amazon for bowling shoes. I really enjoyed this book and am still trying to find something I can try to accomplish in all 50 states.

I was given this book as a gift and I read it with no expectations. Well, maybe that's not correct: I expected a book about bowling. Instead, I got a delightful book, full of humor, about discovering one's identity and uncovering what is truly valuable in life. Sure, bowling serves as the thread that weaves throughout the book, but the tapestry that is woven by the bowling experiences is one of life and learning and even love. This is truly, in many ways, a modern coming of age classic. In our society, today, we don't come of age overnight and we don't come of age as early as generations past--generations that grew up in simpler times. Without the right impetus, today, many of us never "come of age." But through a return to simpler times--times when bowling leagues flourished--Mike Walsh found the meaning of life and shared with his readers his coming of age saga as it spanned fifty states and even more bowling alleys. As I read the last pages of this book I found myself hoping that Mike Walsh would someday soon take me on another adventure--that he would write another heartfelt book. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Whether you're a bowler or just someone who likes a good book, pick up a copy of "Bowling Across America". You won't be disappointed.

I am proud to say that I was Mike Walsh's fifth grade teacher. This is a fabulous book and it will keep you laughing.

Jeanne Koehl