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The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America
 
 
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The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America [Hardcover]

John J. Newkirk (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)

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Book Description

September 2, 2008

Ride with a father and his son on an amazing journey through America's past. 

In the summer of 1939, with the nation balanced between the Great Depression and the gathering winds of war, young Jack Newkirk set off on a rickety Harley to see both the New York and San Francisco World's Fairs. He had no way of knowing it was to e the autumn of his youth, and that his entire generation would soon be thrust into the most devastating conflict in history.

Seven decades later, author John J. Newkirk retraces this epic ride with his father, Jack, in a silent hope the old soldier will still be proud of the America he fought for. Each mile brings discovery as the author learns of his namesake, the heroic Squadron Leader of the legendar Flying Tigers, and of his father's life on the road and in the jungles of the South Pacific during World War II.

The result is quintessential Americana, a sweeping portrait of the grit, guts, ingenuity, and sacrifice that defined a nation, and a timely lesson from the Greatest Generation on how we can overcome our most pressing challenges and reclaim the American Dream.


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Customers buy this book with The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology $17.89

The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America + The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology
  • This item: The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America

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  • The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology

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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson; First edition/ 6,5,4,3,2,1 edition (September 2, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1595551808
  • ISBN-13: 978-1595551801
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

46 Reviews
5 star:
 (34)
4 star:
 (6)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:
 (4)
1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (46 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars So Much More, December 11, 2008
This review is from: The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America (Hardcover)
I knew a little bit about this book before it was published, so I was eagerly anticipating its release. I knew it was going to be about the "Old Man's" 1939 cross-country ride. I knew it was going to be about the author's 2005 retracing of that ride. But I didn't expect it to be about so much more. I didn't expect to learn so much about the Scarsdale Jack and the Flying Tigers. I didn't expect to learn so much about the music of the time. I didn't expect it to be so much about America - an America that feels so different from today. Simply put, this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. As I read Section One, I found myself feeling jealous in two distinct ways: jealous of the Old Man for having the opportunity (not the mention the resourcefulness and fortitude) to make such a ride in 1939; and jealous of the author for having the opportunity to document this amazing story. He clearly did quite a bit of research to be able to tell it with such vivid detail, and is obviously proud (with good reason) of his family. It is a tale told with warmth, humor, zest, respect, and a profound sense of appreciation for the sacrifices made by an earlier generation. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Harleys, adventure, history, or America. Or, like me, all of the above.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars It's more than an old man and a Harley..., November 18, 2008
By 
Graf (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America (Hardcover)
... It's a portrait of America - then and now. It is an inspiring and adventurous story that reveals a colorful look into America's cultural history from a few unique points of view. It makes the reader reflect on what it means to be an American and asks us what we can all do to keep helping our nation or even just "the next man down the road". The book reads like a motorcycle; it flows comfortably, it's entertaining, it's spiritual, it's timeless, and it's traditional.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A true adventure of a life time, November 15, 2008
This review is from: The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America (Hardcover)
This is one of those books I wished I had had while going through High School history class. As I read each page I would wonder what's down the road for Jack and the Raspberry? I couldn't imagine doing a trip like this now a days. Jack was alone on a cross country trip on a motorcycle that needs to be fixed or repaired daily with little more than about $100, a change of clothes, and a bed roll and only 18. Makes me feel like a wimp as I ride across this country from hotel to hotel on my cushy ride behind a fairing. A great look back into a bygone era. A great look into "the greatest generation" that help build this nation. This is a great ride, a great book.
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Inside This Book (learn more)
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
jiffy stand, fuel petcock, shelter cloth, buddy seat, starter pedal, pilot biscuits, breaker points
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, San Francisco, Scarsdale Jack, Glenn Miller, Jack Newkirk, Flying Tigers, Lake George, Aaron Copland, Bert Christman, Tongue Mountain, Tex Hill, Treasure Island, State Highway, World War, Pearl Harbor, Glen Island Casino, Golden Gate, Great Depression, Elliot Mills, Eagle Scout, Yellowstone Park, Chiang Mai, Big Twin, South Dakota, Long Island Sound
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