Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

... 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.

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.

Normally, I would rather sit down with a motorcycle magazine than take days to read a "real book." My wife (the reader)was surprised that I was hooked by this book and read it every chance I got. The author included everything that is great about America: family, motorcycles, travelling, our military, and our nation's history. I highly recommended it to my fellow Patriot Guard Riders ([...]), a group of patriots who honor our military, police, and firefighters, usually by riding our motorcycles (or cars) to PGR events. After I finished the book, I had to go for a ride on my '05 Electra Glide, thinking what it must have been like to travel cross country on the "Raspberry" in 1939.

I thought I would be reading about the adventures of a fellow rider. What I got was a lesson in history, values, and perception. And there was plenty of adventure too. Wow, what an awesome read!

The first 2/3's of the book kept me riveted. The story of the original trip across the country and the family history in WW2 was very well executed.

The recent re-ride trip was less interesting. At that point the book became too self-involved and a bit too into what being a "biker" means. (I'm a biker, and I cringed every time he wrote about the special "wave" he invented.) As if the writer knew how a trip should go and even if it didn't happen, he stuffed it into the narrative.

It is still a very enjoyable read.

This is a good read and and if you have traveled on a bike you would enjoy reading this. Having traveled the same areas as the author writes about it brought back many memories of my trips I have taken. It also takes you back to an era where life was simpler and how wwII changed our world.

This book chronicles not only the journey of a WL 1930 Flathead across our great country in 1939, but also the feelings and adventures experienced along the way. Only a REAL biker will understand the emotions and people who make this story a true adventure.

great book to read when you start reading its a hard
book to put back down till you are done reading the
entire book. Am sure i will read this book again a
wonderfull reminder of a better time in america.

I'm not much of a big book reader.More like Easy Rider mags. But this book caught my eye. It was from a newspaper story about John NewKirk, who passed thru my town on his journey to retrace his fathers trip.. It's been a great book with things that I can relate to since I'm a biker myself. Definately worth the purchase.