Read America Before You Visit America
Some places are better understood after you’ve read about them.
America is too large, too diverse and too contradictory to understand from a travel itinerary alone. Before you arrive, spend a little time with its people, landscapes, dreams and stories.
Here are a few books that can help you see the United States differently — whether you’re planning your first road trip, flying into New York, exploring the South, hiking through the mountains or simply curious about the country.
1. Travels with Charley — John Steinbeck
Join John Steinbeck and his beloved poodle, Charley, on a remarkable road journey across America. From Maine to California, Steinbeck captures the beauty of the American landscape, the warmth of strangers, and the changing spirit of a nation on the eve of a turbulent decade. A timeless travel memoir that makes you want to discover America beyond its famous landmarks.
Where it takes you: Maine to California
What you’ll discover: Road culture, landscapes & everyday America
Best read: Before your trip
2. Monster of a Land — Lauren Hough
Travel across contemporary America with Lauren Hough and her Husky mix, Woody, in this candid road-trip memoir. Driving thousands of miles, Hough meets an eclectic mix of Americans while exploring identity, belonging, politics and the contradictions of modern life. A compelling journey for anyone curious to experience America beyond its familiar tourist image.
Where it takes you: Across contemporary America
What you’ll discover: Modern America, people & identity
Best read: Before your trip // Onboard
3. Love Is an Ex-Country — Randa Jarrar
A contemporary, unconventional road-trip memoir by a queer Muslim writer travelling across America. It challenges the stereotypical “Great American Road Trip” narrative. It is a personal road-trip story about travelling across America while exploring identity, freedom, belonging and finding joy in a complicated country.
Where it takes you: Across the United States.
What you’ll discover: Identity, freedom & belonging
Best read: Onboard
4. Educated — Tara Westover
Born into an isolated survivalist family in rural Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen when she first entered a classroom. Her extraordinary journey from an unconventional childhood to Harvard and Cambridge is a powerful story of education, self-discovery and finding the courage to shape your own path. A thought-provoking read that encourages us to see life through someone else’s eyes.
Where it takes you: Rural Idaho to Cambridge
What you’ll discover: Education, family, identity & self-discovery
Best read: Before your trip
5. American Nations — Colin Woodard
What if America isn’t one culture, but eleven? Colin Woodard explores the distinct regional cultures that have shaped North America, from Yankeedom and the Deep South to New France and El Norte. Blending history, geography, culture and politics, this fascinating book helps travellers understand why different parts of America can feel so different — and why there is no single “American” identity.
Where it takes you: Across North America
What you’ll discover: Regional cultures, history & American identity
Best read: Before your trip