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American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal
by Neil King, Will Tulin
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Language
English
Publisher
HarperAudio
Available Formats & Prices
View on AmazonKindle
$12.99
Hardcover
$26.00
Paperback
$15.19
Audiobook
$22.04
Audio CD
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About This Book
A stunning, revelatory memoir about a 330-mile walk from Washington, D.C., to New York City—an unforgettable pilgrimage to the heart of America across some of our oldest common ground. Neil King Jr.’s desire to walk from Washington, D.C., to New York City began as a whim and soon became an obsession. By the spring of 2021, events had intervened that gave his desire greater urgency.
His neighborhood still reeled from the January 6th insurrection. Covid lockdowns and a rancorous election had deepened America’s divides. Neil himself bore the imprints of a long battle with cancer.
Determined to rediscover what matters in life and to see our national story with new eyes, Neil turned north with a small satchel on his back and one mission in mind: To pay close attention to the land he crossed and the people he met. What followed is an extraordinary 26-day journey through historic battlefields and cemeteries, over the Mason-Dixon line, past Quaker and Amish farms, along Valley Forge stream beds, atop a New Jersey trash mound, across New York Harbor, and finally, to his ultimate destination: the Ramble, where a tangle of pathways converges in Central Park. The journey travels deep into America’s past and present, uncovering forgotten pockets and overlooked people.
At a time of mounting disunity, the trip reveals the profound power of our shared ground. By turns amusing, inspiring, and sublime, American Ramble offers an exquisite account of personal and national renewal—an indelible study of our country as we’ve never seen it before. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Introduction
Embarking on a transformative journey across forgotten American landscapes, the author invites readers into a world where each step is a memory and every turn, a revelation. This enchanting walk through miles of unexplored paths reveals the true essence of a nation steeped in history, culture, and the endless potential for renewal. With thoughtful introspection and vivid storytelling, this narrative captures the spirit of adventure and the power of reconnecting with the land and oneself.
Join in this profoundly moving experience that celebrates the enduring ties between memory and renewal.
Key Takeaways
Explores the profound connection between nature and self-discovery through a journey across forgotten landscapes. Reflects on the resilience and timeless beauty of American landscapes inspiring a renewed sense of belonging. Encourages embracing change and rediscovery showcasing the healing power of navigating through personal journeys.
Detailed Description
Through expansive miles of untrodden paths and serene landscapes American Ramble takes readers on an unforgettable exploration of the American spirit. The book beautifully intertwines personal reflection with the raw majestic beauty of untouched terrains weaving a tapestry of introspection and renewal. Each chapter reveals new landscapes and evokes a profound connection with nature memory and identity pushing readers to reflect on their journeys.
The narrative flows seamlessly through time and space offering glimpses into historical contexts and the personal narratives that have shaped these paths. Capturing the essence of both past and present this journey connects people places and moments that inspire renewed appreciation and understanding. The evocative prose paints vivid images of landscapes and emotions creating an immersive and engaging reading experience.
Throughout the book a genuine sense of wonder and discovery prevails encouraging readers to embrace change and uncertainty. As they delve deeper into the American terrain the stories unfold revealing layers of history and memories that transform into a rich tapestry of hope and renewal. Through the meditative walk readers ultimately find themselves on a path of rediscovery contemplating the profound interconnection between themselves and the land.
This book reveals not just the story of a walker exploring a nation but an invitation to all of us to pause and reflect. It is a call to recognize the enduring beauty of the landscapes we inhabit reminding us of the deep and lasting connections between people and the land. The journey becomes a metaphor for life's own unpredictable path filled with challenges and revelations urging readers to uncover the stories within.
American Ramble is both a celebration and a meditation offering an inspiring and invigorative perspective on life and our environment. Through its pages the reader embarks on an introspective quest exploring the timeless and beautiful complexity of memory nature and renewal intertwined with the mystery and magic of exploration.
Standout Features
American Ramble stands out with its beautiful prose that captures the spirit of adventure and introspection in every step It invites readers to delve deeply into personal and collective histories opening their hearts to the wonders of untouched landscapes The author combines history culture and personal reflection painting vivid imagery that brings the journey to life with authenticity and passion This seamless blend creates a multilayered narrative that enchants and inspires making the reader feel a part of the unfolding story With a unique exploration of the intrinsic relationship between land and identity the book offers profound insights into human resilience and renewal This work emphasizes growth and transformation sparking contemplation and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
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Based on 579 ratings
Customer Reviews
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The Mid-Atlantic on Foot
Neil King's foot journey from the US Capitol to New York City is captured in this part-travelogue, part meditation. COVID and the tumult surrounding the transfer of power between our last two presidents provided an inspiration and motivation for the author to set out at a pace that could let him absorb "real America" along some of the nation's most long-settled areas. His recount provided interesting vignettes and encounters with a vast cross-section of Americans. Most are helpful and welcoming and the author is proficient at catching the interesting and unique of people he usually spends only hours with. This includes rural artisans and memorable children at an Amish school. His improbable kayak journey under interstates in one of the densest parts of Northern New Jersey is perhaps the most surprising leg of his journey - who knew you could (or would want to) paddle in one of the most paved-over areas of the United States? One impediment to enjoying the book as much as one would hope is the disdain the author feels for those on the right side of the political spectrum. He shares some snide thoughts on more traditionally minded Americans he meets which are unnecessary and unfair. Surprising, because one take away from the book is that some of the most helpful and welcoming Americans the author encounters are those who reside in deep "red" areas through which he travels. It was an annoyance to me I overlooked (much as I did Rinker Buck's anti-conservative ramblings in the otherwise interesting "The Oregon Trail....."), but caused my brother to thoroughly dislike the book (he almost stopped reading). The author is a good observer and his experiences provide an uplifting portrait of our country men and women. We are for the most part a kind and sincere people - at least those who are positioned to meet and engage with a long-haul hiker who possesses a curiosity about the areas through which he traverses. The author is a good story-teller. There isn't really an over arching theme to the book - beyond the inane goodness of most people, but the journey is worth reading about in the hands of this skilled memorialist.
Healing Balm
I've never felt moved to write a review before, but this is quite literally one of the best books I have ever read. It is a gift that comes at a time when this notion we call a nation needs it most. A heartfelt thank you to Neil King, Jr.
Very interesting and easy to read
Very interesting and easy to read. Reading leisure
A joyous, life-affirming book
I watched this book take form during Neil's walk, when he sent out an e-mail to friends every day. He was carried to a different and higher mental/emotional and even spiritual plane by this journey, and it shows in the writing. And yet it is grounded in the tools of his training as a journalist: observation, inquiry, historical context, and probing questions. There is much in this book about the importance of knowing our history, but also of talking about it, debating it, and listening to others perspectives. But Neil's approach is one of wonder, not fear. He is a student of the world, not a know-it-all. He is alive with the joy of discovery, and as a cancer survivor, he takes each day as a gift. This book will transport you as well. It is a jolt of optimism at a moment when we all need that quite a lot.
Fascinating book
The authors travel and interactions along his way were insightful and inspirational. I enjoyed this book also due to the fact that his travels took him to many places I am very familiar with, living in south Central Pennsylvania.
Most insightful book you may read
What a joy it is to read the best edited written work I have read in a very long while. Besides the exquisite editing, the book makes me long to walk a very long way, something I can no longer do, but Mr. King made me feel like I was walking right alongside him.
An American Classic
Part travelogue, part history lesson, part memoir, American Ramble is a book perfect for our times. When society seems hopelessly fractured, King reminds us that there's much to be gained by walking slowly, listening carefully, and being quick to learn from the past and consider carefully the course we pursue into the future. One of the great features of the book is King 's retelling of history that strips away the myths that many of us grew up with, thanks to paintings and "memoirs" created decades after the events. The historical details presented are amazing, as are the accounts of the innovators and idealists who treat to build something unique in this country. Perhaps the most powerful lesson of American Ramble is its demonstration of how interrelated we Americans are, and how small kindnesses and coincidences make the future of the United States one we can look forward to with optimism.
