William Least Heat-Moon
William Least Heat-Moon has made a rich life of scouring the back roads of America.
He did it in 1982, in “Blue Highways,” when he had lost his job and a wife, and set out in an old van he called “Ghost Dancing” to see the country anew. It was a huge bestseller.
He did it in “River-Horse,” going coast-to-coast with a boat and outboard motor. He did it in “PrairyErth,” deep in one Kansas county.
Now, William Least Heat-Moon has been traveling again, away from the interstate and the Big Mac. Out to catfish country, deep woods and pickle pie. Three years and 16,000 miles through Idaho, Maine, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and more.
This hour, On Point: William Least Heat-Moon and “Roads to Quoz.”
You can join the conversation. Do you dream of hitting the road, exploring corners off the super highways? What do we learn these days by seeking out the least traveled American path?
-Tom Ashbrook
Guest:
William Least Heat-Moon joins us from Seattle, Washington. He’s the author of “Blue Highways,” “PrairyErth,” and “River-Horse.” His new book is “Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey.” He joins us with his wife and fellow traveler in “Roads to Quoz,” Jo Ann Trogdon — or as he calls her, “Q.” The nickname comes from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, also the name of a Mexican revolutionary hero. She’s an attorney who is taking time off to write a book about the 1798 journey of William Clark of Lewis & Clark fame.
Jo Ann Trogdon, known as “Q” in the book. She rides co-pilot with William Least Heat-Moon. Her nickname “Q” comes from the Mexican state, Quintana Roo, also the name of a Mexican revolutionary hero. She’s an attorney who is taking time off to write a book about the 1798 journey of William Clark (of “Lewis & Clark” fame) – the working title of which is “The Unknown Travels and Dubious Pursuits of William Clark.”
Read an excerpt from “Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey.”
Tags: books, travel writing
I am a 50 yr old man who read “Blue Highways” in college. Certain passages of the book have haunted me for 30 years and I finally bought the book last year and reread it. As an incurable travel bug who also enjoys the backroads, I love the stories and the history.
As a bonus I found that my current hometown, Holliston MA was mentioned in the book when he visited a site near my house.
I look forward to getting back on the road and reading the new book.
Fondly,
Brian
Posted by Brian Green, on November 11th, 2008 at 11:22 am ESTHello Dr. Trogdon, you taught a World Literature course at Stephens. Thank you, I am pleased that the muse continues to whisper in your ear and leads you on to write. jm
Posted by julie mcginty, on November 11th, 2008 at 11:46 am ESTI was driving on Rt 128 last night alongside a huge, stainless steel illuminated-on every-rim semi tractor trailer with bluehighway.com in a mural on the back. Was that you? There appeared to be no windows and lots of bright lights. How do you possibly drive into a town anonymously?
Posted by Paphaella, on November 11th, 2008 at 11:57 am ESTI am a 36 year old woman who first read Blue Highways about 15 years ago. It is one of the most beloved books in my collection and has framed my way of thinking about travel and life. With each re-read I gain more from the book and look forward toward reading the latest.
Posted by Stacie Pepperd, on November 11th, 2008 at 8:41 pm ESTYes, William Least Heat-Moon makes me want to hit the road! Thank you!
I’m reading Blue Highways for my Creative Writing class and I find it interseting. I enjoy cruisin’ around on back roads and seeing new places so that might make it easier for me to follow along. La de da.. Katrina McMann says light bulb is a color and sparkle is a flavor!! <3
Posted by Tara Pruett, on December 3rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm ESTWhile I enjoyed his earlier work, in this new book ,(The Roads to QUOZ) he seems to want to impress the reader with his knowledge of the English language, while leaving the the reader
on the dull shoulder of the road.
Ken Lemons,
Posted by Ken Lemons, on January 29th, 2009 at 8:50 pm ESTPresident,
MapleRidgeTechnologies,INC.
I am a traveler as well. I am an entertainer and travel most of the US and Europe.
Blue Highways is a great book.
Don
Posted by Don Joyner, on March 9th, 2009 at 2:58 pm EDT