Michael Wallis, writer of the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road" and more than a dozen other books, will give a "State of the Mother Road" speech June 18 during the Vinita Route 66 Festival in Vinita, Oklahoma. Wallis long was known for his fiery "state of the road" speeches with his big, baritone voice during … Continue reading Michael Wallis to give “state of the road” speech at Vinita festival
Category: Books
Book review: “The Zeon Files”
"The Zeon Files" provides a colorful glimpse of Albuquerque's past with dozens of a company's working drawings of neon signs that once graced the Route 66 corridor decades ago. But what's most striking is the drawings are revealed as detailed and precise as any architectural rendering. The people who made these signs weren't just blue-collar guys who'd learned the trade of fire, electricity … Continue reading Book review: “The Zeon Files”
“Route 66 for Kids” now out in print form
Due to popular demand, an updated version of "Route 66 for Kids" guidebook for parents with children is available in print form for the first time in more than a decade. A Kindle version of "Route 66 for Kids" long has been available, after author Emily Priddy printed a few dozen copies of the first … Continue reading “Route 66 for Kids” now out in print form
Interview with a former Harvey Girl from La Posada
This new, well-produced interview features JoAn Fuller, who worked as a Harvey Girl at La Posada at Winslow, Arizona, during the mid-1940s. Fuller also lived near Route 66 in Prewitt, New Mexico, when her husband worked for the railroad. JoAn Fuller Interview from Katrina Parks on Vimeo. It turns out the Fuller interview was produced by … Continue reading Interview with a former Harvey Girl from La Posada
Book review: “Bicycling Guide to Route 66”
At first glance, Bob Robinson's "Bicycling Guide to Route 66" appears to be a budget-priced version of the Adventure Cycling Association's "Bicycle Route 66" map series, as the book uses the ACA's route. But the "Bicycling Guide to Route 66" (200 pages, Spirits Creek, paperback, illustrations and photos, $19.95) should be considered as a companion to the ACA … Continue reading Book review: “Bicycling Guide to Route 66”
Graphic novel of “Cars” movie coming this summer
Toronto-based Joe Books will publish a thick, graphic-novel version of the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie "Cars" this summer. The Bleeding Cool website got the scoop Thursday. The print version of "Cars" will be 380 pages in softcover ($29.99 list) or hardcover ($49.99 list). A description of the book from the publisher: Hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen … Continue reading Graphic novel of “Cars” movie coming this summer
Book review: “Route 66 Crossings”
Because so many Route 66 books have entered the marketplace over the past three decades or so, one initially wonders why Jim Ross' new volume about historic bridges on the Mother Road hasn't been done before. But as one dives deep into "Route 66 Crossings" (hardback, 200 pages, color photographs, University of Oklahoma Press, $29.95), becomes clear why … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Crossings”
Review: “Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures”
A new Route 66 book designed mostly for children finds a way to explain what still exists on the Mother Road and what is gone. Adults also might find pleasure with the text by Phyllis Chandler Grey and illustrations by Texas Tim Webb in "Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures" (hardback, 66 pages, … Continue reading Review: “Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures”
Book review: “2 for $6 on Route 66”
If you want to know what it's like to run a motel on the Mother Road, Debra Whittington's "2 for $6 on Route 66" provides a vivid glimpse. Specifically, the book (140 pages, self-published, soft cover, $10) offers a glimpse from behind the desk of the now-gone Pony Soldier Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The Whittington … Continue reading Book review: “2 for $6 on Route 66”
Ed Ruscha to be named Oklahoma Cultural Treasure
Ed Ruscha, a trailblazer of the Pop Art movement whose photography of gas stations along Route 66 helped jump-start his career, will be named the 12th Oklahoma Cultural Treasure during the Governor's Arts Awards on Dec. 2. Ruscha is the first such Oklahoma Cultural Treasure honoree since historian John Hope Franklin in 2004, reported The Oklahoman … Continue reading Ed Ruscha to be named Oklahoma Cultural Treasure