Immersed with other readings, I probably won’t have time for Bill Steignerwald’s new book, “Dogging Steinbeck: How I went in search of John Steinbeck's America, found my own America, and exposed the truth about 'Travels With Charley.'”
But I tip my hat to the author for his exhaustive effort of re-tracing Steinbeck’s route, and his discoveries.
Although I no longer read fiction, Steinbeck is hands-down my favorite author. I’m disappointed in what appears to be his lack of honesty.
Anyway, if you don’t mind me tacking this on, let me tell you about the time I wrote to the Rush Backstage Club and asked Neil Peart about Steinbeck. He answered it in his “Notes from the Road,” Presto, June 1991. Eric has them posted at his website Power Windows. You can see mine at this link.
Also Rush-related to this story is Rocinante, the name Steinbeck gave to his wagon. In the lyrics to Cygnus X-1, Peart calls the star ship the "Rocinante." His sole source could have been Quixote, but my money is on the fact he also read “Travels with Charley.” (Btw, Neil wrote some great travel books himself!).
Anyway, not a good time for Steinbeck, but perhaps this controversy will bring in a new audience. My favorite book of his is “Grapes of Wrath.” Talk about an epic journey…
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