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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
The urge to move west for a fresh start is woven deeply into American history, and in The Road West by Larry K. Collins, we follow one such journey that brings out our innate pioneering spirit. While this is a work of fiction, it’s based on the diary of the author’s aunt, who did go on a similar trip. It’s told through the eyes of the youngest child, Jimmy, and is the story of a large clan traveling from North Dakota to California. Split between two vehicles, a Ford and a Chevrolet, their route reads like a living, breathing itinerary mapped out across the still-existent backroads of rural America. With its scenes from daily life, like getting stuck in snow and mud, braving the weather, and helping each other out, readers are taken on the trek right along with the family. There are also real photos from the trip scattered throughout. More than just a chronicle of travel, it’s a portrait of perseverance, family teamwork, and the fun that can be found during hard times.
What drew me in first about The Road West by Larry K. Collins was its cover and title. I knew it was dealing with traveling the west side of the country, but once I looked at the cover more closely, I could see it would be about a newer journey, not one taking place during the height of the Oregon Trail. As an educator, I became interested in how vividly it described not just the traveling itself, but also how much the family was learning about the places they visited. They explored places and shared stories during mealtimes, which was an important part of their trip. It felt like the kind of trip I have taken with my husband, and it got me thinking about a possible trip west for us in the future. I began looking up the places they visited or drove through, and found they still exist. I appreciated the inclusion of personal photos, which made every chapter feel more authentic and gave me a more intimate glimpse into their experiences. I also appreciated how it wasn’t just a neat trip without any negativity. It was real, and readers learn of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
