I haven't read Steinbeck in years, and this was a pleasant surprise. Yes, some of this is very much a product of it's time, including toxic masculinity, racism, and outdated/negative terms. This was an interesting journey across America with his dog Charley in the fall of 1960. I really enjoyed this snapshot into the lives of people across America and the exploration of roots, language, travel, growing cities, environmentalism, and enjoying the small moments in life. This is a book that I enjoyed reading slowly, and the audiobook narrated by Gary Sinese was wonderful. I loved Steinbeck's prose and his vivid descriptions. I was not expecting the historic moment that he witnessed when he got to Louisiana, but I am glad that it was included. I find it interesting that, looking at America through Steinbeck's novel, we can see how far we've come yet how far we still need to go. 

"She said the autumn never failed to amaze her; to elate. “It is a glory,” she said, “and can’t be remembered, so that it always comes as a surprise.”

"I began to formulate a new law describing the relationship of protection to despondency. A sad soul can kill you quicker, far quicker, than a germ"

"When people are engaged in something they are not proud of, they do not welcome witnesses. In fact, they come to believe the witness causes the trouble."

"For George is an old gray cat who has accumulated a hatred of people and things so intense that even hidden upstairs he communicates his prayer that you will go away."