
“I wonder why progress looks so much like destruction.”
- John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck is one of those 'classic' authors whose works appear on many must-read lists. These include "The Grapes of Wrath," "The Pearl," "The Red Pony," and "Of Mice and Men." Though I've read these and others, it wasn't until recently that I picked up "Travels with Charley." I don't know why I expected it to be a simple travelogue filled with quaint tales; there was nothing quaint about his other books. Maybe it was the benign title or the inviting cover with its pastoral imagery. It's a book that, at first glance, embodies quaintness.
What I didn't anticipate--but perhaps should have--was how Steinbeck's insights would stir a host of emotions. "Travels with Charley," published in 1962, dovetails so well with the challenges America faces today that it is both fascinating and terrifying. His journey across the United States with his poodle, Charley, highlights issues such as rampant development, suburban sprawl, and dirty politics.
Sound familiar?
Steinbeck hit the road in a customized camper, seeking to reconnect with the heart of America. His observations capture a time of stark contrasts—between untouched landscapes and man-made projects, simplicity and complexity. Today, we are often reminded of this contrast as we confront the consequences of unregulated urban development and a political world that's gone mad.
As more people are drawn to the promise of road trips, they share a sense of nostalgia for unspoiled lands. It's a bittersweet reality, then, that we are met with sprawling parking lots and cookie-cutter housing developments that creep further and further into the wilderness.

As a result of this, travelers have to work harder than ever to find hidden gems. The obsessive world of influencers seeking perfectly-framed shots for social media exacerbates the difficulty of finding America--however we may define it.
Another key theme in "Travels with Charley" is Steinbeck’s critique of a political landscape that only benefits politicians and the corporations that keep them in power. As in his other books, he is keenly aware of the society around him and shines a light on the hypocrisy he encounters. Many of us feel similarly today as we navigate a political environment filled with broken promises and hidden agendas. This sense of distrust surfaces every time we travel. As we crisscross the nation, we are reminded of the ever-growing threat to our land and our place in it.
Steinbeck’s journey is ultimately a call to adventure—a reminder that life is more than just reaching a destination; it's an opportunity to forge genuine connections. As travelers, whether in RVs, hotels, or tents, we have the unique chance to connect with both places and people. Steinbeck’s insights inspire us to embrace those connections and engage rather than just observe from the sidelines.
"Travels with Charley" is more than just a reflection of Steinbeck’s era; it is a timeless narrative whose echoes resonate today, perhaps more loudly than ever. Steinbeck’s perspective can compel us to explore a mindful existence, ask challenging questions, and honor the promise of better days ahead.
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