at the sister’s house leads to a wild night of drinking with ‘the sis’ and husband Bernie.
At the beginning of Part Two, Jay’s confidence is still soaring high after a successful first trek. He’s ready for another Thumb Flagging tour and gets the idea to travel to Malibu to meet his idol, Bob Dylan. More chance meetings with the best and worst of the highway ensue. Willy’s street-smart drifter confidence is challenged by the clairvoyant Celeste. She sees his book knowledge and philosophizing as a shield to protect his dark secrets. Willy’s free-spirit energy is quiet for the first time as he ponders Celeste’s words. Despite his apparent growth, Jay’s shadow emerges when the knife-wielding psycho returns with girlfriend in tow to terrorize our highway heroes.
Jay’s time to shine is in Part Three. Willy has moved to Maine to live with his girlfriend and young son. He invites his former pupil to visit him. Jay gathers his gear, his guitar, and his dog for his first solo expedition. No longer the student of the road, Jay is confident enough to take on his own traveling apprentice when he meets Chloe. Gypsy Chloe hides her femininity under several layers of clothing and her true self under a tough, don’t look at me-don’t touch me stance. Jay’s experiences and new found wisdom go a long way in breaking down her walls and gaining her trust.
I had only a couple of minor problems with the book. At times, the dialogue sounded unrealistic due to Peterson’s reluctance to use coarse language. Jay and Willy weren’t above hard drinking and cannabis use, but wouldn’t express themselves with words cruder than darn or poop. Another problem for me was the too frequent use of “ya” instead of “you.” Aside from that, I believe this heart warming