Noted NBC feature newsman Mike Leonard has rewarded
us with a most heartwarming story of his personal life as
he shares his adventures of taking his 82-year-old mother
and 87-year-old father on a trip to refresh their memories
of places they had known and to show them parts of the United
States they had never seen. As Mike and three of his adult
children and one daughter-in-law travel in two motor homes
across the USA, the hilarious antics and remarks of Mike's
parents Jack and Marge provide as much entertainment as the
scenic countryside.
I constantly found myself laughing at the repartee
between Jack, the optimist, and Marge, the pessimist. How
these two polar opposites managed to stay married for over
60 years becomes apparent to Mike, his children and the listener
as the journey progresses. This is a book that celebrates
family and all of the joys and frustrations that come with
living with and loving the people who make up our families.
Instead of seeing his parents' idiosyncrasies as annoyances,
Mike finds humor in them and translates them into an appreciation
of what they've added to his and his children's lives.
In addition to the poignant and humorous look
at family, this audio book describes some of America's unique
and quirky roadside experiences, such as the bed-and-breakfast
in Bayou country where the sign at the door says, "Pick
a room. Take a key. We'll see you for breakfast." Mike's
view of America makes the listener want to set out an adventure
to discover the treasures he's found.
I highly recommend this book, even if the touching
and heartwarming climax brings tears to your eyes as it did
mine. Although Mike Leonard undertook this journey to give
a precious gift to his parents, he gained so much more in
knowledge, insight and awareness of his role as father, husband,
son and fellow traveler, and we owe thanks to him for sharing
his memorable moments with us.
,
by Mike Leonard
