traveling adventurers of two friends over 40 years
traveling adventurers of two friends over 40 years
In Our Truck and Camper is a travelogue-type compendium of adventures and experiences encountered by two friends as they log many miles in a truck and a camper exploring the United States.
The idea of the truck and camper journey originates during a camping trip in the forest of Colorado. After a run-in with a bear, “the traveling trio” – Jim, Ted and their intrepid Terrier mix, Rusty – realize that life is short. Jim and Ted decide to “make memories of good times as quickly as possible” and launch a series of road trips spanning some forty years. The text chronicles some of their adventures and mis-adventures along the way.
Written as a “screenplay” rather than a book, the storyline opens with Jim Hanson exiting his Denver townhouse. He is joined by his friend Ted and Ted’s beloved dog, Rusty. The traveling trio launches trips to Amarillo, Lubbock, Mesa Verde National Park, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and “Zion’s” (sic) National Park. Also trips to the Pacific Coast and stops at Long Beach, Universal Studios and Fisherman’s Wharf. They also visit the Washington Coast and the Black Hills of South Dakota and Mount Rushmore as well as the East Coast.
The writing style is rather rambling and can be difficult to follow. It also has timeline issues. For example, readers are introduced to “Buster” early on but are not really told who he is or how he joined “the traveling trio” until near the end of the story.
The text contains numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and basic usage. (“Do you think we’re OK in hear?” He was in his “thirty’s.” “Your my hero!” The trio “seamed slightly distressed.” They “warmed up some canned chilly.”) Ditto sudden shifts in POVs and frequent verb/tense confusion. Moreover, the narration shifts between third and first person, often in the same paragraph, jumping from “they” to “we” like an Olympic pole vaulter.
Paragraph breaks for shifts in dialogue are as rare as a slim sow. Combined with the ragged right margins, the story is a difficult read visually.
Additionally, the “action” is almost mind-numbingly pedantic in places: Jim and Ted eat spumoni ice cream in a Salt Lake City restaurant. Jim and Ted pay their bill. Jim and Ted polish off a “mini bottle.” Jim and Ted watch MTV. Jim and Ted drink coffee. And so on.
While it has potential, this manuscript lacks polish. The “screenplay” shines brightest when the action focuses on Rusty the Terrier and later, Buster. The writing style is engaging and heartfelt but lacks discipline. The text would benefit greatly from another rewrite and a professional edit. However, if you can get past these deficiencies, In Our Truck and Camper is an entertaining “on the road” type story. It will most likely resonate with dog lovers and anyone who enjoys a good road trip.
My Rating: 1.5