Finding the Open Road: A Guide to Self-Construction Rather than Mass Production

by Mike Marriner, Brian McAllister, Nathan Gebhard

A few years ago, buddies Mike, Brian, and nathan faced the end of college with the realization that, like many a college student, they had absolutely no idea what to do with their lives. Their take a roadtrip and interview people from all walks of life to learn how they got where they are. Their mode of a clunky, 31-foot green motor home. Three months and 17,000 miles later, they'd met the CEO of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, the scientist who decoded the human genome, and the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. They'd talked to bookstore owners, filmmakers, artists, and more than 70 others who had found their callings-their "open roads." Mike, Brian, and Nathan had found their to help others define their own paths based on passion, individuality, and nonconformity. They titled the project Roadtrip Nation, made a documentary, created a TV show, wrote a book, and now send teams of students on roadtrips each summer. FINDING THE OPEN ROAD shows how you too can create a roadtrip experience to discover whether you're traveling down the right course in life. Through a step-by-step guide to planning your trip, a roadtrip journal that offers the personal perspective, and more than 50 interviews that describe how others found their true roads, this inspirational handbook offers a nation's worth of wisdom for anyone trying to find their own authentic path.

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2005

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are young and looking for a book to inspire you to get out of a rut, this is it.

[Barry Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A followup to Roadtrip Nation, this book is subtitled “a guide to self-construction rather than mass production.” Using the same “traveling the country and interviewing successful people” format as they did in the first work, the book starts by recounting the story of how Roadtrip Nation came to be. Using real life stories to make their points, the authors then offer themes and insights, including “Don’t Fall Asleep at the Wheel,” “There is No Road Map,” “Follow What Excites You” and “Unplug your Education.” I found this part (Part 2) of the book the most informative and practical. Part 3 provides a basic guide to creating your own road trip (not as specific in its guidance as in the first book but very practical in their suggestions), followed by another collection of interviews in Part 4 (including the founder of a winery, a brewmaster, authors, activists and professors). Part 5 chronicles a 20-day road trip with a day-by-day journal of their adventures and experiences as well as more wisdom gleaned from individuals who have found their “open road.”

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone thinking about going into or graduating from college. Provides a fantastic (if only occasionally hazy) look at how interesting people became what they are.

Reminds me that choices are behind everything that we do and sometimes boldness is needed. Pursue your heart. If you can honestly answer that your profession is happy work, then you know that you are in the right job.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have used this book as our textbook for our career decision making class. It was written by students/recent grads so really appeals to students even though it is now over 10 years old. Great book about following your passion and with lots of informational interviews where the travelers spoke with people all over the US who had found and followed their passion.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly directed at people in their 20's who have no idea what they want to do in their lives. The stories and biographies are intersting and show you that education in one field does not bar you from a career or life in a totally different field.

[robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Self-help book for hipsters? Nice idea, but boring and....boring.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the documentary and the following series. The book is an okay companion, but the section on planning your own trip was a little disappointing.