The Descent into Happiness: A Bicycling Journey over the Cascades and Rockies and across the Great Plains

by David Howell

In The Descent into Happiness, David Howell brings us a blend of travel narrative and mental wandering as he takes us on a cross-country, solo, self-supported bicycle ride from Seattle to Milwaukee. The route follows the Northern Tier: over the North Cascades Highway, through Glacier National Park, along Highway 2 and across Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. But while Howell tells the story of the journey--he also confronts a series of conundrums he had been pondering for years: Is it okay to spend so much time alone, to give in to introversion? How can one embrace introversion and solitude while also being a father and husband? By the end of the journey, he resolved that solitude can enhance one's time with others, just as time with others can enhance solitude.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

196 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the reason I enjoyed David Howell's book is because I've been to most of the states he writes about and it gave me a feeling of camaraderie. His descriptions of the landscapes made me feel at home. I understand his need for solitude, but the need to be with his family. I also shamelessly thought of his writing as a comment on life: take it slow, enjoy everything, but know when you need to step up the pace. This is oversimplifying, but it's my take-away. He knows about what's important in life.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like books that take you on a physical journey while also letting you in on the inner journey, this fits the bill. Enjoyable.

[Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after taking a three week road trip with just me and my dog. I honestly wish I would have brought it with on the trip because after reflecting on this book I wish that I had employed some of these non-thought tactics throughout and tried to savor the moments more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I will agree that the beginning was stronger than the ending. Hopefully he takes another trip soon, I would like to read more of what he has to say.

[Valerie Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful memoir of his bicycle and personal journey. I appreciate understanding the importance of solitude, non thinking and happiness. At times the author ventured a little too much into his inner thoughts and did repeat some ideas and reflections throughout the book.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me a while to read. I didn't hate it, but it was boring to me. If I had to describe this book in a few words: Biking, Nishida/Japanese Zen, Solitude, Thinking.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freeflowing association. A memoir of sorts. Has some good insights.

[Rebecca Dougherty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Howell is a pretty good writer. The book began stronger than it ended. It felt as though he waxed poetic a bit much. He seems to be one of those people who is always looking for an answer to life rather than enjoying the ride. I just kept wondering, "who obsesses over weight loss when riding more than half way across the country on a bike?" That says a lot about the type of person he is right there, and I'm not sure I dig him all that much. He says he doesn't believe in "ologies" and "isms," yet he quotes stuff all throughout the book. I'm not into quotes. Make your own.

[scc101 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as part of a GoodReads giveaway.