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Not Tonight, Josephine: A Road Trip Through Small-Town America
Two Brits, George and Mark, set off from New York City to explore the back roads of America. In this calamity-ridden travel tale, George sets out in true clichéd fashion to discover the real America.
Throw in plenty of run-ins with the police, rapidly dwindling finances and Josephine – the worst car in the world - and you have all the ingredients for a classic American road trip. Will George and Mark make it all the way to California?
And then there is Rachel, George’s girlfriend, left back in England. Would travelling to the United States without her turn out to be the stupidest decision he had ever made?
Throw in plenty of run-ins with the police, rapidly dwindling finances and Josephine – the worst car in the world - and you have all the ingredients for a classic American road trip. Will George and Mark make it all the way to California?
And then there is Rachel, George’s girlfriend, left back in England. Would travelling to the United States without her turn out to be the stupidest decision he had ever made?
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1988
2958 people are currently reading
1451 people want to read
About the author
George Mahood
162 books482 followersGeorge Mahood is an award-winning writer. Specifically, he was placed third in the Little Brington Village Fete's limerick competition (Under 10s category) in 1988. It was the same year that Mrs Marriott's legendary fruit loaf was beaten in the WI cake contest for the first time in six years.
George studied Communication Studies and English Literature at Leeds University. After spending a year travelling in the USA (with clothes and money), he worked for several years in a variety of jobs including charity fund-raising and garlic bread making. He currently works as a photographer, specialising in weddings. George has been the lead singer and guitarist of a rubbish band and the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.
George has plenty more madcap ideas that will form the basis of future books. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch, see more photos from FREE COUNTRY, and to hear about future projects.
www.facebook.com/georgemahood
www.twitter.com/georgemahood
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
April 26, 2021
I was a free man in America and I could go wherever the hell I liked.
When two chaps from England hatch a plan to spend most of a year touring the U.S. in a cheap second-hand car, things naturally do not go as they had hoped. For 850 bucks they buy a POS Dodge Caravan, discovering not long after the purchase that the van, nicknamed Josephine, is riddled with expensive problems, the least of which is the old gal's nonworking windshield wipers. After a fewminor major repairs, the boys are off to see the "real America."
It's always fun seeing my country through fresh eyes, and this book does have its moments as the guys toddle their way across the USA. They marvel at the beauty of the National Parks, eat drool-worthy sandwiches, and visit Walmart. The author tosses in the occasional witty quip. Then, due to visa problems, one of the duo flies home, and the book takes a slight nosedive. The author needs to earn some dough, and stays way too long in Colorado. For the remainder of the trip, he's then joined by his wet-blanket girlfriend. (He may love her to pieces; I did not.)
Also - one star deducted for completely skirting my state - Pennsylvania. Dude, you missed out on some awesome museums, Chocolate Town, USA, and the chance to have your photo taken in Intercourse.
Sigh.
Sorry, George, but you're no Colin.
When two chaps from England hatch a plan to spend most of a year touring the U.S. in a cheap second-hand car, things naturally do not go as they had hoped. For 850 bucks they buy a POS Dodge Caravan, discovering not long after the purchase that the van, nicknamed Josephine, is riddled with expensive problems, the least of which is the old gal's nonworking windshield wipers. After a few
It's always fun seeing my country through fresh eyes, and this book does have its moments as the guys toddle their way across the USA. They marvel at the beauty of the National Parks, eat drool-worthy sandwiches, and visit Walmart. The author tosses in the occasional witty quip. Then, due to visa problems, one of the duo flies home, and the book takes a slight nosedive. The author needs to earn some dough, and stays way too long in Colorado. For the remainder of the trip, he's then joined by his wet-blanket girlfriend. (He may love her to pieces; I did not.)
Also - one star deducted for completely skirting my state - Pennsylvania. Dude, you missed out on some awesome museums, Chocolate Town, USA, and the chance to have your photo taken in Intercourse.
Sigh.
Sorry, George, but you're no Colin.
October 30, 2016
George Mahood writes very funny travel books which I thoroughly enjoy. In this one he recounts his early adventures in the US with friends in a beat up minivan named Josephine.As expected, Josephine does require some serious maintenance, but Mahood makes even his catastrophes a hoot to read about. His wonderful attitude and personality ensure that everything comes up roses, evenif he is stuck in the muck in a Colorado winter. VERY enjoyable.
March 4, 2017
I loved this book!!! It came to me via one of Amazon's "$1.99" sales: I read some of the reviews and thought "What do I have to loose?" I was in for such a wonderful ride! I am German, lived in Northern CA for 40 years - always wanted to travel through "Amurrika". This book was written for me!
The Author (and his buddy, going west - girlfriend, going east) mostly travels away from the well beaten paths and spend time with his friends exploring small towns. Sleeps occasionally in $25 Motels (where can I find those??) otherwise in this mini-van he calls Josephine. A car that threatens to fall apart all the time. He and his buddy live mostly on bread and bologna - but treat themselves at least once a week to dinner in a diner.
He describes a lot of national parks, always ready for an adventure. He meets wonderful people simply because he such an open mind and never gives up.
The only question that remains open if: does the quality of a diner really improves by the amount of calendars (or deer heads) that they have on the wall?
The Author (and his buddy, going west - girlfriend, going east) mostly travels away from the well beaten paths and spend time with his friends exploring small towns. Sleeps occasionally in $25 Motels (where can I find those??) otherwise in this mini-van he calls Josephine. A car that threatens to fall apart all the time. He and his buddy live mostly on bread and bologna - but treat themselves at least once a week to dinner in a diner.
He describes a lot of national parks, always ready for an adventure. He meets wonderful people simply because he such an open mind and never gives up.
The only question that remains open if: does the quality of a diner really improves by the amount of calendars (or deer heads) that they have on the wall?
June 9, 2023
Road Trip
If you're in the mood for some back country driving, vicariously of course, this book will entertain you. This writer has wit and charm in describing American tourist attractions. If you want to escape for a while, this book can help. It was a pleasure to read about this fun vacation with some young Brits. and I will definitely will read more books from this author.
If you're in the mood for some back country driving, vicariously of course, this book will entertain you. This writer has wit and charm in describing American tourist attractions. If you want to escape for a while, this book can help. It was a pleasure to read about this fun vacation with some young Brits. and I will definitely will read more books from this author.
June 27, 2018
It's summer. I have 4 teens. The PS4 is getting a workout. So is the Netflix account. (Before you develop an unflattering picture in your mind, they are also running and strength training, and working, and helping around the house, and prepping for next year's classes-- sort of).
While we have all this momentum going, I decided to reach for the stars and suggest we all read a book together-- just like old times, but without so many pictures and a few more words. My suggestion was met with varied degrees of groaning.
"But wait!" I said, "We want you all to travel and have adventure during the next 5-10 years. And that's exactly what this book is. A recent university graduate from England, spending a year road tripping through the USA. The book is supposed to highlight all the places a good road trip should include, and demonstrate how easy it is to just do it. And the other reviewers keep commenting on how absolutely hysterical the author is. It'll be an easy read (much better than the *Walden* that your Lit teacher expects you to read over the summer). This might just be a primer for your own adventures."
I just finished. The next closest reader is on page #70. Including my husband and my 15-y-o who both are voracious readers. While I enjoyed the Queen's English and made note of a couple of places out West, they weren't places that I didn't already know about, and I never truly laughed. While I usually trust the Goodreads reviews implicitly, I'm afraid this time the other reviewers oversold me. We're just not that into this book. None of us. And now I've wasted one of my very precious "Mom Asks." The next time I have a request, they will all be like, "Remember that time you tried to make us read that stupid book?" :( Back to binge watching The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
While we have all this momentum going, I decided to reach for the stars and suggest we all read a book together-- just like old times, but without so many pictures and a few more words. My suggestion was met with varied degrees of groaning.
"But wait!" I said, "We want you all to travel and have adventure during the next 5-10 years. And that's exactly what this book is. A recent university graduate from England, spending a year road tripping through the USA. The book is supposed to highlight all the places a good road trip should include, and demonstrate how easy it is to just do it. And the other reviewers keep commenting on how absolutely hysterical the author is. It'll be an easy read (much better than the *Walden* that your Lit teacher expects you to read over the summer). This might just be a primer for your own adventures."
I just finished. The next closest reader is on page #70. Including my husband and my 15-y-o who both are voracious readers. While I enjoyed the Queen's English and made note of a couple of places out West, they weren't places that I didn't already know about, and I never truly laughed. While I usually trust the Goodreads reviews implicitly, I'm afraid this time the other reviewers oversold me. We're just not that into this book. None of us. And now I've wasted one of my very precious "Mom Asks." The next time I have a request, they will all be like, "Remember that time you tried to make us read that stupid book?" :( Back to binge watching The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
October 11, 2016
Like the rest of George's books, this is a lighthearted, informative and entertaining read. In this book he takes us on a roadtrip around USA in a manner than only a cash-strapped student can. Full of humour, interesting stories and anecdotes and stories of his travels through the small towns dotted through the US. Easy reading and fun. He is making me think that my own roadtrip might just be a good idea.
February 7, 2017
A funny travel book. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2018
It’s always educational to read a book about the US written by someone not from here; it’s a fascinating look at what other people see and expect and are surprised by. And that’s mostly why this got three stars from me.
The actual book — okay. Books like this, that are the very personal tale of one individual’s trip, have to be funny, beautiful, or informative, or they are just that long dull story you hear from your uncle about that time he went to that place and met those people, those funny people. This book is not especially informative; I mean, yes, I do have the advantage of coming from this country, but it’s pretty easy to get things about, for example, prairie dogs right even if you don’t. And in some cases Wikipedia appears to have been used to jog his memory (since he’s writing here about a trip he took long ago), which — I can look things up there myself if I want to. And the book is not beautiful or lyrical. So it’s got to be funny. And it’s not, not really. Partly that’s because the author just does not quite have the knack for telling a story. And partly that’s because I spent most of the book distracted, wondering why he survived the trip.
Look. We were all young once. We all did stupid things. (At least, I hope so. I know I definitely did.) But coming to the US for nine months and forgetting a coat? Even though you’re going to be here through the winter? And sleeping in your car? Um. He also managed to drive from New York to California and back again over those nine months, despite having car insurance for only three of them. And he only had a visa for six months. As these facts were revealed, along with other exciting ones (like that he drove all the way to California before realizing his car had tires of different sizes), I found myself mostly just thinking about how lucky he was to be a white man. All those aw-shucks-we’re-all-kids-once encounters with cops would’ve been a lot different otherwise.
There were other problems, too. Like, oh, his relationship with Rachel, which apparently turned into a marriage after this trip, for reasons that are definitely not clear from this book. And his ear for dialogue, which is, uh. Not present. (Most Americans in this book say “ain’t” and use double negatives, no matter where they’re from. But they also all use Britishisms fairly constantly.)
But I did finish this. Mostly so I could marvel at it. I’d probably read another of his, if it were free, if only to find out if he ever does get any better at traveling.
The actual book — okay. Books like this, that are the very personal tale of one individual’s trip, have to be funny, beautiful, or informative, or they are just that long dull story you hear from your uncle about that time he went to that place and met those people, those funny people. This book is not especially informative; I mean, yes, I do have the advantage of coming from this country, but it’s pretty easy to get things about, for example, prairie dogs right even if you don’t. And in some cases Wikipedia appears to have been used to jog his memory (since he’s writing here about a trip he took long ago), which — I can look things up there myself if I want to. And the book is not beautiful or lyrical. So it’s got to be funny. And it’s not, not really. Partly that’s because the author just does not quite have the knack for telling a story. And partly that’s because I spent most of the book distracted, wondering why he survived the trip.
Look. We were all young once. We all did stupid things. (At least, I hope so. I know I definitely did.) But coming to the US for nine months and forgetting a coat? Even though you’re going to be here through the winter? And sleeping in your car? Um. He also managed to drive from New York to California and back again over those nine months, despite having car insurance for only three of them. And he only had a visa for six months. As these facts were revealed, along with other exciting ones (like that he drove all the way to California before realizing his car had tires of different sizes), I found myself mostly just thinking about how lucky he was to be a white man. All those aw-shucks-we’re-all-kids-once encounters with cops would’ve been a lot different otherwise.
There were other problems, too. Like, oh, his relationship with Rachel, which apparently turned into a marriage after this trip, for reasons that are definitely not clear from this book. And his ear for dialogue, which is, uh. Not present. (Most Americans in this book say “ain’t” and use double negatives, no matter where they’re from. But they also all use Britishisms fairly constantly.)
But I did finish this. Mostly so I could marvel at it. I’d probably read another of his, if it were free, if only to find out if he ever does get any better at traveling.
March 6, 2021
Odd gal out, once again. In the midst of all the 5 star reviews, there’s going to be this one.
This is the travelogue of a young man and his friend and their “fresh out of college” trip through America. I was looking forward to some vicarious experience, as I don’t get to travel, and thought it would be interesting to read about traveling the USA through the fresh viewpoint of the young British author and his friend. Plus, this book is supposed to be incredibly funny, and I normally love British humor.
First, I understand that young people are naive, optimistic, and full of energy. Being this footloose and fancy free is a thrilling part of life before responsibility. These two boys, however, made me want to shake them. How in the world they made it through their trip alive and in one piece is beyond me. Walking alone in bad neighborhoods in Baltimore (“haha we’re so crazy”), traveling with no coat in the winter (“haha”), hitch hiking (“haha”), driving in the mountains in a van that was barely roadworthy (“haha”), an incident of drunk driving (“haha”), the list goes on and on. With all this adorably risky behavior, I would have at least expected one bout of the flu, a mugging, or at least a brush with some bedbugs. Let’s not even mention more serious consequences.
As for the humor, I get it, college kids all think they are incredibly humorous. Once you grow up, you have heard it all before. The author is witty, but in a sophomoric kind of way that made me smile sometimes, but not laugh. The story is long and rambling. It’s like listening to a slightly tipsy guy going on at a party, trying to be entertaining while telling about his “wild and c-uh-raz-zy” vacation. Depending on how amused you are, you either listen to his stories for the duration, or go to refresh your drink and don’t return. I did stay for the duration, but I had no where else to go.
Three stars, because it wasn’t a terribly bad book, but I would not recommend it.
This is the travelogue of a young man and his friend and their “fresh out of college” trip through America. I was looking forward to some vicarious experience, as I don’t get to travel, and thought it would be interesting to read about traveling the USA through the fresh viewpoint of the young British author and his friend. Plus, this book is supposed to be incredibly funny, and I normally love British humor.
First, I understand that young people are naive, optimistic, and full of energy. Being this footloose and fancy free is a thrilling part of life before responsibility. These two boys, however, made me want to shake them. How in the world they made it through their trip alive and in one piece is beyond me. Walking alone in bad neighborhoods in Baltimore (“haha we’re so crazy”), traveling with no coat in the winter (“haha”), hitch hiking (“haha”), driving in the mountains in a van that was barely roadworthy (“haha”), an incident of drunk driving (“haha”), the list goes on and on. With all this adorably risky behavior, I would have at least expected one bout of the flu, a mugging, or at least a brush with some bedbugs. Let’s not even mention more serious consequences.
As for the humor, I get it, college kids all think they are incredibly humorous. Once you grow up, you have heard it all before. The author is witty, but in a sophomoric kind of way that made me smile sometimes, but not laugh. The story is long and rambling. It’s like listening to a slightly tipsy guy going on at a party, trying to be entertaining while telling about his “wild and c-uh-raz-zy” vacation. Depending on how amused you are, you either listen to his stories for the duration, or go to refresh your drink and don’t return. I did stay for the duration, but I had no where else to go.
Three stars, because it wasn’t a terribly bad book, but I would not recommend it.
June 27, 2020
How not to drive across the USA. I kept expecting this ill-advised jaunt to shudder to an ignominious halt in the middle of nowhere. However the author and his crazy friend kept Josephine, their long-suffering vehicle, just about ticking over as they drove from New York City to the West Coast. And eventually back again. I kept holding my breath when car parts screeched, thumped, smoked and expired as the pair explored the USA. Written in the author's easy, humorous style, I loved every mile of this crazy expedition; I just wish they'd fixed the windscreen wipers.
April 11, 2017
Wonderful read
I have read most oh the Mahood books and this might be my new favorite along with Free Country. It is fascinating, informative, funny, and actually riveting, with a dash of romance. I am from the U.S. and learned things. The whole Josephine thing was amazing - she was his car. Read and enjoy!
I have read most oh the Mahood books and this might be my new favorite along with Free Country. It is fascinating, informative, funny, and actually riveting, with a dash of romance. I am from the U.S. and learned things. The whole Josephine thing was amazing - she was his car. Read and enjoy!
October 14, 2016
As an American......
The author did the U.S. justice. How lucky for him to get to see so much of it off the beaten track. Lots of laughing out loud, as per usual for his books.
The author did the U.S. justice. How lucky for him to get to see so much of it off the beaten track. Lots of laughing out loud, as per usual for his books.
April 28, 2025
Several years ago I read this author's first book FREE COUNTRY: A PENNILESS ADVENTURE THE LENGTH OF BRITAIN. I still think it's one of the funniest, most thoughtful books I've ever read. Always meant to check back and see if he had a new one. He's published four books since then, so I'm behind, but catching up will be no hardship. He's a wonderful story-teller and that's what counts with me.
I don't think this book is as outstanding as FREE COUNTRY. That one was based on the sort of uniquely insane idea that makes for a great book. This one is the story of two young Englishmen just out of college and ready to explore that intriguing place called America. Not an earth-shaking idea, although George brings his own special brand of craziness to the plan. Also, the trip occurred in 2000 and George wrote about it 16 years late. There's more nostalgia than immediacy and I think it makes a difference.
Even as a young man George must have had confidence-inspiring mojo going for him. At almost every stop along the way, he and Mark connect with people in surprising ways. OK, we're friendly folks (usually) and an English accent goes over big, but I think that few youngsters would have gotten as close to the locals as these two did. It's not merely a "travelogue" and that's to its advantage.
Of course, at the age of 22 you can be intelligent and well-read and still not have sense enough to come in out of the rain. That's why young folks have such interesting adventures. They were under-funded and over-optimistic. All they knew about America was what they had seen on television. They knew that American cities are filled with dangerous, dishonest people and small towns are filled with kindly, honest people.
This mistaken idea lead them (on foot) to Woodstock, NY, where they purchased a beat-up 1989 Dodge Caravan from a Brazilian anxious to get out of the country as soon as possible. On the theory that beauty is only skin deep they figured that "Josephine" must have an inner beauty that would get them to the West Coast and back again in ease and style. They were wrong, as they quickly and expensively found out.
To complicate matters further, George left England just as he finally found the girl of his dreams, Rachel. Absence may make the heart grow fonder or it may cause a promising romance to die an ugly death. George wants to make his dream trip, but he wants to keep his girl. Can he manage both?
It's an entertaining book. The author is either a magnet for strange situations and people or he exaggerates very well. Does it matter? Not to me. He's not fearless (because he was scared badly more than once) but he does believe in forging on and he's always hopeful. That's what you need to be an adventurer - an open mind and lots of confidence. He found a great deal to admire about America and Americans and he cuts us a lot of slack even about the things that he didn't think much of. Nobody's perfect.
Seeing your country through the eyes of an intelligent foreigner is a humbling, fascinating experience. I enjoyed this book.
I don't think this book is as outstanding as FREE COUNTRY. That one was based on the sort of uniquely insane idea that makes for a great book. This one is the story of two young Englishmen just out of college and ready to explore that intriguing place called America. Not an earth-shaking idea, although George brings his own special brand of craziness to the plan. Also, the trip occurred in 2000 and George wrote about it 16 years late. There's more nostalgia than immediacy and I think it makes a difference.
Even as a young man George must have had confidence-inspiring mojo going for him. At almost every stop along the way, he and Mark connect with people in surprising ways. OK, we're friendly folks (usually) and an English accent goes over big, but I think that few youngsters would have gotten as close to the locals as these two did. It's not merely a "travelogue" and that's to its advantage.
Of course, at the age of 22 you can be intelligent and well-read and still not have sense enough to come in out of the rain. That's why young folks have such interesting adventures. They were under-funded and over-optimistic. All they knew about America was what they had seen on television. They knew that American cities are filled with dangerous, dishonest people and small towns are filled with kindly, honest people.
This mistaken idea lead them (on foot) to Woodstock, NY, where they purchased a beat-up 1989 Dodge Caravan from a Brazilian anxious to get out of the country as soon as possible. On the theory that beauty is only skin deep they figured that "Josephine" must have an inner beauty that would get them to the West Coast and back again in ease and style. They were wrong, as they quickly and expensively found out.
To complicate matters further, George left England just as he finally found the girl of his dreams, Rachel. Absence may make the heart grow fonder or it may cause a promising romance to die an ugly death. George wants to make his dream trip, but he wants to keep his girl. Can he manage both?
It's an entertaining book. The author is either a magnet for strange situations and people or he exaggerates very well. Does it matter? Not to me. He's not fearless (because he was scared badly more than once) but he does believe in forging on and he's always hopeful. That's what you need to be an adventurer - an open mind and lots of confidence. He found a great deal to admire about America and Americans and he cuts us a lot of slack even about the things that he didn't think much of. Nobody's perfect.
Seeing your country through the eyes of an intelligent foreigner is a humbling, fascinating experience. I enjoyed this book.
March 26, 2017
Great read
Loved reading this. Brought back lots of memories of when my wife and i did a similar thing a few years ago. We were bricking it on Angels Landing as well! Another great book from George.
Loved reading this. Brought back lots of memories of when my wife and i did a similar thing a few years ago. We were bricking it on Angels Landing as well! Another great book from George.
September 14, 2018
First book I've read by George Mahood. He's a delightful writer with an easy going, conversational style that I enjoy. I thought the ending was a little abrupt but not sure how else he would've managed it. I'll definitely consider reading more of his books.
May 3, 2023
Humorous account of 2 Brits traveling across small town USA in a lemon of a car they named Josephine . The author's amusing writing is definitely 4 stars, just got a bit tired of reading about the so called "attractions" in the various out of the way places.
September 29, 2018
4.5 very funny lighthearted read
A very funny and lighthearted quick read. There were several times I had to stifle my laughter while reading this in bed in an attempt to not wake my partner.
A very funny and lighthearted quick read. There were several times I had to stifle my laughter while reading this in bed in an attempt to not wake my partner.
September 11, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of this one.
April 25, 2018
It's always amusing to read a travelogue of an American road trip when it's written from the perspective of a foreigner (British, in this case). Since we do extensive road trips, we've been to most of the places he covered. But he missed a whole lot more unusual and unique places that we could have clued him into. Despite the title about small towns, it seems like most of his descriptions were about cities, national parks, or rural areas (and it sounded like some of the details came from Wikipedia). A good deal of his time here was spent on an expired visa and without car insurance (Josephine is the name of the car he slept many a night in). But when you're young, you can ignore that kind of minutiae without losing sleep over it. I would aspire to my travelogues being this funny and in-depth, but 1) I don't have the discipline anymore to write up lengthy notes every night; and 2) I don't engage in risky enough behavior to make it that funny!
January 16, 2019
An absolutely fantastic adventure!
I've always enjoyed reading memoirs of someone else's experiences of doing something exciting and adventurous. George's book is that and more. He made me proud that I live in a country that he found so fascinating and friendly. I especially enjoyed reading about his own personal journey- finding love and wanting to also experience a grand adventure without screwing up what could possibly be his happily ever after. This book had so many poignant moments of self discovery, and so many more truly funny reflections of his legal (and illegal) ha! times in America, that I found myself wishing i was going to be embarking on my own grand trip with my own beloved Josephine. Thank you, George....I loved traveling those miles with you, Mark, and Rachel. Now to get your next book and buckle my seat belt!!!
I've always enjoyed reading memoirs of someone else's experiences of doing something exciting and adventurous. George's book is that and more. He made me proud that I live in a country that he found so fascinating and friendly. I especially enjoyed reading about his own personal journey- finding love and wanting to also experience a grand adventure without screwing up what could possibly be his happily ever after. This book had so many poignant moments of self discovery, and so many more truly funny reflections of his legal (and illegal) ha! times in America, that I found myself wishing i was going to be embarking on my own grand trip with my own beloved Josephine. Thank you, George....I loved traveling those miles with you, Mark, and Rachel. Now to get your next book and buckle my seat belt!!!
October 9, 2016
Cheerfully (mostly) wandering about the States.
I really enjoy Mr. Mahood's books. As with his other books, this one goes along pleasantly and interestingly and then, out of nowhere, he throws in a snarky comment that makes me hoot with laughter. I am a sucker for the unexpected laugh. But it is his willingness to throw himself (and his companions) into unusual situations that makes these books so fascinating. I have recommended all of Mr. Mahood's books, and this one is no exception.
I really enjoy Mr. Mahood's books. As with his other books, this one goes along pleasantly and interestingly and then, out of nowhere, he throws in a snarky comment that makes me hoot with laughter. I am a sucker for the unexpected laugh. But it is his willingness to throw himself (and his companions) into unusual situations that makes these books so fascinating. I have recommended all of Mr. Mahood's books, and this one is no exception.
February 7, 2017
If I were starting a trip across the USA, I probably wouldn't start by picking up a Dodge Caravan on its last (uneven) tires, but that's exactly how Mahood and his university buddy begin their trip. This story of his crazy trip across America, first with his university buddy and then his girlfriend, was especially engaging for me, as part of the book recounts Mahood's trip across "America's loneliest highway," a trip my husband and I made several years ago.
December 6, 2016
Funny guys.
The adventures of a couple of guys from England was very entertaining and witty. The impressions our great nation had on these travelers makes me want to pack up the car and hit the road myself. It was light and engaging and a fun read.
The adventures of a couple of guys from England was very entertaining and witty. The impressions our great nation had on these travelers makes me want to pack up the car and hit the road myself. It was light and engaging and a fun read.
January 14, 2017
What is America?
When the world is fresh and you are unencumbered by fear and doubt it is a good time to go on a grand adventure. Here is a interesting perspective of America from an Englishman. A great read.
When the world is fresh and you are unencumbered by fear and doubt it is a good time to go on a grand adventure. Here is a interesting perspective of America from an Englishman. A great read.
October 3, 2017
I always enjoy travel books and human interest stories. This is a good book on George's travels through the USA and his various experiences. One big positive is that it has no questionable content. I could give it almost four stars.
October 8, 2017
A funny account of a great American road trip
A light hearted but quite informative book about a road trip through the real America. Well worth a read if you're thinking of a road trip yourself or just want a fun yet surprisingly informative book.
A light hearted but quite informative book about a road trip through the real America. Well worth a read if you're thinking of a road trip yourself or just want a fun yet surprisingly informative book.
April 11, 2017
Heartwarming
Good portrayal of small-town U.S., I feel like I've been to most places he visited. Love the people he meets along the way
Good portrayal of small-town U.S., I feel like I've been to most places he visited. Love the people he meets along the way
April 16, 2017
Brilliant read
This is the 4th book I've read by George Mahood and this really doesnt dissapoint. Its brilliantly funny all ythe way
This is the 4th book I've read by George Mahood and this really doesnt dissapoint. Its brilliantly funny all ythe way
January 17, 2021
A pleasant, quick read! Highly recommended!
Not Tonight, Josephine by George Mahood is an entertaining and often humorous travelogue of Mahood and his best friend Mark's Big American Adventure. I would have enjoyed reading more about fun attractions experienced and delicious food eaten but the author's tight budget (he was a recent college grad from Great Britain) made for viewing natural wonders (Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc.) and visiting national parks like Yellowstone (unfortunately, lousy winter weather put a serious cramp in that endeavor) plus, little of quality or variety in the latter (you can only describe bologna sandwiches and big fry-up breakfasts so many ways - none too appetizing, either). A few pertinent dates would have also been appreciated - going by Bounce (the Ben Affleck movie the author and his friend Mark watched at the cinema) I estimated their cross-country USA trip to have occurred sometime around the year 2000 (for example, another clue to its timing was the fact that they had no cell phones - George used phone cards to call his girlfriend Rachel back in Great Britain).
Not Tonight, Josephine was immensely readable and an entertaining trip - one made even more enjoyable by the fact that this arm-chair traveller did not have to experience it first-hand!
One note: Spend big money on a new transmission but don't get the windshield wipers fixed, what's up with that???
Next trip, skip all the drinking/alcohol and pony up the dough for a new coat! That was just dang silly!
Not Tonight, Josephine by George Mahood is an entertaining and often humorous travelogue of Mahood and his best friend Mark's Big American Adventure. I would have enjoyed reading more about fun attractions experienced and delicious food eaten but the author's tight budget (he was a recent college grad from Great Britain) made for viewing natural wonders (Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc.) and visiting national parks like Yellowstone (unfortunately, lousy winter weather put a serious cramp in that endeavor) plus, little of quality or variety in the latter (you can only describe bologna sandwiches and big fry-up breakfasts so many ways - none too appetizing, either). A few pertinent dates would have also been appreciated - going by Bounce (the Ben Affleck movie the author and his friend Mark watched at the cinema) I estimated their cross-country USA trip to have occurred sometime around the year 2000 (for example, another clue to its timing was the fact that they had no cell phones - George used phone cards to call his girlfriend Rachel back in Great Britain).
Not Tonight, Josephine was immensely readable and an entertaining trip - one made even more enjoyable by the fact that this arm-chair traveller did not have to experience it first-hand!
One note: Spend big money on a new transmission but don't get the windshield wipers fixed, what's up with that???
Next trip, skip all the drinking/alcohol and pony up the dough for a new coat! That was just dang silly!
September 16, 2020
Two friends from England decide to go on a road trip through the United States. The Josephine in the title refers to the very unreliable car they bought to take them on their journey. Along the way they have a lot of bad luck and see a lot of famous and not so famous tourist attractions along the way and meet some typical and not so typical American people. This has to be the funniest travel memoir but I almost shed a tear when they got to the end of their journey. I couldnt wait for them to get to my neck of the woods and have to say I agree with his assessment of Wall Drug and the Corn Palace in South Dakota. I was wishing he would have gone a little farther on I-90 to visit the Spam museum in Minnesota. I think he would have liked it. I immediately looked to see what else this author wrote and will definitely be reading more of his travel exploits.
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