The Friendly Road

by David Grayson

Grayson embarks on one of the joys of youth, regaining a sense of perfect freedom. He takes to the road for a period of months, temporarily leaving behind all responsibilities and rejoicing in the land and people he will meet. He invites us along.

Genres: Classics

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1913

About the author

Pen-name of Ray Stannard Baker


Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name

Reviews

[Deyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had entirely forgotten about this gem of a book until I read a friend's review on books by Christopher Morley and discovered that he was influenced by David Grayson. I fondly recall a dear friend gifting me with this old used book that she had found "because her father loved it so much." It is a cherished copy because I have such a deep respect for this friend and her father who is now deceased. I can't wait to pull it from my shelf and reread it. Oh, the joys of all of the connections we make on Goodreads and how much it enhances my life.

[Courtney Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes I think that friendliness is the only achievement of life worth while - and unfriendliness the only tragedy"

Wowee!! This is the most wholesome book I've read in a while!! Just a semi-socialist farmer hitting the open road with only the hopes of making friends and living in the moment:) I felt like this dude this past weekend when I was walking around all day with my pals!! The sun was out and all I would say was "wow!". Life is so precious in ways both big in small, and Grayson does a remarkable job illustrating that in this book:) Bonkers that this was written over 100 years ago too!! What a find!!

[Benjamin Barr,]

This, as David Grayson's book is an interesting read. Grayson takes you along on a journey along the country road and let's you visit with the people he meets on the way. People who you quietly work with while building their trust, friendship, kinship/fraternity, and those who invite you in for a meal, a place to sleep and are sad to see you go onto the next leg of the journey.
Grayson appears to walk the roads (few vehicles then) the backroads, and even the highway that leads to a nearby city. He carries a small pack, a whistle which he plays, and a love for the unique such as the sigh that reads Rest; and he ponders that. It's a simple life and you're invited.

[Joe Ricciardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm, and rosy account of a weary soul leaving his farm and its chores in order to travel the road in search of friendship and adventure. Although the road and the people have changed a great deal since 1913 when the book appeared in print, the feelings and humanity contained within the pages remain fresh and alive. If you are a soul willing, and able, to leisurely take the journal with Mr Grayson at his own pace, you will find him both interesting and pleasant company.

[Paul Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be reprinted. It's the most peaceful story I've read. Both of my grandparents read this book nearly 100 years ago.