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Strange 66: Myth, Mystery, Mayhem, and Other Weirdness on Route 66
When you open Strange 66, take a look beyond the all-American sheen to the seedy, creepy, and just plain weird stories behind America's Mother Road. Route 66 conjures images of an innocent golden age of car travel: shiny V8s powering down hot, two-lane blacktop, sucking 20-cent-a-gallon gasoline, and periodically depositing their occupants at mom-n-pop greasy spoons, neon-lit motels, and tourist traps. But America’s Mother Road wasn’t all about ruddy-cheeked, summer vacationers. Route 66 and the regions it traverses have a side more seldom seen, rich with weird tales (mimetic architecture, paranormal phenomena, and even cryptozoology) to the downright sordid and seedy (murder, mistreatment, and other assorted mayhem). In Strange 66, bestselling Route 66 authority Michael Witzel explores the flip side of Route 66 to offer details on infamous Route 66 locations that once served as hideouts for the James Gang (Meramec Caverns), Bonnie and Clyde (Baxter Springs, Kansas), and Al Capone (Cicero, Illinois). There are the stories of unspeakable crimes committed along 66, such as the Stafflebeck “murder bordello” in Galena, Kansas, and Arizona’s “Orphan Maker of Route 66.” Witzel also explores the people that passed through the region, including the Dust Bowl exodus and the Trail of Tears tribute in Jerome, Missouri. Then there are the lighter, though still strange stories, such as the Route 66 Great Transcontinental Footrace and the origins of various roadside colossi, like the Blue Whale of Catoosa and Giganticus Headicus in Walapai, Arizona. And speaking of heads, what about steak? Eat one as big as your head at the Big Texan in Amarillo—and it’s free! All of these stories culminate in a look at Route 66 unlike any other, completely illustrated with modern and archival photography and written by an acknowledged authority on the Mother Road.
- GenresTravelHistoryNonfiction
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2018
10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 10, 2018
Having always wanted to travel Route 66, this book piqued my interest as soon as I saw it, and it turned out to be as intriguing and compelling as I thought. Written by Michael Karl Witzel, an established authority on the history of Route 66. I have come to expect Quarto publications to be super fascinating, and this book is no exception. They have swiftly become one of my favourite non-fiction publishers. You cannot go wrong with this title or any others released by them.
The book is split into seven different sections, all featuring exciting stories that really held my interest for the duration. The first section entitled "There's A Killer On The Road" covers such events as Al Capone travelling the route, Jesse James's cave hideout and Bonnie & Clyde's shootout in Joplin, Missouri. The second section "Mysteries and The Unexplained" discusses the paranormal, including alien vistors, ghosts and poltergeists. "Memorable Structures and Crazy Constructs" is all about the far-out buildings, signs and structures that infuse Route 66 with a unique personality and charm. "Tales Of The Infamous and Legendary" pays tribute to the important pioneers, visionaries and events that were responsible for the creation, promotion and ultimate notoriety of Highway 66. The fifth section "Roadside Tributes and Other Monuments" takes a look at the strange creatures who inhabit the route and the mysterious roadside monoliths and commemorative statues that capture tourists' imagination. "Exemplary Eats and Roadside Treats" focuses on the cornucopia of offbeat and unusual eats that are an iconic part of travelling the route. The seventh and final part "Won't Come Back From Dead Man's Curve" takes a pedal-to-the-metal look at the road segments that earned it the notorious nicknames such as "Bloody 66" and "Death Alley".
The book tells you where each of these occurences took place and would make a fantastic travel companion if you are planning to drive the route. There are also some evocative photographs that accompany each of the stories, and at times I felt like I was actually there. If you are looking to find out more about the history of Route 66, then look no further. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I learned many new things, but the stories were so, so dark and interesting too. Creepy, seedy, quirky, fun and weird are just some of the words that amply describe this book. It definitely deserves all of the stars, so five stars it is!
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The book is split into seven different sections, all featuring exciting stories that really held my interest for the duration. The first section entitled "There's A Killer On The Road" covers such events as Al Capone travelling the route, Jesse James's cave hideout and Bonnie & Clyde's shootout in Joplin, Missouri. The second section "Mysteries and The Unexplained" discusses the paranormal, including alien vistors, ghosts and poltergeists. "Memorable Structures and Crazy Constructs" is all about the far-out buildings, signs and structures that infuse Route 66 with a unique personality and charm. "Tales Of The Infamous and Legendary" pays tribute to the important pioneers, visionaries and events that were responsible for the creation, promotion and ultimate notoriety of Highway 66. The fifth section "Roadside Tributes and Other Monuments" takes a look at the strange creatures who inhabit the route and the mysterious roadside monoliths and commemorative statues that capture tourists' imagination. "Exemplary Eats and Roadside Treats" focuses on the cornucopia of offbeat and unusual eats that are an iconic part of travelling the route. The seventh and final part "Won't Come Back From Dead Man's Curve" takes a pedal-to-the-metal look at the road segments that earned it the notorious nicknames such as "Bloody 66" and "Death Alley".
The book tells you where each of these occurences took place and would make a fantastic travel companion if you are planning to drive the route. There are also some evocative photographs that accompany each of the stories, and at times I felt like I was actually there. If you are looking to find out more about the history of Route 66, then look no further. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I learned many new things, but the stories were so, so dark and interesting too. Creepy, seedy, quirky, fun and weird are just some of the words that amply describe this book. It definitely deserves all of the stars, so five stars it is!
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 11, 2018
Never has perhaps such a convoluted title delivered in producing the book it suggests.
I don’t know what I expected but this book delivers more than anyone could imagine.
Split into seven sub chapters which again depart from serious journalism yet meet the specification of this interesting account about a truly remarkable road. That even from across the pond I can see is indelibly seared into the consciousness of the American public.
Route 66 was until it was overtaken by the Interstate a road that epitomised the spirit of early settlers and in the new age of the horseless carriage. It made it possible to connect this large country from one side to the other and helped states connect and forge into a country.
Since it’s demise from the late 80’s it has shown that where something is an institution and lives in the hearts of a community or is part of a national identity it will never die.
This unique book and it’s detailed account of both the history and resurgence of this route makes the chance of it slipping into the forgotten past impossible to contemplate.
It isn’t making something out of nothing because the land has little historical voice after the indigenous peoples were silenced, contaminated and re-located. It is a real history spanning over 100 years and at it’s heart it shows how the spirit of American evolved, nearly expired and forever re-invigorates itself.
Route 66 has some notable history and the larger than life stuff you might associate with the need to accommodate, feed and sustain visitors and travellers along its way.
I found this fascinating and sometimes larger than life. The stories of its function during the Great Depression broke my heart but the forced march of the Indian Nations crushed my spirit.
A book that made me laugh and cry. Pop Art and Culture making itself the story and proudly remembered and commemorated made me view the USA very differently.
I can see why many still pay homage to this historic route and visit its many tourist attractions. For those unable to make such a trip in the immediate future. They will delight in this book that takes them on a journey few will forget.
I don’t know what I expected but this book delivers more than anyone could imagine.
Split into seven sub chapters which again depart from serious journalism yet meet the specification of this interesting account about a truly remarkable road. That even from across the pond I can see is indelibly seared into the consciousness of the American public.
Route 66 was until it was overtaken by the Interstate a road that epitomised the spirit of early settlers and in the new age of the horseless carriage. It made it possible to connect this large country from one side to the other and helped states connect and forge into a country.
Since it’s demise from the late 80’s it has shown that where something is an institution and lives in the hearts of a community or is part of a national identity it will never die.
This unique book and it’s detailed account of both the history and resurgence of this route makes the chance of it slipping into the forgotten past impossible to contemplate.
It isn’t making something out of nothing because the land has little historical voice after the indigenous peoples were silenced, contaminated and re-located. It is a real history spanning over 100 years and at it’s heart it shows how the spirit of American evolved, nearly expired and forever re-invigorates itself.
Route 66 has some notable history and the larger than life stuff you might associate with the need to accommodate, feed and sustain visitors and travellers along its way.
I found this fascinating and sometimes larger than life. The stories of its function during the Great Depression broke my heart but the forced march of the Indian Nations crushed my spirit.
A book that made me laugh and cry. Pop Art and Culture making itself the story and proudly remembered and commemorated made me view the USA very differently.
I can see why many still pay homage to this historic route and visit its many tourist attractions. For those unable to make such a trip in the immediate future. They will delight in this book that takes them on a journey few will forget.
May 30, 2019
A fab look at America’s most iconic byways, with wonderful photos and an engaging history of the many wild and strange things that have taken place along this storied trek. A must-have if you ever “plan to motor west ... from chicago to L.A., more than two thousand miles all the way ... to get your kicks on route 66.”
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine. Pub Date 14 Aug 2018. #Strange66 #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine. Pub Date 14 Aug 2018. #Strange66 #NetGalley
September 4, 2018
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I've always wanted to drive Route 66 and have been fascinated by it for as long as I remember.
I loved this book and the wonderful pictures that came with it. The Author did a great job with detail. At times I felt like I was right in the pictures.
I highly recommend this book.
I've always wanted to drive Route 66 and have been fascinated by it for as long as I remember.
I loved this book and the wonderful pictures that came with it. The Author did a great job with detail. At times I felt like I was right in the pictures.
I highly recommend this book.
October 15, 2018
This was an interesting collection of famous people, attractions and history surrounding Route 66 - everything from murders to odd buildings to places to eat and more. It was a fun read and would be great to have along on a road trip.
Thank you to Michael Karl Witzel, Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
Thank you to Michael Karl Witzel, Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
September 21, 2018
Such a fun and fascinating book - as if Atlas Obscura was focused only on a single place: the Mother Road, America's Main Street, Route 66. History (from the Trail of Tears to Bonnie & Clyde), myth (Dead Man's Curve and the vanishing hitchhiker), and kitsch (the Wigwam motel and the birthplace of the corn dog) collide in this chronicle/guidebook to the quintessential American wild and weird. Planning my next vacation now.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
Amazing book! I'm going to buy it for my Dad for his birthday in April. So many unique things about Route 66 I had no idea about!
August 2, 2020
I bought this for my husband's birthday a couple of years ago. He has never read it so i thought I would. I suffer from the disadvantage of not knowing the geography of Route 66 but nevertheless finding this an interesting book. I think it would work better as something to take with you as you drove the route and maybe one day we will do at least part of it.
September 11, 2018
Strange 66 by Michael Karl Witzel
Myth, Mystery, Mayhem, and Other Weirdness on Route 66
As a child my mother would pack the suitcases. Dad would put the suitcases on the top of the car. A mattress was put into the back of the station wagon and then usually mom would start the long trek from Des Moines, Iowa to Glendale, California to see her parents. Dad would usually fly out to join us later and we often drove back to the Midwest as a family. Those trips were magical and most of the time Route 66 made up the greatest portion of the trip. We stopped at night and along the way of there were sites to see sometimes detouring to see a park someone thought was worth our young eyes seeing – one was the petrified forest.
Anyway, this book brought back many memories though the ones I have were not really found in the book – not many of them anyway. A couple that were happened to be the MacDonald’s Arch spanning the highway…I do believe we stopped to eat there at one time AND the Pasadena Suicide Bridge we used to cross when we lived in Eagle Rock and would head over to Pasadena. I enjoyed learning about the man who was instrumental in the building of Route 66 and why it was so very important as the automobile replaced horses for transportation. I learned of killers, mysterious happenings, haunted buildings, ghostly hauntings, monuments, artistic endeavors, historic eating establishments, interesting buildings, musical anecdotes…and so much more. I had fun looking at the beautiful photos and came away thinking that at some point in time I would love to travel Route 66 again and take this book along with me to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Myth, Mystery, Mayhem, and Other Weirdness on Route 66
As a child my mother would pack the suitcases. Dad would put the suitcases on the top of the car. A mattress was put into the back of the station wagon and then usually mom would start the long trek from Des Moines, Iowa to Glendale, California to see her parents. Dad would usually fly out to join us later and we often drove back to the Midwest as a family. Those trips were magical and most of the time Route 66 made up the greatest portion of the trip. We stopped at night and along the way of there were sites to see sometimes detouring to see a park someone thought was worth our young eyes seeing – one was the petrified forest.
Anyway, this book brought back many memories though the ones I have were not really found in the book – not many of them anyway. A couple that were happened to be the MacDonald’s Arch spanning the highway…I do believe we stopped to eat there at one time AND the Pasadena Suicide Bridge we used to cross when we lived in Eagle Rock and would head over to Pasadena. I enjoyed learning about the man who was instrumental in the building of Route 66 and why it was so very important as the automobile replaced horses for transportation. I learned of killers, mysterious happenings, haunted buildings, ghostly hauntings, monuments, artistic endeavors, historic eating establishments, interesting buildings, musical anecdotes…and so much more. I had fun looking at the beautiful photos and came away thinking that at some point in time I would love to travel Route 66 again and take this book along with me to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
December 20, 2018
Everyone in the US and some other countries have heard of Route 66. Over the years many places and things have come and gone but there are still some out there from the beginning. Thsi book is filled with photos of the many many stops along the route. It also gives you the strange history of some events that have taken place at many of the stops. Things like a hideout for Bonnie and Clyde in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The Trail of Tears tribute in Jerome, Missouri. and so much more. This is a thrilling book and would make a great conversation piece as a coffee table book. I personally think ever Doctors office on the planet needs to have a stack of copies of this book, I hae going to the doctor's office, you have an appointment and end up setting there an hour after before you get called back, this book would keep your mind busy and you may get upset when they finally do call you back. This is a great book very interesting and the numerous photos take you there.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com and chose to leave this review.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com and chose to leave this review.
September 25, 2018
After reading this book, be ready to start planning your Route 66 trip, I am. Great book! I just loved reading this book and would definitely read it again. This book is divided into 7 sections: “A Killer on the Road” with Al Capone, Jesse James, Bonnie and Clyde, “Mysteries and the Unexplained” with Ghosts and Hotel Monte Vista, “Memorable Structures” with Wigwams and Ghost towns, “Tales of the Infamous” The Troubadour and Grapes of Wrath, “Roadside Monuments” BlueWhale, Spacemen, Totem Poles, “Roadside Treats” World Largest Ketchup Bottle, Ku Ku Burger, Pops Soda Ranch, and “Dead Man Curve” with Suicide Bridge and much, much, more. The book is also filled with beautiful historical and current pictures and interesting facts.....this is a must buy.
January 15, 2019
Quirky and fun! Chock full of facts about the evolution of America's premier road! All hail the Mother Road!!!!!☺
January 10, 2024
the writing style is hokey but the stories are fun
April 4, 2022
Was hoping this would be really good. Wasn't. Bits were interesting and some of the photos were cool.
September 22, 2018
I live in Northeastern Oklahoma right on Route 66. I thought I knew everything there is to know on this historical road through the heart of the nation. I was wrong. I so enjoyed the book, I posted a suggestion on our Forgotten Oklahoma Facebook site letting all interested parties know to read and enjoy.
November 11, 2018
Thankyou to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, Voyageur Press and the author, Michael Karl Witzel, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Strange 66 in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
I thought the book was well written. Full of weird and creepy stories regarding an iconic road in America, it kept me intrigued until the end. Definitely worth a read.
I thought the book was well written. Full of weird and creepy stories regarding an iconic road in America, it kept me intrigued until the end. Definitely worth a read.
January 11, 2019
Great photos and some interesting places but most of them don't really qualify as weird in the creepy or scary sense. They run more to odd or unusual in the "You don't see that every day" kind of way.
If you're planning a trip down old Route 66 this book could serve as a reference point but I wouldn't make it my only guidebook.
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you're planning a trip down old Route 66 this book could serve as a reference point but I wouldn't make it my only guidebook.
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews