There’s something about summer that stirs the restless spirit: the hum of tires on open highways, the promise of unfamiliar towns, and the quiet thrill of not quite knowing what comes next. A good road trip doesn’t always require a packed car or a full tank of gas; sometimes, all you need is the right book. The following titles capture that sense of motion, discovery, and transformation that defines travel at its best. Whether you’re chasing horizons or simply dreaming of escape, these books offer journeys you can take from anywhere – so settle in, let yourself wander, and don’t be surprised if you come back changed. Each page offers a new mile, a new perspective, and a reminder that the journey itself is often the destination.
Fiction That Feels Like the Open Road
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson
This book delivers a quirky, heartfelt journey that blends humor with emotional depth. As its characters traverse both physical and personal landscapes, the novel captures the unpredictability of travel (and of life itself) where detours often lead to the most meaningful destinations. It follows a group of misfits brought together by unusual circumstances, setting out on a trip that forces them to confront their pasts while forming unexpected bonds.
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
Equal parts adventure and introspection, this novel follows characters who find themselves untethered and searching for direction. The narrative unfolds like a long stretch of highway at dusk: beautiful, uncertain, and filled with moments of unexpected clarity. At its core, the novel centers on individuals grappling with loss and reinvention as they move through shifting landscapes and relationships.
Scavengers by Kathleen Boland
Kathleen crafts a story that feels raw and immediate, evoking the kind of journey where survival and self-discovery intertwine. This fun debut will remind readers of the Forrest Fenn treasure hunt. The road here isn’t just a setting; it’s a crucible that shapes and tests those who dare to follow it.
Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo
This book offers a more contemplative take on the road trip novel. Through a cross-country journey, it explores spirituality, connection, and the quiet revelations that come when we allow ourselves to slow down and truly see the world. The story pairs a skeptical narrator with an unassuming spiritual teacher, whose shared travels spark conversations about faith, purpose, and the nature of happiness.
Nonfiction Journeys Worth Taking
The Allure of Elsewhere by Karen Babine
Blending memoir and literary exploration, this memoir reflects on why we feel called to distant places. It’s a thoughtful meditation on travel as both a physical act and a deeply personal longing. Drawing on her own experiences and the works of other writers, Karen examines how place, memory, and imagination intertwine to shape our sense of self.
Wandering in Strange Lands by Morgan Jerkins
Redefining what a road trip can be, this book traces history, identity, and belonging across America. It’s a journey rooted not just in geography, but in the stories and legacies that shape who we are. Morgan travels through the South to uncover the movements of her ancestors, blending personal narrative with a broader exploration of Black history and migration.
Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon
Few books capture the essence of American travel quite like this one. Traveling along lesser-known routes, William uncovers the hidden corners of the country, reminding readers that the most memorable experiences often lie off the beaten path. His journey takes him through small towns and overlooked communities, where conversations with locals reveal a rich and often surprising portrait of America.
The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck
For all my other readers who grew up playing The Oregon Trail game, this book brings history to life through a modern-day retracing of that legendary route. With humor and vivid detail, Rinker turns a historic journey into an engaging and often surprising adventure. Accompanied by his brother, he travels the trail by covered wagon, offering insights into the challenges faced by 19th-century pioneers, while reflecting on the enduring allure of the American frontier, and neither dies by snake bite (nor dysentery).
Featured in the May 16, 2026 issue of The Independent.
