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Winter Reading Challenge 2026: Nonfiction Books for Road Trip Enthusiasts

Explore the open road with this curated list of compelling nonfiction books that delve into the adventures, histories, and stories behind unforgettable road trips. Perfect for wanderers and armchair travelers alike, these titles offer inspiring journeys, insightful travel tales, and practical tips to fuel your own adventures on the highway.

User from Mid-Continent Public Library

17 items

  • Driving the Green Book

    a Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance

    Hall, Alvin, 1952-
    From 1936 to 1967, millions of Black motorists relied on The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide to where its readers could safely eat and sleep while on the road. This was a road trip guide of a different sort, and back issues of the Green Book,…
    Book, 2023New York, NY : Harper One, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers [2023] — 305.896 H14
  • Almost 60 years after it first hit the shelves, Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test remains a must read for anyone curious about the wild side of American history. Wolfe tags along with novelist Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters on their…
    Book, 2008New York : Picador, [2008] — 362.29 W832
  • Looking to hit the open road across the U.S.? This guide is your perfect travel buddy, helping you plan unforgettable road trips from the scenic wine country of the Northwest to the legendary Route 66, and even exploring hidden gems like New…
    Book, 2025[El Segundo, California] : Fodor's Travel, a division of MH Sub I, LLC, dba Internet Brands, [2025]. — 917.3 F683 2025
  • Best Road Trips USA

    Escapes on the Open Road

    Discover the freedom of the open road with Lonely Planet's USA's Best Trips. This trusted travel companion features 51 amazing road trips, from 2-day escapes to 2-week adventures. Cruise down the California Coast, gaze up at the Rocky Mountains, or…
    Book, 2023[Dublin] : Lonely Planet Global Limited, 2023. — 917.3 L8476 2023
  • Route 66 Road Trip

    Drive the Classic Route From Chicago to Los Angeles

    This lively guide to Route 66 is your ultimate companion for a classic American road trip, spotlighting all the must-see attractions, fun activities, and entertainment hotspots along the legendary route. Whether you're looking for iconic sights,…
    Book, 2024Berkeley, CA : Avalon Travel, 2024. — 917.8 M7783 2024
  • Southwest Road Trip

    Drive the Loop From Las Vegas to Santa Fe, Visiting 8 National Parks Along the Way

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Southwest with Moon Southwest Road Trip, featuring wind-carved red rocks, vibrant adobe houses, and endless desert vistas. This guide offers flexible itineraries, whether you want a two-week…
    Book, 2023Berkeley : Moon Travel, 2023. — 917.9 M7784 2023
  • Road Trip USA

    Cross-country Adventures on America's Two-lane Highways

    Discover the true soul of the country by venturing beyond the interstate and onto America's charming two-lane highways, where majestic mountains, lush valleys, and rugged seascapes await. These scenic routes offer a richer, more intimate experience…
    Book, 2024Berkeley, CA : Avalon Travel, Hachette Book Group, 2024. — 917.3 M778 2024
  • Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure

    the True Story of a Great American Road Trip

    Algeo, Matthew,
    On June 19, 1953, Harry Truman did something pretty extraordinary — he hit the road in his Chrysler New Yorker, traveling incognito without Secret Service, a press crew, or any official entourage. Just Truman, his wife Bess, and a plan to enjoy some…
    Book, 2009Chicago, Ill. : Chicago Review Press ; Distributed by Independent Publishers Group, [2009] — 973.918 AL34H
  • The Road Trip Survival Guide

    Tips and Tricks for Planning Routes, Packing Up, and Preparing for Any Unexpected Encounter Along the Way

    Taylor, Rob (Family travel blogger),
    Ready to hit the road and make it an epic adventure? This collection of essential tips and tricks is your go-to guide for planning the perfect road trip. From packing smart and choosing the best routes to finding cool stops along the way, it’s all…
    Book, 2021New York : Tiller Press, 2021. — 917 T217 2021
  • Baseball Road Trips

    the Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, With Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby

    Baseball truly earns its title as America's pastime, and with Moon Baseball Road Trips you can explore the best of the MLB’s iconic cities and stadiums. Whether you're catching a game at historic ballparks or soaking in the local baseball culture,…
    Book, 2024Oakland, CA : Avalon Travel, [2024] — 917.3 M7784 2024
  • Epic Road Trips of the Americas

    Explore Americas' Most Thrilling Driving Adventures

    Get ready to hit the road with 50 of the Americas’ greatest road trips! Spanning North and South America, plus the Caribbean, this collection features iconic drives like California’s stunning Pacific Coast Highway, Canada’s scenic Gaspesie Loop, and…
    Book, 2022Dublin : Lonely Planet Global Limited, 2022. — 917 L847 2022
  • America the Beautiful?

    One Woman in a Borrowed Prius on the Road Most Traveled

    Roberson, Blythe,
    Roberson’s lively and relatable account of touring national parks as a single woman in a borrowed Prius sheds light on the broader issue that women often have less freedom to explore compared to men, partly due to societal constraints. As a comedian…
    Book, 2023New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2023] — B R544
  • Ready to hit the road in your electric vehicle, whether it’s a trusty everyday car or a luxury model? This all-in-one travel guide is your perfect companion, featuring irresistible itineraries across the USA and Canada that ensure you’ll always find…
    Book, 2024[Ireland] : Lonely Planet Global Limited, 2024. — 917 L8472 2024
  • Road Trips in the USA

    50 Adventures on the Open Road

    Whether you're dreaming of cruising the U.S. on a motorcycle, embarking on a coast-to-coast RV adventure, or just rolling down your windows to blast your favorite tunes, Road Trips in the USA is your ultimate guide to creating unforgettable…
    Book, 2024London : Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2024. — 917.3 D6484 2024
  • After losing his job and his wife, Least Heat Moon hit the road in 1975 in his trusty Econoline named Ghost Dancing, traveling east from Missouri along back roads marked in blue on old maps. His journey was a quest to find small towns where change…
    Book, 2013New York : Back Bay Books/Little, Brown, c2013. — 973 H351
  • USA RV Adventures

    25 Epic Routes

    Dreaming of hitting the open road in an RV? This guide has you covered with 25 flexible itineraries that showcase America’s best road trip routes, packed with top sightseeing spots, local flavors, and insider tips. Whether you’re a newbie or a…
    Book, 2023Berkeley, CA, USA : Avalon Travel, Hachette Book Group, 2023. — 917.3 M7786 2023
  • Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a fascinating blend of philosophy, psychology, and road-trip storytelling wrapped into one. It follows a father and son on a summer motorcycle journey, where the trip becomes a powerful metaphor for…
    Book, 2005New York : William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005. — 917.3 P669