Billy Connolly's Route 66 Audiobook By Billy Connolly cover art

Billy Connolly's Route 66

The Big Yin on the Ultimate American Road Trip

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Billy Connolly's Route 66

By: Billy Connolly
Narrated by: James McPherson
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The best-loved comedian in Britain hits the most famous highway in the world on an unforgettable journey.

Billy Connolly, music-lover, biker, and scourge of the beige and bland the world over, has dreamed about taking a trip on the legendary Route 66 since he first heard Chuck Berry belting out one of the greatest rock 'n' roll records of all time. And now he's finally had the chance to do it, heading out on his custom-made trike in search of the real America that can still be found beyond the nation's freeways. Travelling every one of its 2,278 miles from the skyscrapers of Chicago to Santa Monica Pier in California, Billy's journey takes him past many of the essential icons of the United States: the Gateway Arch in St Louis, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and the funky neon-lit gas stations and diners that once lined the route. But it also gives him the chance to get to know the people who call it home, from Mervin the Amish carpenter, to fellow banjo enthusiast and obsessive instrument collector Rob, to Angel, one of the many people determined to keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. Funny, touching and inspiring in equal measure, the tales he gathers on the way tell the story of modern America. And they might inspire a few people to get on their bikes as well.

With his unrivalled instinct for a good story, and the gregariousness that has made him our most engaging national treasure, Billy Connolly is the ultimate guide to the ultimate road trip.

©2011 Billy Connolly (P)2011 Hachette Digital North America Travel Writing & Commentary Chicago Funny
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Where does Billy Connolly's Route 66 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would like to give this book 3.5 stars but since Audible doesn't allow that I will bump it up to 4. I am a huge Billy Connolly fan and was quite let down that he wasn't the narrator. His accent and trademark infectious enthusiasm would have bolstered this book quite a bit. The narrator wasn't bad, I was just left thinking Mr Connolly would have been better......nay perfect!

Mr. Connolly has an interesting way of looking at things. His viewpoint and the fact that he is coming from another land and background really sheds some unique light on the American road trip experience. It made me look and think about my country in a different way, at least for a moment.

What three words best describe James McPherson’s performance?

It was a good performance, but the author is a famous comedian with a wonderful accent and intonation. It would have been nice to hear his words in his voice. I would listen to other books by this narrator.

Any additional comments?

Its an interesting listen. The book has humor and levity. He meets a wide variety of people and has experiences to match. I think the book could have been/should have been longer. I would be interested in more travel book written from his point of view.

Rediscovering America.

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Billy is a fantastic guy and has a unique outlook on life. This would be much better if he maintained an open mind to middle America. He tended to prays people then make a backhanded critique from the perspective of his left leaning, city dwelling, current affluent life.

Great Story (too bad political comments pervade)

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This is a pretty good telling of a very aspirational adventure. Voice acting is satisfyingly Scottish sounding. Connolly shows some mild cynicism and Hollywood elitism that knocks it down a bit, but it's not too terribly overbearing.

A well performed, good story + some nonsense

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If you get a chance to see the series, watch it. This book is a great companion to that series. Well worth a listen.

Always a delight

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unless Billy himself had read his book for this performance. The reader was excellent, with an impressive command of various accents. that said, I'm far too great a fan of Billy's not to have lamented his absence on the audio. I was delighted to hear his account of the history of my hometown. I had good nice to think he had driven through my town just miles away from where I was probably standing at the time, and I hadn't been able to give him a cup of tea or a big hug. I loved hearing about all the history and anecdotes and marvelous characters he met along the way. I have lived right near Route 66 for most of my adult life, and it take in a few trips along parts of the route. I love the idea that he and I have seen the same things, & I wish I could call him to tell him what he missed. I found the book beautifully personal, just funny enough, and delightful all round.

I couldn't have loved it more...

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I can honestly say that I am quite pleased with Mr. Connolly’s literary picturesque view of the Mother Road. Political opinions aside, he did a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of Route 66, America and it’s people in a good light and one that says, we’re not as bad as some would have you believe.

While I have spoken with many people who really know Route 66 to its core, Mr. Connolly was able to skim the surface with a magnifying glass at the people who give this famed highway its glorious brilliance.

Fine job though, admittedly, in the beginning I had quite the time trying to understand the narrator as his accent is quite thick. But, as it goes on you’ll become used to it.

Nice view of Route 66

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It’s a good, not great guide. He skips a LOT of the Route. When he is talking about the trip, it’s very entertaining, we he is ranting about politics, it almost ruins it.

Good guide for Route 66

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This isnt so much about route 66 as it is of the authors agenda.
He constantly bashes religion and people he mets along the way (if
they don't have his beliefs). The author is supposed to be a comic
, but he isn't funny in the least.

Wish I could give zero stars

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Unfortunately, in afraid he will interpret "unbearably liberal" as a compliment if he ever reads this. It would be impossible to list all the ways this book disappoints so I'll limit it to only a few. First off, he constantly insults Christianity and really all religions. From literally making fun of Christian beliefs to going out of his way to describe Timothy McVeigh as a religious fanatic he constantly paints religious people as stupid, violent and useless. He goes so far as to be bewildered when he runs across someone he thought was intelligent, then discovered they attend church and trying to reconcile how that could be.
His politics rear their ugly head constantly. From saying we should spend government money on art not national defense to a long tangent on his great releasing wild wolves is (not one baby Elk or moose has survived in Yellowstone since their reintroduction) to countless other examples.
Further, he tells you multiple times not to visit the beautiful places he has been to because you will ruin them. Just watch his show, listen to his description and "leave it at that."
I am now less excited about my own 66 trip next year than ever before. Billy starts every description of a place or attracting by saying how great it was and then the remainder of the time he breaks that thing down, describing how dead and pitiful it is. He describes anything uniquely 66 as "tacky'." I thought it was odd a foreigner would describe the most American thing ever to us, how would be "get it?" Well... he certainly does not get it. He thinks he does (it seems he thinks he knows everything) but he does not.
He takes advantage of countless friendly, helpful people on his trip and then describes how pitiful they are or says not to go to their shop when you take the trip. If you're hoping it will be funny because he's a comedian you'll also be disappointed. In fact you will be sadder the longer you listen.
I am entirely disappointed in this book.

Unbearably Liberal. Billy will ruin 66 for you.

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