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The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America

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The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America

(50 customer reviews)

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9781595551801

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Description

Ride with a father and his son on an amazing journey through America's past.

In the summer of 1939, with the nation balanced between the Great Depression and the gathering winds of war, young Jack Newkirk set off on a rickety Harley to see both the New York and San Francisco World's Fairs. He had no way of knowing it was to e the autumn of his youth, and that his entire generation would soon be thrust into the most devastating conflict in history.

Seven decades later, author John J. Newkirk retraces this epic ride with his father, Jack, in a silent hope the old soldier will still be proud of the America he fought for. Each mile brings discovery as the author learns of his namesake, the heroic Squadron Leader of the legendar Flying Tigers, and of his father's life on the road and in the jungles of the South Pacific during World War II.

The result is quintessential Americana, a sweeping portrait of the grit, guts, ingenuity, and sacrifice that defined a nation, and a timely lesson from the Greatest Generation on how we can overcome our most pressing challenges and reclaim the American Dream.

Product Details

Author:	John J. Newkirk
Hardcover:	400 pages
Publisher:	Thomas Nelson
Publication Date:	September 02, 2008
Language:	English
ISBN:	1595551808
Product Length:	9.1 inches
Product Width:	6.3 inches
Product Height:	1.3 inches
Product Weight:	1.4 pounds
Package Length:	9.1 inches
Package Width:	6.3 inches
Package Height:	1.5 inches
Package Weight:	1.4 pounds
Average Customer Rating:	based on 50 reviews

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: 4.5

( 50 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 found the following review helpful:

So Much More Dec 11, 2008 By M. Zimmerman
I knew a little bit about this book before it was published, so I was eagerly anticipating its release. I knew it was going to be about the "Old Man's" 1939 cross-country ride. I knew it was going to be about the author's 2005 retracing of that ride. But I didn't expect it to be about so much more. I didn't expect to learn so much about the Scarsdale Jack and the Flying Tigers. I didn't expect to learn so much about the music of the time. I didn't expect it to be so much about America - an America that feels so different from today. Simply put, this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. As I read Section One, I found myself feeling jealous in two distinct ways: jealous of the Old Man for having the opportunity (not the mention the resourcefulness and fortitude) to make such a ride in 1939; and jealous of the author for having the opportunity to document this amazing story. He clearly did quite a bit of research to be able to tell it with such vivid detail, and is obviously proud (with good reason) of his family. It is a tale told with warmth, humor, zest, respect, and a profound sense of appreciation for the sacrifices made by an earlier generation. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Harleys, adventure, history, or America. Or, like me, all of the above.

16 of 16 found the following review helpful:

It's more than an old man and a Harley... Nov 19, 2008 By Graf
... It's a portrait of America - then and now. It is an inspiring and adventurous story that reveals a colorful look into America's cultural history from a few unique points of view. It makes the reader reflect on what it means to be an American and asks us what we can all do to keep helping our nation or even just "the next man down the road". The book reads like a motorcycle; it flows comfortably, it's entertaining, it's spiritual, it's timeless, and it's traditional.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

A true adventure of a life time Nov 15, 2008 By Tim
This is one of those books I wished I had had while going through High School history class. As I read each page I would wonder what's down the road for Jack and the Raspberry? I couldn't imagine doing a trip like this now a days. Jack was alone on a cross country trip on a motorcycle that needs to be fixed or repaired daily with little more than about $100, a change of clothes, and a bed roll and only 18. Makes me feel like a wimp as I ride across this country from hotel to hotel on my cushy ride behind a fairing. A great look back into a bygone era. A great look into "the greatest generation" that help build this nation. This is a great ride, a great book.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

A must read for all who love the USA, motorcycles, our military, and history Aug 27, 2009 By Eli P. "Big E"
Normally, I would rather sit down with a motorcycle magazine than take days to read a "real book." My wife (the reader)was surprised that I was hooked by this book and read it every chance I got. The author included everything that is great about America: family, motorcycles, travelling, our military, and our nation's history. I highly recommended it to my fellow Patriot Guard Riders ([...]), a group of patriots who honor our military, police, and firefighters, usually by riding our motorcycles (or cars) to PGR events. After I finished the book, I had to go for a ride on my '05 Electra Glide, thinking what it must have been like to travel cross country on the "Raspberry" in 1939.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

I recommend this journey Aug 05, 2009 By Paul J Adamson
I thought I would be reading about the adventures of a fellow rider. What I got was a lesson in history, values, and perception. And there was plenty of adventure too. Wow, what an awesome read!

See all 50 customer reviews on Amazon.com