From Illinois to California, the Ghost Towns of Route 66 span the entire left half of the United States.
With plenty of pictures, this book emphasizes the chutzpah of the past facing the modernization of the future. Realistically, how would the country move all the trucks of food and other commodities we currently have over the two-lane Route 66?
Even so, it is heartbreaking to see entire towns just die from disuse. At least in California, the old route is frequently repaved. However, it is rare to see more than a few tourists and motorcyclists on its abandoned sections.
The Ghost Towns of Route 66 does a great job depicting the sadness at the heart of the route 66 story. However, I would have enjoyed a larger look at why politicians decided to build their freeways apart, rather than on, route 66. 4 stars!
Thanks to Voyager Press, Quarto Books, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.