Billy Connolly's Route 66

The Big Yin on the Ultimate American Road Trip

By: Billy Connolly

Narrated by: James McPherson

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

Rediscovering America.

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.

Great Story (too bad political comments pervade)

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.

A well performed, good story + some nonsense

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.

Always a delight

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

I couldn't have loved it more...

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.