“Miles to Go” - a book review and interview with Brennen Matthews
African Family’s Search of America on Route 66
Another road trip book? Yes, but wait – there is a big twist – the reader gets fresh perspectives on American culture in addition to learning about numerous attractions and meeting a variety of people along 2,448 miles of Route 66. Brennen and Kate Matthews, along their eight-year-old son, Thembi, can’t help but compare and contrast recent life in Kenya (until 2015) against middle and western America, providing insightful comments during their first ever road trip in America in 2016. You’ll want to ride along.
For instance, during a stop at the Dixie Travel Plaza in McLean, Illinois, we are told, “In America…truckers are given a level of respect that is miles apart of their African counterparts. There are no country songs about African truckers, even though they are the backbone of many African economies.” The book is peppered with comparisons or observations about politics, religion, diversity of the land and towns, race, and other topics.
Starting in Wilmington, Illinois, and driving to Santa Monica, California, the Matthews tell us about a myriad of tourist attractions like vehicles buried nose down in the ground (VW Rabbits in Illinois and Cadillacs in Texas) and the world’s tallest thermometer in California. They share first-hand, often humorous descriptions of the many museums, hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and diverse landscapes they see.
Interesting stories from people they meet along the way, from entrepreneurs, truckers, other tourists, and more keep the reader engaged.
The Matthews’ wonder of and appreciation for America and Americans shines through. In Illinois, Brennen wrote, “…we personally have always viewed America as a land of opportunity and, genuinely, a beacon of tolerance, where we all can find a place to fit in. Kate and I love America and its unique character.” As a mixed-race family from another country, their experience on Route 66 adds a new perspective to the journey.
Miles to Go is enjoyable - an easy read for one’s trip on Route 66. Through one family’s voyage of discovery, readers understand why the route continues to be an experience for all.
Interview with Brennen Matthews
Richard Stephens, Jr.: What is your impression of our state’s Route 66 portion of America?
Brennen Matthews: It's by far one of my favorites. All of the states have their individual strengths. For me, Oklahoma is really the land of roadside attractions: from the Totem Pole Park to the Blue Whale, to two of the best museums on the route, to the Dairy King in Commerce and the Round Barn and POPS in Arcadia. There is just so much to see and do from the roadside in Oklahoma, and I think that really sets the state apart. I would also note that the people in Oklahoma are incredibly friendly and gregarious. They are so welcoming.
And we work closely with the state's Lieutenant Governor, Matt Pinnell, and we work so closely with Oklahoma Tourism [and Recreation Department] and their team. These are people who have a real understanding of the tourism opportunities that Oklahoma 66 offers. This is a state that gets it. It loves its tourism. It loves its tourists. It loves its Route 66. It loves its history. It loves its Native American culture. From the people to the representatives, Oklahoma gets it, and we just love that.
Stephens: What was the most troubling thing that you encountered about America and the most enjoyable thing?
Matthews: We were surprised by the level of certain things, like how many transients, let's say, were in downtown areas of the bigger cities. I remember we were at the pier, the Santa Monica pier, and we had to literally step over people sleeping on the sidewalk, and there were police all around. But the police didn't seem to bat an eye lash, you know, that we had to step over another human being who was asleep, blocking the sidewalk. It was a bit of a shock for us to have to do that.
But in general, Americans are the most wonderful, friendly, gregarious people. One of the big questions that we were asked by many people… they were very interested to talk about racism, and many made assumptions that we had faced a lot of racism as a mixed-race family traveling in the country. They were almost surprised that we experienced no slurs, no bad treatment, no stares, no negativity towards us as individuals or as a couple or a family, in any way. If anything, were experienced the exact opposite, we were welcomed and people were so kind, so sweet and gregarious.
Stephens: People have challenges, roads have challenges. What are some of Route 66’s challenges?
Matthews: I think that you are seeing an awakening in certain towns and states that recognize the potential in protecting and preserving their stretch of Route 66. I think though, that there are other towns and destinations that haven't yet come to the party and aren't really investing the time and the money needed to actually make sure that their Route 66 treasures and stretch are protected and marketed to really draw travelers and tourism to their towns.
And yet on the flip side, you have people like Mary Beth Babcock down in Tulsa, opening up Buck Atom’s and bringing not only a new muffler man, but a whole assortment of quirky items. Her shop has become a brand-new must-visit destination along the road. Louie Keen over in Uranus, Missouri, has continually revitalized his fun stop, Uranus Fudge Factory, and even brought the old highway a new Muffler Man. We have a lot of hardworking, creative individuals who are really leading the way. And there is room for the other stakeholders to follow.
Stephens: What else would you like to say about the book or why should people want to read it?
Matthews: We need a lot more stories that take people on journeys and that's the beauty of a travelogue or a non-fiction travel book. Miles to Go is the story of a family who came over from Africa and set out to discover America - American culture, American history, American people, American roadside destinations – while at the same time, trying to figure out what their own future holds. And that's an unusual story. There are not many books about families, mixed-race families, especially from Africa, traveling Route 66. In fact, I would argue that we are in desperate need of many more US-focused travelogues. Bill Bryson’s Lost Continent, William Least Heat-Moon’s Blue Highways… there are too few of these beautiful, telling travel stories. Miles to Go speaks in the same fascinated, awe-struck, but honest voice. We need more celebration of real America.
What I think is most interesting is that the book is filled with a hundred hilarious observations, interactions, and over-the-top characters that all perfectly represent Route 66 and wider America. It also weaves in a ton of great stories and pieces of history that deserve to be told. And we were privileged to be able to take that journey and to interact with all of these people and places and history along the way.
