Review of Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip by Matthew Algeo
From the moment I stumbled upon the title Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure, I couldn’t help but smile. The idea of a former president embarking on a classic American road trip, without the shroud of formality or security, seemed like a delightful breath of fresh air. Matthew Algeo’s lively account takes us back to June 19, 1953, where Harry and Bess Truman blend nostalgia with spontaneity, inviting us to join them on a journey that’s not just about miles traveled, but also about a poignant time in American history.
The book captures Truman’s extraordinary, yet refreshingly ordinary, escape from the White House. With no Secret Service following, the Trumans packed their Chrysler New Yorker and hit the roads, looking to reconnect with old friends and celebrate their wedding anniversary in New York City. What unfolds is a delightful mix of humor, history, and intimate moments, showcasing Truman’s candidness and the couple’s charm as they navigate a country still reeling from the postwar period. Algeo brilliantly intertwines personal anecdotes and broader historical contexts, shedding light on McCarthyism, the changing American roadways, and the vibrancy of life in the early ’50s.
What struck me most was how Algeo’s writing style exuded warmth and accessibility, mirroring Truman’s character itself. Descriptive yet breezy, his prose painted powerful images of diners and motels that punctuated the Trumans’ journey. As I read, I could almost hear the laughter shared over meals and the quiet moments spent in the car. The pacing was engaging; I found myself laughing out loud at some of Truman’s misadventures, such as encounters with overly excited fans and a particularly memorable interaction with a Pennsylvania state trooper.
One particularly resonant highlight was an anecdote shared by the author: Truman’s desire to be treated as just “Harry,” rather than the former president. This simple wish underscores an essential theme of the narrative: the yearning for normalcy. In a world where politics can feel so distant and grand, the Trumans’ tenacity to embrace the mundane was a refreshing reminder of the human experience we all share.
While some reviewers noted moments that felt a bit slow, I found such interludes enriching. They allowed for reflection on the broader narrative of America—a country grappling with its identity in the face of change, much like Truman himself.
In conclusion, Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure is more than a quirky road trip story; it’s a heartfelt reminiscence that paints a portrait of America through the lens of one of its most relatable leaders. For anyone interested in history, American culture, or simply the joys of travel, this book offers a delightful escape. It reminded me that there’s beauty in journeys—both the physical and the emotional. Readers seeking a blend of nostalgia, humor, and insightful reflections on a pivotal time in American history will find themselves thoroughly engaged. I certainly did, and I’ll happily be revisiting Truman’s adventures again.