Mike Walsh (2)

An enjoyable and amusing book about the author's road trip to bowl in all 50 states, inspired by his recently-deceased father's goal to play handball in all 50 states. Written in a very funny, conversational style, we tag along on visits to bowling alleys ranging from a classy Manhattan one with a $20 cover charge and a bouncer, to dark, smoky dumps in seedy neighborhoods. At each alley, we are introduced to the characters who work there, and the colorful patrons Walsh engages in show more conversation. En route, he stays with just about any acquaintance who can provide him with a bed (or floor) for the night, from former bosses and classmates to friends of friends. His hosts for the night can be as quirky as the bowlers he meets, and plenty of partying and beer consumption occur. Walsh quit his job as an advertising executive to take this trip and write about it, and I hope that he has found a new calling as an author--it would be a shame not to read more from him. show less

It took a month to read this, not because it wasn't good, but because I had to set it down due to life. A fun, light and quick read despite the circumstances of Walsh's trip.
I'd love to visit all 50 states - let alone have something to do in each of those states. It was great to see how Walsh changed, or rather how he didn't throughout his trip. Some of his first bowling alleys could well have been his last and vice versa. Bowling in Alaska and Hawaii in the same day reminded me of my trip show more to Hawaii where I arrived before I left - vagaries of travel indeed. show less