It's Still Summer. Let's Talk Road Trip Books.

In this episode of The Book Review podcast, Gilbert Cruz, along with staff critics Dwight Garner, Alexandra Jacobs, and Jen Szalai, delve into the topic of great road trip books since Jack Kerouac's "On the Road." They discuss the elements that make a compelling road trip novel, including the flexibility of the form, the opportunity for character development, and the potential for unexpected encounters. The critics share personal anecdotes about road trips they've taken, memorable reading experiences, and favorite road trip snacks, while also highlighting specific books from their list, such as "Tramps Like Us," "Driving Mr. Albert," and "Gypsy," and lamenting the absence of others, like "Lolita."