Behind the Wheel

Ah, road trips! Making new mixtapes with all your favorite songs, chosen specifically for the mood of your destination; packing the most portable, filling and tasty snacks; and finding interesting roadside attractions at which to stop along the way — yes, these were good times indeed. Do you think that Harry and Bess Truman made similar preparations before they headed out on their post-presidency, 2,500-mile road trip (cassette tapes aside, of course)? Journalist and author Matthew Algeo’s new book, Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, offers a look at what these two kids did (without the accompaniment of the Secret Service) after they left Independence, Missouri, for New York City on their nineteen-day drive. Algeo makes a couple of stops in St. Louis to talk about his book and his research process; have a listen at 3 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, at the Fenton Barnes & Noble (721 Gravois Road; 636-326-4619) and at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at Pudd’nhead Books (37 South Old Orchard Avenue, Webster Groves; 314-918-1069). All events are free.
Tue., May 12, 2009