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Ghost Riders

Travels with American Nomads
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( 853 ratings, 93 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ghost Riders by Richard Grant is a captivating travelogue that explores the lives of modern-day nomads in the American South. The author delves into their stories of freedom, rebellion, and the search for an authentic way of life, providing a thought-provoking journey through a lesser-known aspect of American culture.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy thrilling travel narratives steeped in history and culture. It's a fascinating journey through the landscapes and stories of the American South, blending adventure with insightful commentary.

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Ghost Riders

Ghost Riders combines history, travelogue and a personal narrative to create a multi-dimensional map of the travelling soul.

* Advertising campaign in The Telegraph, The Times and The Observer * Review round-ups across the national press * Submitted for trade promotions * Reading copies available * Entered for Thomas Cook and other travel prizes

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Ghost Riders by Richard Grant explores the captivating lives of modern-day nomads who traverse the American landscape, ever in search of freedom and a life unbound by the constraints of conventional society. Through masterful storytelling and profound insight, Grant delves into the stories of these wanderers—actors in a timeless human drama of adventure and survival.

From solitary drifters to collective communities, Grant's subjects represent a rich tapestry of characters. These include hoboes who ride the freight trains, seasonal workers who follow the harvests, and gypsies perpetually on the move. By putting flesh and bone to these often romanticized figures, Grant pulls back the curtain on the realities and hardships faced by these modern nomads. He chronicles their daily struggles, their reasons for abandoning a settled life, and their unwavering pursuit of freedom.

Grant goes beyond contemporary accounts to trace the historical lineage of these wanderers, drawing fascinating parallels with the nomadic horsemen of the American West. These "ghosts" serve as both literal and metaphorical ancestors to today's drifters, embodying a spirit of restlessness that seems to be an eternal human trait.

Driven by his own restless English soul, Grant embarks on a journey across the American expanse, meeting and living with the very people he writes about. His skill as a writer shines through in every page, revealing a keen eye for detail, and an empathetic understanding of the human condition. His prose captures not only the physical landscapes but also the emotional and psychological terrains of these itinerant lives. By weaving his own experiences into his narrative, Grant adds an intimate layer to this deeply human exploration.

According to the Daily Telegraph, "He is a first-class writer ...I enjoyed this book immensely." Sara Wheeler's praise highlights the engaging and finely crafted nature of Grant's work. Ghost Riders is much more than a travelogue; it is a profound meditation on what it means to find freedom in perpetual motion, challenging readers to empathise with lives lived on the fringes of society.

Whether you're an avid traveller, a history buff, or someone fascinated by human psychology, Ghost Riders offers a thought-provoking and enriching experience. It's a compelling, informative journey into the restless heart of America, making it a must-read for anyone who dares to dream of a life unfettered.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ghost Riders by Richard Grant has received praise for its intelligent and street-smart approach to travel writing. Reviews highlight Grant's ability to reappraise familiar landscapes with originality and enthusiasm. The book is noted for bringing attention to romantic wanderers who embody the American Dream, making it a fresh and insightful entrée to US history and culture.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349112688

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 December 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 320

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About the Author

Richard Grant has written extensively for the GUARDIAN, ESQUIRE, GQ, the OBSERVER etc.

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