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As Far As You Can Go Without a Passport: The View from the End of the Road - Com
Tom Bodett, humorist, radio star, and pitchman for Motel 6, lives and writes in Homer, Alaska, the little town in the blue Northwest where America stops, carwise. "If you got into your car in New York," he says, "and wanted to take a nice long drive, I mean the drive you could without turning around or running into a foreign language, this is where you'd wind up." It's a place of moose and salmon and spectacular sunsets, but, Bodett insists, it's also small-town America, a place not all that different from the Michigan town of his youth. That's why he's made it his it perfectly suits his contrary appetites for the extreme and the everyday, for the rigors of the outdoor life and the mundane joys of the family circle. Bodett's first collection of casual essays, contains pieces on everything from trapping, tree cutting, and halibut fishing, to soap operas, lost socks, and sleeping in. It's guaranteed to please both the renegade and the homebody in every reader.
Paperback
First published October 1, 1985
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About the author
Tom Bodett
37 books116 followers Tom Bodett is an American author, voice actor and radio host. He is also the current spokesman for the hotel chain Motel 6 and is famous for popularizing the phrase, "We'll leave the light on for you".
A native of Sturgis, Michigan, Bodett had previously provided commentary for National Public Radio's All Things Considered, and was a regular columnist for the webzine Mr. Showbiz. He also did the voiceover for "Mime Time" and the "Good Idea/Bad Idea" segments on Animaniacs.
As a broadcaster, Bodett hosted two radio programs. The End of the Road from 1988 to 1990 and Bodett & Company in 1993. He also hosted the public television program, Travels on America’s Historic Trails.
He is currently a regular contributor to The Bob Edwards Show on XMPR and a member of the stable of panelists on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, a National Public Radio news quiz show.
A former resident of Seattle, Washington and Homer, Alaska, he now lives in Vermont.
A native of Sturgis, Michigan, Bodett had previously provided commentary for National Public Radio's All Things Considered, and was a regular columnist for the webzine Mr. Showbiz. He also did the voiceover for "Mime Time" and the "Good Idea/Bad Idea" segments on Animaniacs.
As a broadcaster, Bodett hosted two radio programs. The End of the Road from 1988 to 1990 and Bodett & Company in 1993. He also hosted the public television program, Travels on America’s Historic Trails.
He is currently a regular contributor to The Bob Edwards Show on XMPR and a member of the stable of panelists on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, a National Public Radio news quiz show.
A former resident of Seattle, Washington and Homer, Alaska, he now lives in Vermont.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 11, 2009
this book was not all i had built it up to be in my head. i remember the thrilling moment when i realized tom bodett had lived in alaska--he answered a question on wait wait don't tell me about lance mackey by singing a line from an alaska-famous song by the illustrious hobo jim: "i did, i did, i did the iditarod trail!"
but i digress. i had long been looking forward to this book which promised to provide "the view from the end of the road"--namely, homer, AK. the cover has a wonderful illustration of the homer spit, where i spent some seriously wonderful times in my alaska days. but there was far too little good stuff about alaska in here--with a few exceptions, including a remarkably bitter comment on the way alaska is portrayed in movies to close the collection, and the following delightful description of halibut: "Their eyes are about halfway in between the two positions as if they've been caught at an embarrassing moment in their evolution."
this collection is a little outdated in both obvious and non-obvious ways. as for the obvious, i found it amusing that chewing tobacco was described as a bad habit because it would give you ulcers, and that bodett's defense of his trashy television viewing habits centered around soaps (today, it would likely be reality TV). less obviously, i think the format and substance of this book, essentially a collection of ~2 page observations of the "did you ever notice that...?" variety, is just sort of played out at this point. it's something that, since 1986, we've seen seinfeld do well, and chuck klosterman over-do. i finally realized--if bodett wrote this today, it wouldn't be a book, it'd be a blog. i read enough blogs.
i must say though--my enjoyment of this book was greatly heightened by reading it in my mind in bodett's lovely, lovely voice. in fact, i would have much preferred to experience these stories in their original radio format than on a printed page.
but i digress. i had long been looking forward to this book which promised to provide "the view from the end of the road"--namely, homer, AK. the cover has a wonderful illustration of the homer spit, where i spent some seriously wonderful times in my alaska days. but there was far too little good stuff about alaska in here--with a few exceptions, including a remarkably bitter comment on the way alaska is portrayed in movies to close the collection, and the following delightful description of halibut: "Their eyes are about halfway in between the two positions as if they've been caught at an embarrassing moment in their evolution."
this collection is a little outdated in both obvious and non-obvious ways. as for the obvious, i found it amusing that chewing tobacco was described as a bad habit because it would give you ulcers, and that bodett's defense of his trashy television viewing habits centered around soaps (today, it would likely be reality TV). less obviously, i think the format and substance of this book, essentially a collection of ~2 page observations of the "did you ever notice that...?" variety, is just sort of played out at this point. it's something that, since 1986, we've seen seinfeld do well, and chuck klosterman over-do. i finally realized--if bodett wrote this today, it wouldn't be a book, it'd be a blog. i read enough blogs.
i must say though--my enjoyment of this book was greatly heightened by reading it in my mind in bodett's lovely, lovely voice. in fact, i would have much preferred to experience these stories in their original radio format than on a printed page.
August 10, 2024
It was cute. Tom Bodett of Motel Six fame. The only place I know him from. Each essay was short and I had the book right by my place at the table and would read one a day. They are funny and I enjoyed his gentle humor. A toned down Dave Barry. More like NPR, yes, and I have read that he has a show on NPR. I did not know anything about Homer, Alaska, and my friend reliably informs me that it is a "cute town". Cute? In Alaska? I am intrigued. Also, I should say that the title reminded me of where I live: Downeast Maine, and "downeast" doesn't mean all of Maine, it means only the easternmost coast, north to New Brunswick. It is the back of beyond, it is a poor forgotten county, the last place you can buy land and homes fairly cheaply, that sit right upon the ocean. Not much is available here in the way of Walmarts or specialist doctors, but we do have a tiny McDonalds. It is the easternmost part of the country, and sees the sun rise first. You do need a passport to get into New Brunswick, or Campobello Island, which is connected to OUR county by a bridge and not to Canada.
January 7, 2018
50 States and At Least 50 Authors 2018 Reading Challenge. ALASKA.
Tom Bodett is from Sturgis, Michigan but has lived much of his adult life in Homer, Alaska which is on the Kenai Peninsula. This book is not so much about Alaska as it is about his sense of humor and his speech patterns. If you want to know more about Alaska, you will need to check other books. Tom is perhaps best known as the voice of the Motel 6 commercial "We'll leave the light on for you." He also appears frequently on the radio quiz show Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. He has had over the years a variety of jobs (common among Alaskans).
Tom Bodett is from Sturgis, Michigan but has lived much of his adult life in Homer, Alaska which is on the Kenai Peninsula. This book is not so much about Alaska as it is about his sense of humor and his speech patterns. If you want to know more about Alaska, you will need to check other books. Tom is perhaps best known as the voice of the Motel 6 commercial "We'll leave the light on for you." He also appears frequently on the radio quiz show Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. He has had over the years a variety of jobs (common among Alaskans).
August 26, 2022
3.5 stars Tom Bodett’s short stories are full of wisdom and humor. This was a nice easy read that put me in a good mood. He does a great job capturing small town life in Homer, Alaska.
A man named Lee who was on our flight home from Alaska told me to check out Tom Bodett on NPR. Lee is a dentist who lives in Paris, France but travels to the Arctic Circle 4 times a year to do pediatric dentistry. What an interesting person to chat with!
A man named Lee who was on our flight home from Alaska told me to check out Tom Bodett on NPR. Lee is a dentist who lives in Paris, France but travels to the Arctic Circle 4 times a year to do pediatric dentistry. What an interesting person to chat with!
August 31, 2018
Well, this book was not that entertaining but I only paid 50 cents for it at a book fair so I guess I got my money's worth. Extremely dated but it is 23 years old, what did I expect? If you still get a laugh about single socks disappearing from the washer then this is the book for you.
August 25, 2019
Loved this book! Read it while living in Homer, Alaska. Listened to it while moving back to WI. Short stories describing small town life and home. ‘Thirty Candles’ was significant to me, as I turned 30 in Homer.
March 11, 2023
Fun and charming, but definitely felt a bit like fluff at times. I thought the last chapter was excellent and actually had something to say. I would’ve enjoyed more of that over the “have you ever noticed” style of comedy that makes up most of the book. Still a very enjoyable read.
June 8, 2017
I remember liking this book but it's been so long - I really should re-read it before reviewing it.
August 12, 2017
A. nonfiction, Alaska, humor, Mom's stash, keep
January 30, 2018
The first in Mr. Bodett's publications, giving the reader glimpses of life in Homer Alaska, the true end of the road.
July 11, 2020
Quick segments packed with humor and wisdom
March 6, 2025
Bodett is a great storyteller and could just as easily be from small-town New England as small-town Alaska. I really liked the way the stories flowed. Reminded me of "A Prairie Home Companion."
September 29, 2011
Ok from the reading the author did not think he was funny. But he was! Lol, in a dry sense of the word he was very funny and a lot of it had me cracking up, especially the missing sock theory, lmbo, it’s a good theory. I too really want to know why no one is actively trying to figure out why socks disappear in washing machines and dryers. I’m also all for knowing the things going on in a person’s mind, anything to keep them from delving into mine and this was great for that because there will always be something weird and funny that may cross it. Tom’s story was short but in a good kind of complete short, the only thing that actually grated me was how he said he finally thought to help around the house once his wife got pregnant. He stays at home as he said and I would hope she does too if she’s doing all the housework. Oh, I thought it was crazy that he moved to the middle of nowhere in Alaska where it’s always freezing and the doors blow open randomly because of chilled winds. That was just crazy and he said that an accident or something drove his decision to move to the remote area, I just wish he would have told us more about that but it was still an interesting read. I mean who actually writes their most random thoughts down? I’m sure everyone can publish a book if they did such a thing but I’m glad he thought enough to do so and that a publisher thought it was good enough to publish because it was too funny! And Weird!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2020
In 1985 Tom Bodett, the voice of Motel 6 wrote an amusing book about his life in Alaska at the end of the road in Homer Alaska. It truly is the end of the road, just a parking lot and bar with no where to go but back. Bodett"s book is divided into 7 parts covering everything from his home to his working life to the great outdoors. Each part is divided into short (2 or 3 page) stories. I loved the book and much like Dave Berry and Rick Bragg you learn a lot in a few pages. Most enjoyable!
January 9, 2008
This was a well written compilation of essays about rural smalltown life. I found it amusing and often wise.
April 24, 2008
Subtle humor just rocks.
November 2, 2010
had to have something to read on the flight home from Anchorage and this seemed appropriate - love Tom Bodett's humor and stories about his neighbors in Alaska...
December 12, 2009
A good natured and quick read about life (and marriage) in Alaska. And yes, he'll leave the light on.
March 9, 2010
Probably a re-read, but I don't remember it. A one-year-old visitor pulled it off the shelf, and seemed captivated. A good recommendation. Easy reading, but with some depth.
July 2, 2017
Alaska!
November 3, 2013
Very cute and somewhat witty. Easy to read. I read in one sitting.
December 3, 2014
See my review of The End of the Road for my thoughts on Bodett and his world.
More stories about the wonderful people who people the town of The End of the Road, Alaska.
More stories about the wonderful people who people the town of The End of the Road, Alaska.
June 26, 2016
Fun short stories perfect just a little bit of reading right before bed. Or next to a pool.
May 27, 2016
The only thing better than reading Tom Bodett's stories is listening to them. They are warm, funny stories with a lot of heart. I thoroughly enjoyed them the first time round...and again.
April 3, 2013
Classic Tom Bodett folksy humor from his early Alaska public radio days. Definitely enjoyed it.
April 17, 2012
A little repetitive, but generally quirky, off beat and quite humourous.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews