For a better future, study the past.
For a better future, study the past.
Thank you for your interest in my book review of The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana written by “The Retrologist” Rolando Pujol.
Pujol, Rolando. The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana. New York: Hachette Book Group. 2025. 320 pages. Index, color photos. ISBN 9781648293719. $35.00.
In the tradition of John Margolies, those of us with an interest in the American standard, the road trip, are in luck with an amazing new volume from Rolando Pujol.
Rolando Pujol, who is the creator of The Retrologist, a free or subscription based Substack page, and also an Instagram page, with almost 100,000 followers, has provided us with an incredible hardcover book showcasing the best that the American road has to offer.
One thing that Pujol stresses, and those of us interested in the subject have no doubt witnessed with our own eyes, is the fleeting nature these of signs, monuments, restaurants, and attractions. In Pujol’s words, “You’ll find that great Roadside stops are everywhere when you begin to look for them, but we take them for granted at our own risk. As I worked on this book, almost weekly came heartbreaking news of the closure of some place I had visited not long ago, or of the loss of a classic sign.” (Introduction)
Divided geographically, the book allows readers to flip to any page and find something that will be of interest. The book does not need to be ready or viewed in any particular order. Geographic chapters include New England, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, South Central, Midwest, Heartland, Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, California, and the Desert Southwest. A convenient map allows readers to determine which zone their favorite state might fall into, particularly if it might be a boarder state. The index provides an easy reference if you are seeking out something in particular.
Within each chapter Pujol provides several subtopics for consideration. There is accompanying text to help acquaint readers with each image. It’s an easy read and is a welcome addition, particularly for those locations a reader is unfamiliar with. The subsections include Roadside Quirks, Roadside Eats, Mainstays of Main Street, the Inn Crowd, Sweet Stops, and Cheers. Each chapter closes with “Sensational Signs.” These are some of the most truly iconic signs and locations in each geographic area. Go find them on your journeys.
Part of the beauty of a collection such as this is there’s something for everyone. You will meet old roadside friends. You will rekindle relationships with signs you might have forgotten. You’ll make new, lifelong acquaintances, and find new places to visit. Finally, as happens in life, you’ll suffer pains of loss, when you find a sign that is now a memory.
A book like this is truly special for those who crave the nostalgia of days past, enjoy what might be called a “retro” look or vibe, or just enjoy the feel of the open road. The depth of locations provided is staggering and folks from the entire country, well, OK, except Hawaii and Alaska, are going to find things to enjoy. These fragile reminders of our past can make for a day of family fun or just provide enjoyment while sitting with your favorite beverage.
My only small issue would be that the photos can seem a bit small. This is a tradeoff however because there are so many listings. There’s no way to have made them larger within the confines of space and price. For the variety we get, I can easily accept this trade.
Highly recommended!
Take a trip back in time to visit the Lost Attractions of Florida with author Jim Clark. Click the link to read my review of this fun review of days gone by or click the image to order your copy.
Do you remember seeing billboards for South of the Border on your road trip? If so, Your Sheep are All Counted is an absolute must read. Read my review by clicking the link.
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