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  • Billy Connolly's Route 66

  • The Big Yin on the Ultimate American Road Trip
  • By: Billy Connolly
  • Narrated by: James McPherson
  • Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (111 ratings)
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Billy Connolly's Route 66 cover art

Billy Connolly's Route 66

By: Billy Connolly
Narrated by: James McPherson
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Summary

The best-loved comedian in Britain hits the most famous highway in the world on an unforgettable journey.

Billy Connolly, music-lover, biker, and scourge of the beige and bland the world over, has dreamed about taking a trip on the legendary Route 66 since he first heard Chuck Berry belting out one of the greatest rock 'n' roll records of all time. And now he's finally had the chance to do it, heading out on his custom-made trike in search of the real America that can still be found beyond the nation's freeways. Travelling every one of its 2,278 miles from the skyscrapers of Chicago to Santa Monica Pier in California, Billy's journey takes him past many of the essential icons of the United States: the Gateway Arch in St Louis, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and the funky neon-lit gas stations and diners that once lined the route. But it also gives him the chance to get to know the people who call it home, from Mervin the Amish carpenter, to fellow banjo enthusiast and obsessive instrument collector Rob, to Angel, one of the many people determined to keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. Funny, touching and inspiring in equal measure, the tales he gathers on the way tell the story of modern America. And they might inspire a few people to get on their bikes as well.

With his unrivalled instinct for a good story, and the gregariousness that has made him our most engaging national treasure, Billy Connolly is the ultimate guide to the ultimate road trip.

©2011 Billy Connolly (P)2011 Hachette Digital

What listeners say about Billy Connolly's Route 66

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

The book will be better...........................

The main problem I found with this title was the decision to use someone else instead of Billy to narrate. Often this ploy works fine (Bill Nighy doing an outstanding job on Eric Clapton's biog as an example). But Billy Connolly's unique style and presentation make him impossible to replace, and I'm afraid James McPherson really is not up to the job. Okay, he at least doesn't try to impersonate Mr Connolly, but his delivery is very flat, not a hint of the energy and boyish excitement you get from the man himself.

And why oh why did McPherson attempt an American accent whenever he's speaking on behalf of the people Billy meets on his travels? Not only is his accent awful but he also uses the same one for every character!

A shame really, as I'm sure if Billy had done the job himself the end result would've been much better.

I guess I'll wait for the DVD

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

would be better if it was read by Billy himself

would be better if it was read by Billy himself. as he is so engaging.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

great book

I loved this book, the only criticism is Billy didn't read it, I must not have seen who narrated it when I brought it. At least James is a Scot ....and does a passable impression of an American!!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Slow Book?

Might be me but I just couldn't get into this book. I listened for some 3+ hours in case but eventually I just had to turn it off.
Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed Billy's books in the past, and his biography is totally wonderful!

This one didn't do it for me,,, but that's only my view.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Easy to listen to book about Billy's travels

This is a great book for listening to in the car - it is pretty mindless and funny. It did make me want to go travelling in America! I didn't really enjoy the reader's voice but the book is easy to listen to and typical Billy :)

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Travel companion

We travelled route 66 East to West and listened to the audiobook as we went along. We planned our daily sorties from the interstates according to Billy's recommendations and he did not disappoint. Great experience. Thanks for the ride, Billy.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I have such respect for Billy Connolly, he has such common sense in an unpretentious way, his humour is superb. All in all I think he is such a lovely man.

James McPherson reads this very well, initially I thought ' it won't be the same in someone else's voice', but I soon forgot it wasn't the author. His inflections and phrasing are brilliant.

I really enjoyed this book

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant story well told

compelling listening with good narration. Billy told some fantastic anicdotes and included some great characters he met along the way and some illuminating stories.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good listen.

This is a good listen and a good accompiment to the TV show. Really enjoyed listening to this.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The characters.

Once again Billy gives wonderful descriptions of the characters he meets on his journey. He tells of the numerous and varied folk he meets. This is a lovely book from people who are interested in others.
Although the reading was excellent I still wish that Billy had read the book himself. I love his voice.

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