Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Neil King Jr. rambled 330 miles, has canoed in all 7 bodies of water in Central Park and wants you to read “American Ramble”. Let’s take a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Welcome Neil:
We’re joined on the Starline by a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. Former national political reporter and editor for the Wall Street Journal as well as founder and editor of Gotham Canoe. His Forrest Gump walk through cemeteries, battlefields, trash and farms turned into “American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal”. We welcome Neil King Jr.
Neil, let’s go Beyond the Mic. After a bout with cancer and the pandemic started you on a 330 mile walk. Why did this itch have to be scratched?
You didn’t take a straight shot, you rambled, why?
“When you set foot into the world, you want to be received for who you are.” What do you want from “American Ramble”?
How has this trip tackled the way you look at life, especially after cancer ravaged your family and the memories you want to leave for the future?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. How many shoes did you go through on this trip?
2. Before this trip, where was the longest walk you took?
3. What emotions went through your mind when you held the 1st copy of your book?
4. Favorite place to canoe?
5. Last book you read? (not your own)
6. Best tennis player in your mind (excluding the last 20 years)?
7. Favorite piece of art at the National Gallery?
8. What percentage of the Smithsonian Museum have you explored?
One Big Question:
How did your perspective on this country and your own life changed from this trip?
Where can people find you online?
The Wrap:
26 days, 330 miles and he did it on 1 pair of shoes. He wants you to go canoe and read his book “American Ramble”. Author Neil King Junior, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Check out Neil at his website here.
Check out other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.
Neil on his memoir :
“I couldn’t be prouder of American Ramble as a book that revives a faded tradition In American travel writing that weaves travelogue with memoir and history and, yes, even some philosophy. It is a quiet, very personal book, but at the same time wide open and welcoming to any reader. It says: ‘Come on a long walk with me. Let’s talk.'”
