Zephyr

Some railroad books serve as travelogues, describing the places and sights you’ll see as you glide past. Some are memoirs with fascinating stories told by the railroad crews, about the interesting people they’ve met during their journeys. And some railroad books capture the “romance of the rails,” helping you experience the lure of travel and the yearning for new horizons, so much you’ll swear you can feel the cars rocking back and forth.In Zephyr: Tracking a Dream Across America, author Henry Kisor manages to do all three.The “California Zephyr” is one of the most famous passenger trains in America, ranking up there with the “20th Century Limited,” the “Super Chief,” and the “City of New Orleans” for capturing the public’s attention and imagination. Kisor doesn’t waste much time telling you about the train’s famous history; instead, he starts at Chicago, with Amtrak, and tells you what you’ll see and experience for the entire journey to the San Francisco Bay area. Along the way, he shares stories with you from the crew that make the trip fascinating and delightful.Kisor is a retired newspaper writer, and has also written several other books, both fiction and nonfiction. Originally written in 1994, the book was updated in 2012 and 2015. The author uses the geography of the trip to help him tell the story, starting with the Midwest, heading for the Rockies, and finally the Pacific Coast. He brings a railfan’s perspective as he tells you about the locomotives and equipment, but also a storyteller’s gift as he relates the anecdotes the crew shares with him.You’ll hear from everyone on the train – from the chef in the diner, to the conductor in the coach, the sleeping car attendant, and the engineer – with tips for cooking on a moving train, whispered gossip about secret romantic interludes, medical emergencies, stories from the cab, and more. What emerges is the story of a trip that you can’t wait to make for yourself, and one you’re sorry to see end.Zephyr is not what I’d call a “quick” read; it took me a few dozen pages to get used to Kisor’s style of writing. But I’m glad I did, and I’d heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys trains, good stories, or meeting interesting people.

This book is a piece of living history like the Zephyr itself. This particular e-book edition has been updated with prologues and epilogues for 2015 which nicely bring a 1994 book into the present. I also like the newer photographs and that he dated all so you had an idea from which trip they came. My only issue reading this on the Kindle is that I know the photos must have otherwise been so much better.The author is an established writer and the book is very well written. In some chapters, his inner railfan begins to leak out and there's a little too much detail provided for a more mainstream train aficionado. I loved his description of the scenery-both what he saw with his own eyes and the pieces of history he shared as he passed the places and towns where they happened.Like many such books, the most fun parts were the people he met and, in some cases, shadowed. I liked the in depth profiles and found myself wishing I could meet Lela, Mike, Ray, Chris, etc. I love that the contemporary epilogue updated readers on these people.A solid read for people who enjoy train travel and a good look at the Amtrak of the late 20th century.Highball Number Five!

Mr. Kisor has written a very entertaining and informative book about one of favorite modes of transportation...the train.It was a page turner, and a delightful read. The only portion of the book I didn't care for was the section on his ideas for a plausible novel about a murder mystery set on a train. I quickly skipped over it after it started to bore me. When he sticks to his experience on the train, book is a winner.I plan on reading it again as I go from New York to New Orleans to Houston to L.A. To Seattle Wash to Chicago to Wash D.C. to New Jersey and home to Connecticut this summer. I've done many long distance train trips. Reading Mr. Kisor's book is the icing on the cake for any Railfan!Loved the personal crew stories and how much pride they have in doing their jobs. The young ones could learn a lot from the veterans. Yes, you not only see herds of cattle just before you get to Denver...you smell them way before that! Loved every minute of being on the Zephyr on my trip and reliving it on the pages of Mr. Kisor's book.

"Zephyr" is one of those special books that reaches across audiences. In this case, it speaks to travelers (actual and armchairO, to those fascinated by the diversity that is America, those who marvel at America's natural wonders, history buffs, railfans, and railroaders themselves. Each audience addressed with inviting prose that provides enough detail and insight without becoming technical.I have ridden the route of the Zephyr many times, from when it was the California Zephyr of the Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific railroads to the AMTRAK era (including its many incarnations under AMTRAK). I have my trip westward from Boston to Emeryville already planned for April 2017. Both memory and expectation are served by Mr. Kisor's account of the journeys I have known and the ones yet to be.I grew up in a railroad family, spent some time decades ago in railroad service as an Engineer, and now simply ride the rails as a passenger. All parts of me rode along on the literary journey .... and like many long journeys, when it came to an end I wanted to travel more with "Zephyr" and Mr. Kisor.Bon voyage.

I rode the Zephyr from Chicago to Reno last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, partly because I read Henry's book beforehand. I knew what to expect, where the good scenery was going to be and was able to better appreciate the hard work that the crew endures in order to make the trip a pleasant one. I was also privileged to meet Reggie Howard, had a nice conversation with him during a lull in his duties, and enjoyed the book even more after he autographed my copy. I enjoyed the trip so much that I am riding the Empire Builder from Chicago to Pasco in three weeks. Happy Rails!