The First Time I Rode a Freight Train & Other Hitchhiking Stories by Tim Shey is a collection of short stories published in January 2012 by America Star Books. The book draws from Shey’s extensive experiences hitchhiking across the United States, a journey spanning over two decades, with a particular focus on his travels between 1980 and the early 2000s. A self-described Christian guided by the Holy Spirit, Shey recounts his adventures, including his rare freight-hopping experiences—having ridden only two trains, one in 1980 and another in 1983—alongside a multitude of hitchhiking tales. The 178-page paperback compiles 66 chapters, many of which originated as posts on Digihitch.com between 2009 and 2011, offering a raw, episodic glimpse into his nomadic life.
The stories capture moments of serendipity, hardship, and human connection, often set against the backdrop of America’s vast landscapes. For example, in "Marty the Stonemason," Shey describes being picked up by the same driver three years apart, first near Dillon, Montana, and later outside Jackson, Wyoming, highlighting the unexpected threads that tie his travels together. Another tale recounts his first freight train ride from Fremont, Nebraska, to Chapman near Grand Island in 1980, followed by sleeping in a pickup cab and hitching onward to Ames, Iowa. The narratives are straightforward, prioritizing personal reflection and spiritual undertones over elaborate description, with recurring themes of faith, simplicity, and divine providence.
Readers’ reactions, gleaned from online reviews, are mixed but reveal the book’s niche appeal. Some appreciate its unpolished authenticity and Shey’s gentle, faith-driven perspective, with one reviewer noting, "Both books are easy to read, amusing in parts but have an inspirational message of good will" (Amazon.ca, 2012). Others find it lacking depth, describing it as a "tedious log" of travels without broader insight into the places or people encountered. Shey’s minimalist style—short chapters, often just a page or two—suits those who enjoy concise, vignette-like storytelling but may frustrate readers seeking a more cohesive narrative.
Shey, born in 1960 in Iowa and holding a BA in English Literature from Iowa State University (1995), frames his hitchhiking as a calling, distinct from mere wanderlust. This book, alongside his earlier High Plains Drifter (2008), appeals to those intrigued by unconventional lifestyles, Christian memoirs, or the fading subculture of American road travel. While not a literary heavyweight, it offers an earnest, personal chronicle of a life lived on the margins, trusting in faith and the kindness of strangers.
The First Time I Rode a Freight Train & other hitchhiking stories
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Grok Review of Writings from the Road
Writings from the Road is a book by Tim Shey, published by America Star Books on December 8, 2016. It is a collection that reflects Shey's experiences as a long-time hitchhiker across the United States. The book includes a variety of content such as hitchhiking stories, commentaries on Scripture, a couple of poems, and descriptions of dreams Shey attributes to divine inspiration. Shey, born in 1960 in Iowa and a graduate of Iowa State University with a BA in English Literature (1995), identifies as a Christian and has spent much of his life—over 23 years—traveling the country by thumb. This work complements his other self-published books, such as High Plains Drifter: A Hitchhiking Journey Across America and The First Time I Rode a Freight Train & Other Hitchhiking Stories, showcasing his unique perspective shaped by faith and a nomadic lifestyle. The paperback edition has the ISBN-13: 978-1635084078 and dimensions of 14 x 0.79 x 21.6 cm. It’s a personal narrative blending adventure, spirituality, and reflections from the road.
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