18 in America: A Young Golfer's Epic Journey to Find the Essence of the Game

So...I am an avid golfer, and my fave book is Blue Highways...one of the best books written about solo treks across America by a vehicle-sleeping wanderlust-er male in search of or escaping from " something". It's a classic and has been re-printed literally hundreds of times.I heard Dylan being interviewed on NPR and immediately bought the book. Know upfront that the only photos in the book is the one of Dylan on the cover, so if you are looking for photos of some of the amazing courses he played, or scenery he encountered, or even of his trusty Subaru " Subi" , you wont find them in here. Not really an issue, just more of a miss.What will amaze you is 17 year old Dylan's writing ability. His turn of phrase and some of his analogies just don't seem to align with how a 17 year old thinks or writes...even those for whom writing is a passion, even those who possess a talent for it. My point is that only 1/3 of the way through the book, I began seriously questioning whether this had been ghost written or just heavily wordsmithed by someone significantly older with vastly more writing experience. I couldn't get the thought out of my head and started to get really turned off. If you read the book, you will quickly understand what I mean.I was also disappointed by his strategy of sneaking into complimentary buffet or continental breakfasts meant for actual guests and lying to a park ranger about paying the camping fee. I point these out because some of the reader reviews call him a role model. Role model?? Not so much, in my opinion. He could have chosen to take on odd jobs here and there for fast cash money ( as the author of Blue Highways did) rather than steal or mooch or lie.He takes advantage of the kindness and generosity of strangers and /or friends of friends or family from state to state whenever possible. But rather than do chores or small bits of work to thank them for their food, bed, and hospitality, he just comes off as sounding entitled and smug, in some instances.If you look below the surface , you wont find a lot of substance here. Dylan doesn't seem to really learn anything about himself. I like what another reviewer wrote: don't spend money buying this book. Get it from the library for free .

I was given this book as a gift and had no idea what the story was really about. But what a fantastic read!! This young man does something that the rest of us only dream about. It is truly a page turner, and what the story is about, it’s hard to put down. It’s definitely a book to read while on vacation, or mornings during coffee. I gave copies to my golf buddies who loved it as well. It’s a great story and a great read.

Although I was expecting a self-absorbed, pedantic, clumsily written account of a well-heeled, sheltered young kid's golf-focused road trip, I was surprised and delighted to find instead an engaging, closely observed travelogue by an increasingly self-aware and thoughtful young man. Somewhat awkward both in style and substance at the outset, both the author and the book grow in awareness, insight and maturity along the way. He gains perspective on himself, other people, golf and life itself. While not an avid golfer myself, I was able to follow and enjoy that part of the story, though it is certainly not necessary to understand terminology to gain a sense of what this quirky kid is seeking. Though he sets out to play at least one game of golf in each continental U.S. state, the objective he achieves is much more far-reaching and I suspect there will be many adults readers who will be jealous of both his adventures and his freedom. I salute the young Huck Finn of the golfing world, now a budding writer at Williams College. I hope he continues to explore and describe what he encounters in the world.

Dylan does a wonderful job creating a window into his trip around the country, the people he meets and the rounds he played. Just don't expect a course by course or shot by shot description of his rounds. This isn't an accounting, it's a story full of characters, tastes, smells and Dylan's spiritual growth. Despite one player's accusation that he was collecting name courses to brag about, he shows the reader a glimpse into the soul of golf in America. Thanks.

Funny, engaging, charming and thoughtful tale of the author's journey around the country, playing golf in each state but mostly learning lessons about life and people that are well beyond the game of golf. Well done and an excellent read!

I have worked with teens as a pastor, teacher and coach for thirty years and I have always encouraged my students to dare to dream because dreams do come true. So many of or youth are bored and lack a sense of adventure but this story is different. It took courage for Dylan Dethier to choose to go against the norm by taking a year off before going to college to feed his passion for golf by playing at least one round of golf in each of the "lower 48" states. He lets the reader ride along with him through each round and experience. I enjoyed this book very much and I must say that I was quite envious of Dylan as he lived out something that I have been dreaming about for years. I finished Dylan's story in two days and when I finished this book I took out my road atlas and started planning out my own golf adventure. It does not matter if you are a golfer or not, I encourage you to read this book and learn to dream again.Thank you Dylan for sharing this amazing story.

I dream't myself of playing golf in every states of the US. Dylan Dethier went out and did it ! A great read, lot of fun and some drama too. I jsut couldn't put it down. A great story and a great adventure that is also inspiring on many different levels