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Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America by John Egenes

Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America is a remarkable memoir that chronicles John Egenes’ incredible 4,000-mile solo journey across the United States in 1974—on horseback. At a time when the country was grappling with post-Vietnam disillusionment and cultural upheaval, Egenes set out on an adventure that was as much about self-discovery as it was about traversing the vast American landscape. With only his horse, Gizmo, for company, Egenes rode from ocean to ocean-- Pacific to Atlantic-- encountering everything from harsh deserts and rugged mountains to small-town kindness and unexpected dangers. His writing is vivid and introspective, blending the physical challenges of the ride—extreme weather, logistical hurdles, and the sheer endurance required—with deeper reflections on solitude, freedom, and the vanishing frontier spirit. What makes Man & Horse stand out is its raw honesty. Egenes doesn’t romanticize the journey; instead, he shares the loneliness, doubt, and occasional despair that accompanied the triumphs. His bond with Gizmo is heartwarming, a testament to the unspoken understanding between human and animal. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters who offer help, wisdom, or simply a listening ear, painting a portrait of an America that was both rugged and generous. Egenes’ prose is engaging, often lyrical, capturing the beauty of the land and the quiet moments of revelation that come with such an odyssey. The book is more than just a travelogue; it’s a meditation on perseverance, the American spirit, and what it means to truly connect with the world around you.

The Marfa Blues - searching for treasure by John Egenes

Vera DeSoto runs a cafe in Marfa, Texas in 1968. The cowboys and truckers who come in fantasize and hope for a chance with her, but she enjoys her solitary life and isn’t ready to settle down with anyone. Somehow, Vera seems to collect strays—lost and wayward people looking for second chances. A 14-year-old girl, two hippie boys, and a scared young artist manage to find their way into her life and suddenly, Vera is joining them in a search for buried treasure in the badlands of the rugged desert of Southwest Texas. Egenes gives us a mismatched group of characters that helps explore themes of found family, redemption, and the varying interpretations of "treasure"—is it gold, or human connection? The dusty, mystical backdrop of 1968 West Texas—with its iconic Marfa Lights—adds a magical, almost surreal quality to the narrative. In a playful yet poignant tone, the author takes us from hippie culture and desert adventure to giant cloned cows and a psychic raven, as the novel balances whimsy with real emotional stakes. If you're drawn to offbeat, character-driven fiction with a strong sense of place, this could be a delightful discovery. It’s breezy enough to read quickly, yet it lingers in your mind due to its emotional resonance and quirky charm. It’s an unexpectedly warm, humorous, and heartfelt adventure story—perfect for fans of nostalgic road trip vibes and unconventional treasures. If you enjoy that kind of narrative, The Marfa Blues is definitely worth a read. From the author of the award-winning “Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America.”