Book cover of Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America

Book description

John Waters is putting his life on the line. Armed with wit, a pencil-thin moustache, and a cardboard sign that reads 'I'm Not Psycho', he hitchhikes across America from Baltimore to San Francisco, braving lonely roads and treacherous drivers. But who should we be more worried about, the delicate film…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Carsick as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

You don’t have to be a lifelong fan of John Waters’ proudly transgressive work in film to appreciate this book. You have to be open to sliding into a wild and funny tale of how the author hitchhiked from Baltimore to San Francisco when he was in his 60s.

You’ll never look at hitchhikers standing by Interstates or resting in rest stops the same way.

Waters’ stories are remarkably imaginative, but when you get to the last third of the book and read his actual descriptions of the hitchhiking adventure, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the way he cares…

If you love Carsick...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Carsick?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 73 books like Carsick.

Browse books like Carsick

Book cover of Round Ireland with a Fridge
Book cover of American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals: Hitchhiking From California to New York, Alaska to Mexico
Book cover of Dirt Music

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Carsick, you might also like...

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Coyote Weather

Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell,

Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.

Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…

5 book lists we think you will like!