A couple of years ago, NBC News and Today Show correspondent Mike Leonard decided to take his elderly parents and his children on a RV trip across the United States. He talked with Joseph Planta about the journey, its foibles, hilarity, bonding, and more, which are recounted in his new book, The Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family (Ballantine, 2006), soon to be a major motion picture.

The Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of An American Family by Mike Leonard. (Ballantine, 2006) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Ride of Our Lives

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

Here’s a book worth reading considering that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are around the corner. It is called The Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family. Here’s what Tom Brokaw says about the author and the book: “Mike Leonard is a national treasure, and his touching, hilarious, instructive account of a loving road trip with his parents and children should be required reading in every family.”

Mike Leonard, a feature correspondent for NBC News, joins me this morning, to talk about the remarkable journey he took with his elderly parents in a rented RV traversing the American Southwest through to New England’s coastline. They reminisce, argue, laugh, and love. It’s a heart warming book published by Ballantine Books, and retails for $34.95. It also includes a DVD of the journey, which is a terrific bonus. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Mike Leonard; Good morning, Mr. Leonard.

Weblinks:

Leonard Family Video Blog: http://www.campjinx.com

Mike Leonard website: http://www.mike-leonard.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (10.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS