Notes from the Element: A Memoir

When eighth-grade schoolteacher Roger Taylor turned forty, he decided to invest in a new set of wheels-a Honda Element, not the type of car you might expect from a man in a midlife crisis. But the car was just the catalyst for Taylor's real midlife adventure: a journey across North America and back again. In this unique portrait of a great American road trip, Taylor describes the breathtaking scenery, vivid experiences, and personal insights that framed his journey of self-discovery in the summer of 2003.

From amusing stories of teachers camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, to an encounter with armadillos in Texas and a never-ending hike on the Appalachian Trail, Taylor reflects on somber moments within the still, serene places of the natural world and shares fascinating historical details about some of the most memorable tourist sites on the continent. His insights will lead you to appreciate the power of nature, the beauty of North America, and the value of reconnecting with family and self.

Roger Taylor was born and raised in the town of Holliston, Massachusetts. He moved to California in 1987 and has spent a great deal of time traveling the United States and Canada, visiting state, provincial, and national parks. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he works as an eighth-grade English teacher.