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Where'd They Go?

THE TRIPTIK ROUTE

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START HERE
& GO WEST

What'd They Listen To?

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These songs and albums reflect the emotional landscape of Bicentennial Summer 

a mix of joy, confusion, patriotism, and family tension.From AM radio hits to vinyl favorites, each track helps paint the soundscape of Mary’s journey - and that of her father, Ralph, and her younger twin sisters, Gerri and Jill.​

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🎵 Singles ​​​🎵​

“Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
Light, cheeky, and perfect for backseat giggles from Gerri and Jill.

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“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen

Dramatic and unpredictable - just like parts of the road trip.

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“Philadelphia Freedom” – Elton John

A flashy anthem of 1976 patriotism, beloved by Ralph.

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“Take It to the Limit” – Eagles
Reflects Ralph’s pushing of boundaries - and Mary’s emotional limits.

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“Saturday in the Park” – Chicago
Brass-forward and full of Mary’s musical spirit.

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“Right Back Where We Started From” – Maxine Nightingale
Bouncy and deceptively cheerful, echoing the trip’s circularity.

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“Convoy” – C.W. McCall
Pure 1970's Americana - Ralph would’ve loved it.

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“Let Your Love Flow” – Bellamy Brothers
Open-hearted and warm - a rare moment of peace.

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“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – Rod Stewart
Suggestive and awkward for a kid stuck between childhood and adolescence.

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“Welcome Back” – John Sebastian
A sweet and nostalgic favorite of the twins, echoing the longing to return.

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💿 Albums 💿​

Now and Then – The Carpenters
A blend of melancholy and nostalgia - especially side two’s radio medley.

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The Holy Bible: Old Testament – The Statler Brothers
Ralph’s oddball favorite, both comforting and comical.

What'd They Do?
JILL's SLATE
of DATES, STATES, and FATES

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Mary Berelson, author of Bicentennial Summer, shares her life with her husband, Scott. Though retired, she remains inspired by the joy and curiosity of young learners and continues to spend time in the classroom. Away from her writing and teaching, she treasures being a grandmother and finds renewal exploring the natural world around her.
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© 2025 by Mary Berelson

Blue Pierre Press

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