Want to explore a little more of the world of Bicentennial Summer? Follow our cross-country route, listen to the music that accompanied our adventures, browse Jill's original trip records, and discover the real stories behind the novel.
Where'd They Go?
THE TRIPTIK ROUTE
START HERE
& GO WEST
What'd They Listen To?
What was playing on the radio during the summer of 1976? From AM radio hits to our favorite albums, music was part of the adventure. Some songs bring back the excitement
of the open road, others remind me of the tensions inside Blue Pierre, and a few
take me right back to being thirteen years old, traveling across America with my family.
Here are some of the songs that provided the soundtrack to our summer.
🎵 Singles 🎵
“Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
Light, cheeky, and perfect for backseat giggles from Gerri and Jill
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
Dramatic and unpredictable - just like parts of the road trip
“Philadelphia Freedom” – Elton John
A flashy anthem of 1976 patriotism, beloved by Ralph
“Take It to the Limit” – Eagles
Reflects Ralph’s pushing of boundaries - and Mary’s emotional limits
“Saturday in the Park” – Chicago
Brass-forward and full of Mary’s musical spirit
“Right Back Where We Started From” – Maxine Nightingale
Bouncy and deceptively cheerful, echoing the trip’s circularity
“Convoy” – C.W. McCall
Pure 1970's Americana - Ralph would’ve loved it
“Let Your Love Flow” – Bellamy Brothers
Open-hearted and warm - a rare moment of peace
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – Rod Stewart
Suggestive and awkward for a kid stuck between childhood and adolescence
“Welcome Back” – John Sebastian
A sweet and nostalgic favorite of the twins, echoing the longing to return
💿 Albums 💿
Now and Then – The Carpenters
A blend of melancholy and nostalgia - especially side two’s radio medley
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
🫧 📚 Book Bubbles 📚 🫧 Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Every story has another story behind it.
Book Bubbles pairs short excerpts from Bicentennial Summer with my personal reflections on the people, places, and experiences that inspired them. Some are funny, some are poignant, and others reveal a little more about the real-life adventures behind the novel.
Explore the bubbles below to discover the stories behind the story.
