Would you drive three hours for a book?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (240769)
Walnut Creek, California
August 15, 2026 2:06pm CST
I made it to Albany CA and back yesterday. I went to a bookstore there to pick up a novel my brother had ordered for me.
Albany is only about 30 miles from where I live, but with Bay Area traffic, it's about a 3 1/2 hour round-trip from my house.
I did stop at Everett and Jones to pick up my ritual (when I go through Berkeley) BBQ.
I did take a little tour of where I used to work in Oakland. A few more empty buildings and even more graffiti, but largely the same.
The book is called "The Mars Room," by Rachel Kushner. Have you read it? .
Would you drive for more than three hours through bad traffic for a book?
14 people like this
14 responses
@snowy22315 (214123)
• United States
15 Aug
Nah, *'d find it online or at the library. I know from your prior posts though your relationship with your brother seems a bit strained Maybe you wanted to make him happy.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (195243)
• Boise, Idaho
15 Aug
If it were the right book I would drive 3 hours, ride a bike 37 miles, take a boat ,and do head stands. But, that was in my younger life. Now I'd have it Ubered.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (195243)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Aug
@TheHorse .......I think you're right.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (240769)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 Aug
@celticeagle I wish a sore back were not Included with all that wisdom.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (54083)
• Mojave, California
15 Aug
If my other brother ordered it for me, not the one that lives with me now I would. I do not know maybe I would for him too. Now just to get a regular book not ordered by one my brothers I would not.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (54083)
• Mojave, California
16 Aug
@TheHorse I know, I hope so too, expensive gas prices, they better hope you like it.
@changjiangzhibin89 (17327)
• China
16 Aug
To be honest, no way do I drive 30 miles to pick up a book,no matter what book it is.
I can tell You like reading science-fiction novels.
I can tell You like reading science-fiction novels.1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17327)
• China
17 Aug
@TheHorse Sorry ! I mistook “The Mars Room“ for a science-fiction novel.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (240769)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 Aug
@changjiangzhibin89 I don't think it is, but we shall see. I do like some sci-fi, though.
@noni1959 (13177)
• United States
20 Aug
@TheHorse It was so worth driving for. Most the time, I order on Amazon, ebay or a local thrift store if they have it. I'm trying to utilize the library more, but gave up on CJ Box's, "The Crossroads." The waiting list was 47 people. My granddaughter saw I wanted it and ordered it for me on Amazon.
@Traceyjayne (14828)
• United Kingdom
16 Aug
I would have it posted to me ….unless , like you, I could do other things along the way to make the travelling time worthwhile….
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (14828)
• United Kingdom
16 Aug
@TheHorse I’m sure you were l…I would just make it an adventure day out …I’d stop off at as many places as possible to make the journey worthwhile.
@ptrikha_2 (49950)
• India
16 Aug
That is highly unlikely, unless there is more than just a book in the question.
Is this a Fiction or a non fiction book?
Are the authorities doing anything to manage the high traffic?
More local trains or more Elevated roads/bridges etc?
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (86834)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Aug
That would be a hard pass. you couldn't get me to travel 3 hours for anything.
1 person likes this
@eLdav1s (1056)
• Nigeria
16 Aug
I would do that and more if it is worth it honestly and if i have the means to do so.
