The Camper Book A Celebration of a Moveable American Dream

The Camper Book will captivate all those who dream of waving good-bye to the rat race from the window of their own moveable home, be it a camper, RV, travel trailer, camper van, or tiny camper. Not just for placid retirees anymore, camper culture has sprung up among simplicity-seeking millennials, retro-loving “glampers,” sports and movie stars, aging hippies, contract workers, “road-schoolers,” and others.

Award-winning journalist Dave Hoekstra hit the road in his own custom camper van, named Bluebird, to explore the history, culture, subcultures, and future of camper life. Traveling and talking his way through US campsites, RV parks, landmarks, and communities, Hoekstra draws out revealing stories from all walks of life—from Americans who are downsizing material goods while upsizing spiritual pursuits to RV enthusiasts such as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Prine and Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon. A modern-day Studs Terkel, Hoekstra provides a delightful mix of oral history, in-depth reporting, and practical information, while photographer Jon Sall’s beautiful color photographs illuminate the unique people, places, and rigs that typify camper life.

Dave Hoekstra is the host of the radio program Nocturnal Journal with Dave Hoekstra on WGN-720 AM. A Chicago Sun-Times columnist from 1985 to 2014, he is also the author of The People’s Place, The Supper Club Book, Cougars and Snappers and Loons (Oh My!), and Ticket to Everywhere and the coauthor of Disco Demolition. Jon Sall has been a professional photographer for over twenty-five years, beginning at the Chicago Sun-Times. He is also an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago and teaches a course in digital storytelling. Jeff Daniels is an actor, musician, playwright, and RV enthusiast.