Scott Slocum's New Book, 'The Great American Road Trip Route 66 Adventures:' Here's How To Get Your Copy

JOLIET, IL — Just in time for America's Centennial Celebration of Historic Route 66, long-time Joliet radio personality Scott Slocum, host of WJOL AM-1340's "Slocum in the Morning" talk show, has just published a human-interest book titled, "The Great American Road Trip Route 66 Adventures."

"In The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures, radio personality Scott Slocum takes you along for the ride—sharing real stories, unforgettable encounters, and the hidden gems that make the Mother Road one of America’s most iconic journeys. Based on two full Route 66 road trips—one westbound from Chicago to Santa Monica and one return trip east—this book blends firsthand storytelling with practical travel guidance to help you plan your own adventure," the Amazon book promo reads.

"I think you get to learn what it's all about. Once you read this, I think it will open peoples' eyes," Slocum remarked.

Slocum explained how he will be having a program talking about the writing of the book, along with co-author Lisa Bakewell, on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Joliet Area Historical Museum at 204 N. Ottawa Street.

The event will include a book sale, presale book pickup and a book signing.

Slocum said he approached Bob Navarro, of Joliet's Heritage Corridor Destinations, "and he loved the idea."

In 2023 and in 2024, Slocum traveled cross-country along Historic Route 66 and produced live radio shows from several states along his journey. His adventure spanned from the Santa Monica pier in California back to Joliet.

"Until six or seven years ago, I never really thought that much about Route 66," Slocum explained. "With the 100th anniversary coming, I wanted to learn more about Route 66. Growing up in East Peoria, I've lived with driving around the First 100 Miles ...

"As a radio show, this was the most impactful thing we've ever done. We traveled 250 to 275 miles per day, from Santa Monica all the way to the Rialto Square Theatre. We think we're the only radio station to do a series of 10 shows in two weeks all on Route 66 and we've done it twice."

Slocum has been the host of WJOL's "Slocum in the Morning" radio show since 1999. He wanted everyone to know that his new book has been "Route 66 Centennial Certified," which is an important distinction and accomplishment.

During his cross-country travels along Route 66 in 2023 and 2024, Slocum said his stops included off-the-beaten path destinations in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Slocum said his new book includes a checklist and table of contents for people interested in making the Route 66 pilgrimage themselves. He said the book was published with Bakewell, a Joliet friend. "We wanted the book to be useful and not just about me or the station. We wanted it to be helpful to people in another state, to highlight the amazing route and not just the first 100 miles in the state of Illinois. We wanted this to be a comprehensive handbook and guide for people who want to go on Route 66."

He said that people can purchase his new book on Amazon as well as at the Joliet Area Historical Museum in downtown Joliet plus at the Gemini Giant Visitors Center in Wilmington at South Island Park.