John Steinbeck packed up his dog and a few belongings into a camper he christened Rocinante and set out on the road late in life to discover America. I asked the head archivist at the National Steinbeck Center why ... and hope listening like this evaporates borders. Special thanks to the musician Dana Boulé.

Visit the National Steinbeck Center at www.steinbeck.org.

And learn more about their upcoming festival, In Search of America, on August 2 and 3—www.steinbeck.org/event/steinbeck-festival-2019.

Also, consider making a donation to Westinsfund.org to help cover the medical costs of families who lose children to miscarriage and stillbirth.

"The way is open."

—John Steinbeck