Hitchhiking: Two thumbs out!

The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.

In 'Carsick', John Waters recounts his adventurous hitchhiking journey across America, blending fantasy and reality. The book is divided into three parts: 'The Best That Could Happen', 'The Worst That Could Happen', and 'The Real Thing', where Waters imagines extreme scenarios before embarking on the real journey. The actual trip reveals a diverse and generous American populace, including rides with an indie band and a young Republican politician.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues follows Sissy Hankshaw, a girl born with oversized thumbs, as she hitchhikes across America, encountering a variety of eccentric characters and exploring themes of freedom, identity, and relationships. The novel blends humor with magical realism, raising questions about societal norms and personal liberation.

In 'The Gift Relationship', Richard Titmuss examines the social and ethical implications of blood donation, contrasting the voluntary system in the UK with the commercialized system in the US. The book is a foundational text in the field of social policy, highlighting the importance of altruism and the gift economy in shaping societal values and institutions.