Life outside our nation's big cities comprises a remarkably rich aspect of America--culturally, historically, and physically. Because of the way we move through the country, however--on roads built for maximum expediency--most of us are rarely if ever exposed to these small communities, a trend that is moving these towns dangerously far off the maps of commerce and public consciousness.

In Easy On, Easy Off, Jack Williams takes to the roads of the interstate highway system to explore America's small towns, bringing back diverse examples of both beautiful and neglected places...