In Backroads, New Jersey, Di Ionno leads readers off the congested interstates to the seldom-explored secondary roads, where the real life of the state can be found. These intercounty or 500 series roads are a 6,788-mile network of mostly one-lane highways. They are never the most direct way to get anywherebut they are a pleasure to drive and a way to see New Jersey life as lived by New Jerseyans.

Travel with Di Ionno as he takes us to see the states amazing beauty¾ from the dizzying cliffs of the Palisades, to the blunted peaks of the Highlands and Kittatinny Ridges, to the rolling hills of Morris, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties, to the topsoil-wealthy agricultural belts of Monmouth and the southern counties, to the flat, sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore. Di Ionno calls New Jersey "a place of infinite natural beauty, a place of intricate human patterns. A place where you can see a lot in a little time. New Jersey is a restless state for restless people. A state for wanderers to explore." Backroads, New Jersey is a rare chance to see it all through the eyes and experiences of a well-traveled Jerseyan.

Mark Di Ionno is a senior editor at the states top newspaper, the Star-Ledger. Two of his books published with Rutgers University PressNew Jerseys Coastal Heritage: A Guide and A Guide to New Jerseys Revolutionary War Trailwon the New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance Award.