First published 2010
Alan Christoffersen sits in his Seattle apartment with a bottle of pills in his hand. The advertising executive has lost his job, his home, and the love of his life all at once. He considers ending his misery but chooses a different path. Alan decides to walk. He packs only the essentials and leaves behind everything he knows. His destination is Key West, Florida, the farthest point he can find on his map. The journey stretches across the entire country. Along the way, Alan meets strangers who share their stories and wisdom with him. These encounters begin to change him. The physical walk becomes something deeper. Alan discovers lessons about hope and resilience he never expected. Each person he meets offers him something he needs to rebuild his shattered life. The cross country trek transforms from an escape into a search for meaning and renewal.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, adventure, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, self-discovery
Setting: Key West, Seattle
Period: 21st-century
289 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster