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The Mothers of Reinvention
by Jennifer Pate Barbara MachenA fun and passionate work of non-fiction exploring the modern mother’s path to reinvention, both in the home and in the workplace.
The Mothers of Reinvention
by Jennifer Pate Barbara MachenSince we launched our show "Jen and Barb, Mom Life" more than four years ago, the number one question moms have asked us is, "How did you guys do that?" The subtext was not about producing and hosting an award-winning web series, but how we reinvented ourselves, especially given our roles as mothers, wives, and career women. Over and over, moms confided in us, sharing their frustrations, fears, and dreams. How could it be that so many of us who had always dreamed of having a family were feeling like something was missing? What was a mom to do? REINVENT! Through the journey of our own reinventions, we discovered the Mom Secret: The more satisfied you are with yourself, the better you can deal with the chaos that surrounds you, the better role model you will be, and the better off your entire family will be! This is not a luxury--it is a necessity. -------In The Mothers of Reinvention, Jen and Barb share their steps to help you realize your full potential as a woman while maintaining your joy as a mom and/or wife. Whether you're a new mother, a mother of schoolaged children, or an empty nester, Jen's and Barb's personal stories, along with accounts from other women and experts who have also reinvented, will engage, inspire, and motivate. Every mother deserves passion outside her family, and The Mothers of Reinvention will help you discover what that means for you.
Mothers of the Bible
by Ann Spangler Jean E. SyswerdaMothers of the Bible takes you inside the lives of twelve biblical mothers whose struggles to live with faith and courage are much like yours. Through their successes and failures alike, these women from long ago will encourage you and strengthen you in your challenging and rewarding role as a mother.
Mothers of the Village: Why All Moms Need the Support of a Motherhood Community and How to Find It For Yourself
by C. J. SchneiderSo many mothers feel like something is out of joint, something is missing—and maybe the truth is that we’re all just missing each other. C. J. Schneider found herself in the middle of a perfect storm after giving birth to her third child and moving to a new neighborhood. Conditions for misery and postpartum depression were ideal: she was isolated, lonely, and exhausted with three young children at home. As she started talking with other mothers, she realized that she was not alone in her experience of feeling alone. In her unique voice, Schneider intelligently and compassionately offers practical advice on how to create the essential community that mothers need. Given the many examples of communal mothering from the past and around the world, as well as modern examples of communities in which mothers are thriving, the research is clear: since the beginning of womankind, mothering has been a communal effort. Mothers of the Village affirms that as mothers connect with each other and learn to work with each other, despite the challenges, they may find a piece of themselves that they have felt missing all along.
Mothers on Trial: The Battle for Children and Custody
by Phyllis CheslerUpdated and revised with seven new chapters, a new introduction, and a new resources section, this landmark book is invaluable for women facing a custody battle. It was the first to break the myth that mothers receive preferential treatment over fathers in custody disputes. Although mothers generally retain custody when fathers choose not to fight for it, fathers who seek custody often win--not because the mother is unfit or the father has been the primary caregiver but because, as Phyllis Chesler argues, women are held to a much higher standard of parenting. Incorporating findings from years of research, hundreds of interviews, and international surveys about child-custody arrangements, Chesler argues for new guidelines to resolve custody disputes and to prevent the continued oppression of mothers in custody situations. This book provides a philosophical and psychological perspective as well as practical advice from one of the country's leading matrimonial lawyers. Both an indictment of a discriminatory system and a call to action over motherhood under siege, Mothers on Trial is essential reading for anyone concerned either personally or professionally with custody rights and the well-being of the children involved.
A Mother's Promise
by K.D. AldenBased on the true story behind a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision, K.D. Alden's debut is a rich and moving story of one woman's courage and determination to get her child back when all odds are stacked against her.Virginia, 1927: All Ruth Ann Riley wants is a chance to have a family. But because she was poor and unwed when she became pregnant, she was sent to an institution and her child was given to another woman. Ruth Ann can't stand the thought of never seeing little Annabel's face again, never snuggling up to her warmth or watching her blue eyes crinkle with laughter. And now they want to take away her right to have any other babies? She is not going to let that happen. All the rich and fancy folks may call her feebleminded, but Ruth Ann is smarter than any of them have bargained for. Because no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, she is going to overcome the scandals in her past and get her child back. She just never expects her battle will go to the U.S. Supreme Court, or that she'd find unexpected friendships . . . and even the possibility of love along the way.
The Mother's Recompense: Large Print (The\collected Works Of Edith Wharton)
by Edith WhartonKate Clephane has lived in exile in France since leaving her husband and infant daughter. She is being called back to New York by her now adult daughter to attend her daughter&’s wedding. Complicating already complicated matters her daughter is engaged to her one time lover Chris Fenno, a man who cannot be trusted, and worse yet Kate is still deeply in love with him. A novel of scandal and shame and the upper class.
A Mother's Reflections: A Heartwarming Journey of Love, Unyielding Strength, and Championing Inclusivity
by Dr. Shanti AuluckDiscover a world beyond the shadows of perfection...In this heartwarming tale, Dr Auluck shares her life&’s turning point—the birth of her son, Puneet, who was born with Down Syndrome. What initially appeared as a catastrophic event for a deeply intellectual mind led to a deep inner churning. As she grappled with the complexities of her child&’s condition, she embarked on a path of self-discovery and profound empathy.This book explores the author&’s emotional journey through three sections: Her personal experiences challenging societal norms, insights into intellectual disability and its impact on personal development as a psychologist, and her role as an activist creating Muskaan—an adult training and employment centre for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Emphasising the importance of understanding their world, she advocates for holistic development to nurture responsible and emotionally stable adults. The book also highlights how her Vedanta-rooted vision provided strength amid life&’s challenges.A Mother&’s Reflections is a raw and inspirational tale of personal growth, empathy, and social change, exploring the depths of humanity and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
A Mother's Sacrifice: The most moving and page-turning saga you'll read this year
by Jennie Felton'Jennie Felton knows how to tell a cracking story and keep the reader gripped... if you enjoy reading books in the style of Catherine Cookson then this one is for you' Books With Wine and Chocolate'Another superbly woven and character-rich story from a saga author who writes from the heart' Peterborough Telegraph'Packed full of Jennie's signature strong heroines, this book will keep you guessing' MNR JournalIn the grand tradition of Josephine Cox, Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, comes a powerfully heartrending new saga from Jennie Felton, 'one of the nation's favourite saga writers' (Lancashire Post). A Mother's Sacrifice is a story of family secrets, romance, and triumph in adversity.Will she be able to save her children? Martha Packer is much loved by everyone in the village of Hillsbridge. As the landlady of The Three Feathers, she runs a respectable establishment and is known for her generosity and care for her family and others around her - she even took in two orphan girls to save them from a life of cruelty in the workhouse. So when Martha announces that she has killed her son, Garth, the community is shocked. Garth was undoubtedly a bad seed, but they knew how much Martha adored her first-born. What could have driven her to such extreme actions?Martha refuses to give a reason, but her other children cannot believe their mother is capable of murder. They begin to believe that she is protecting someone - maybe even one of them... For more heartwrenching, heartwarming saga, look out for The Stolen Child, out now! And don't miss Jennie's Families of Fairley Terrace series, which began with Maggie's story in All The Dark Secrets and continued with Lucy's story in The Miner's Daughter, Edie's story in The Girl Below Stairs, Carina's story in The Widow's Promise and Laurel's story in The Sister's Secret.
A Mother's Sacrifice: The most moving and page-turning saga you'll read this year
by Jennie Felton'Jennie Felton knows how to tell a cracking story and keep the reader gripped... if you enjoy reading books in the style of Catherine Cookson then this one is for you' Books With Wine and Chocolate'Another superbly woven and character-rich story from a saga author who writes from the heart' Peterborough Telegraph'Packed full of Jennie's signature strong heroines, this book will keep you guessing' MNR JournalIn the grand tradition of Josephine Cox, Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, comes a powerfully heartrending new saga from Jennie Felton, 'one of the nation's favourite saga writers' (Lancashire Post). A Mother's Sacrifice is a story of family secrets, romance, and triumph in adversity.Will she be able to save her children?Martha Packer is much loved by everyone in the village of Hillsbridge. As the landlady of The Three Feathers, she runs a respectable establishment and is known for her generosity and care for her family and others around her - she even took in two orphan girls to save them from a life of cruelty in the workhouse. So when Martha announces that she has killed her son, Garth, the community is shocked. Garth was undoubtedly a bad seed, but they knew how much Martha adored her first-born. What could have driven her to such extreme actions?Martha refuses to give a reason, but her other children cannot believe their mother is capable of murder. They begin to believe that she is protecting someone - maybe even one of them... For more heartwrenching, heartwarming saga, look out for The Stolen Child, out now! And don't miss Jennie's Families of Fairley Terrace series, which began with Maggie's story in All The Dark Secrets and continued with Lucy's story in The Miner's Daughter, Edie's story in The Girl Below Stairs, Carina's story in The Widow's Promise and Laurel's story in The Sister's Secret.
A Mother's Sacrifice: The most moving and page-turning saga you'll read this year
by Jennie Felton'One of the nation's favourite saga writers' Lancashire PostIn the grand tradition of Josephine Cox, Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, comes a powerfully heartrending new saga from Jennie Felton. A Mother's Sacrifice is a story of family secrets, romance, and triumph in adversity.Will she be able to save her children? Martha Packer is much loved by everyone in the village of Hillsbridge. As the landlady of The Three Feathers, she runs a respectable establishment and is known for her generosity and care for her family and others around her - she even took in two orphan girls to save them from a life of cruelty in the workhouse. So when Martha announces that she has killed her son, Garth, the community is shocked. Garth was undoubtedly a bad seed, but they knew how much Martha adored her first-born. What could have driven Martha to such extreme actions?Martha refuses to give a reason but her other children cannot believe their mother is capable of murder and they begin to believe that she is protecting someone - maybe even one of them... For more heartwrenching, heartwarming saga, look our for The Stolen Child, out now! And don't miss Jennie's Families of Fairley Terrace series, which began with Maggie's story in All The Dark Secrets and continued with Lucy's story in The Miner's Daughter, Edie's story in The Girl Below Stairs, Carina's story in The Widow's Promise and Laurel's story in The Sister's Secret.(P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
A Mother's Secret: The brand new emotional and heartwarming historical romance novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author
by Katie Flynn**Don't miss the incredible new book from Katie Flynn, The Winter Runaway. Available to pre-order now!**The brand new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling authorThough she may feel lost, she will never give up on finding the truth. . .1941: Libby’s life on the sprawling farm at Hollybank is a far cry from the bustling streets of London where she grew up, but after the tragic death of her parents she moved to Liverpool to be closer to her long-lost aunt and uncle.When she discovers they are far from the decent people they claimed to be and have spun a web of lies about her late mother, Libby’s world is shaken.But she is determined to set the story straight and embarks on a journey to unravel the devastating secret her mother kept until her dying day.Can Libby separate the truth from the lies, and forge a brighter future for herself?________WHY READERS LOVE KATIE FLYNN...'Her characters are like old friends''Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Heartwarming romance''Hard to put down'
A Mother's Secret: The Battersea Tavern Series (Book 1)
by Kitty NealeThe heartwrenching new novel from bestselling author Kitty NealeCan she put right the secrets of the past?London, 1939. Winnie Berry has been the landlady of the Battersea Tavern for nearly twenty-five years, and the pub is like home to her - a place of tears and laughter, full of customers that feel like family. A place where she's learned to avoid the quick fists of her husband, and where she's raised her beloved son, David. He's inherited his father's lazy streak and can't seem to hold down a job, but when war is declared Winnie is determined to keep her son safe. She's still haunted by the choice she made years ago as a desperate young woman, and she won't make the same mistake of letting her family be taken from her...But when a young woman crosses her path, the secrets of Winnie's past threaten to turn her world upside down. There's nothing stronger than a mother's love - but can it ever have a second chance? The first book in The Battersea Tavern series
A Mother’s Tears for a Missing Son: A Challenging Spiritual Experience
by Dolly HillsA Mother's Tears for a Missing Son is a first hand account of my personal journey when my son mysteriously disappears in remote Alaska wilderness. It describes the adventures of a free spirited young man who lived on the edge of life and whose choices brought him and his family to an unforeseen outcome of bizarre twists and turns. The expansiveness of the environment offers a setting where the unexpected can happen at a moment's notice. A Mother's Tears for a Missing Son is a story of hope, faith, and trust, with a determination to never give up. I struggled to maintain endurance and courage, through an intense time of grief. As the story unravels, I realized the many opportunities for growth as I navigated my way through a devastating experience with resilience and came to understand the need to fully embrace and process the grief – while enduring personal tragedy. Ultimately, a sense of peace predominates.
Mothers, Tell Your Daughters: Stories
by Bonnie Jo Campbell"Bonnie Jo Campbell is a master of rural America’s postindustrial landscape." —Boston GlobeNamed by the Guardian as one of our top ten writers of rural noir, Bonnie Jo Campbell is a keen observer of life and trouble in rural America, and her working-class protagonists can be at once vulnerable, wise, cruel, and funny. The strong but flawed women of Mothers, Tell Your Daughters must negotiate a sexually charged atmosphere as they love, honor, and betray one another against the backdrop of all the men in their world. Such richly fraught mother-daughter relationships can be lifelines, anchors, or they can sink a woman like a stone.In "My Dog Roscoe," a new bride becomes obsessed with the notion that her dead ex-boyfriend has returned to her in the form of a mongrel. In "Blood Work, 1999," a phlebotomist's desire to give away everything to the needy awakens her own sensuality. In "Home to Die," an abused woman takes revenge on her bedridden husband. In these fearless and darkly funny tales about women and those they love, Campbell’s spirited American voice is at its most powerful.
A Mother's Touch: The Tiffany Callo Story
by Jay MathewsThe author, a journalist, retraces the life of Tiffany Callo and her battle to regain custody of her two children. Tiffany, a teenage mother living on public assistence, was deemed an unfit mother by the children's services of Santa Clara County, CA. Her disability - cerebral palsy - was used as a major strike against her. Callo's case aroused wide publicity and helped arouse interest in the rights and concerns of parents with disabilities.
Mothers Unite!: Organizing for Workplace Flexibility and the Transformation of Family Life
by Jocelyn Elise CrowleyIn Mothers Unite!, a bold and hopeful new rallying cry for changing the relationship between home and the workplace, Jocelyn Elise Crowley envisions a genuine, universal world of workplace flexibility that helps mothers who stay at home, those who work part time, and those who work full time balance their commitments to their jobs and their families. Achieving this goal, she argues, will require a broad-based movement that harnesses the energy of existing organizations of mothers that already support workplace flexibility in their own ways.Crowley examines the efforts of five diverse national mothers' organizations: Mocha Moms, which aims to assist mothers of color; Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), which stresses the promotion of Christian values; Mothers & More, which emphasizes support for those moving in and out of the paid workforce; MomsRising, which focuses on online political advocacy; and the National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC), which highlights community-based networking. After providing an engaging and detailed account of the history, membership profiles, strategies, and successes of each of these organizations, Crowley suggests actions that will allow greater workplace flexibility to become a viable reality and points to many opportunities to promote intergroup mobilization and unite mothers once and for all.
Mothers United: An Immigrant Struggle for Socially Just Education
by Andrea DyrnessIn urban American school systems, the children of recent immigrants and low-income parents of color disproportionately suffer from overcrowded classrooms, lack of access to educational resources, and underqualified teachers. The challenges posed by these problems demand creative solutions that must often begin with parental intervention. But how can parents without college educations, American citizenship, English literacy skills, or economic stability organize to initiate change on behalf of their children and their community? In Mothers United, Andrea Dyrness chronicles the experiences of five Latina immigrant mothers in Oakland, California—one of the most troubled urban school districts in the country—as they become informed and engaged advocates for their children&’s education. These women, who called themselves &“Madres Unidas&” (&“Mothers United&”), joined a neighborhood group of teachers and parents to plan a new, small, and autonomous neighborhood-based school to replace the overcrowded Whitman School. Collaborating with the author, among others, to conduct interviews and focus groups with teachers, parents, and students, these mothers moved from isolation and marginality to take on unfamiliar roles as researchers and community activists while facing resistance from within the local school district. Mothers United illuminates the mothers&’ journey to create their own space—centered around the kitchen table—that enhanced their capacity to improve their children&’s lives. At the same time, Dyrness critiques how community organizers, teachers, and educational policy makers, despite their democratic rhetoric, repeatedly asserted their right as &“experts,&” reproducing the injustice they hoped to overcome. A powerful, inspiring story about self-learning, consciousness-raising, and empowerment, Mothers United offers important lessons for school reform movements everywhere.
Mothers Who Think
by Kate Moses Camille PeriFrom the editors of the cutting-edge online magazine Salon come provocative essays that take an unflinching look at the gritty truths and unreserved pleasures of contemporary motherhood. Mothers Who Think: Tales of Real-Life Parenthood, which grew out of Salon's popular daily department of the same name, comprises nearly forty essays by writers grappling with the new and compelling ideas that motherhood has dangled before them. Elevating the discussion of motherhood above the level of tantrum control and potty training, this collection covers an unparalleled range of topics, from the impossibility of loving your children equally to raising a son without a father, from worrying that your privileged black child is becoming too "white" to the free-floating anger most mothers feel but wouldn't dare admit--except to other mothers. The intelligent, candid essays in Mothers Who Think are a testament to the notion that motherhood gives women more to think about, not less. Coeditors Camille Peri and Kate Moses have assembled the best writing from the website's first two years, including works by "Mothers Who Think" regulars Anne Lamott, Chitra Divakaruni, Susie Bright, and Stephanie Coontz; eloquent new essays by Jayne Anne Phillips, Sallie Tisdale, Susan Straight, Jane Lazarre, Nora Okja Keller, Beth Kephart, Ariel Gore, and Alex Witchel; and more than a dozen un-forgettable new voices. Irreverent, wistful, hilarious, fierce, tender, these essays offer an unsparing look at the myths and realities, serious and silly sides, and thankless and supremely satisfying aspects of being a mother. WRITERS Erin Aubry, Karen Grigsby Bates, Susie Bright, Stephanie Coontz, Chitra Divakaruni, Celeste Fremon, Mona Gable, Leslie Goodman-Malamuth, Ariel Gore, Arlene Green, Nora Okja Keller, Beth Kephart, Anne Lamott, Jane Lazarre, Lori Leibovich, Ceil Malek, Joyce Millman, Kate Moses, Beth Myler, Debra S. Ollivier, Camille Peri, Jayne Anne Phillips, Elizabeth Rapoport, Jennifer Reese, Rahna Reiko Rizzuto, Cynthia Romanov, Catherine A. Salton, Sandi Kahn Shelton, Rose Stoll, Susan Straight, Sallie Tisdale, Kim Van Meter, Cathy Wilkinson, Alex Witchel ON MOTHERHOOD Adoption, Babysitters, Baths, Birth, Blenders, Bodies, Boys Without Men, Brothers, Car Pools, Cold Coffee, College, Cupcakes, Custody, Daughters, Death, Diapers, Divorce, Dramas, Dreams, Escape, Expectations, Experience, Fantasies, Fathers, Food, Grandmothers, Growing Up, Gumbo, Home, Hunger, Kiddie Pools, Language, Lists, Love, Memories, Mothers, Nursing, Pets, Pregnancy, Pride, Princesses, Rage, School, Separation, Sex, Single Mothers, Sippy Cups, Sisters, Sleep Deprivation, Smells, Soccer Moms, Sons, Stepmothers, Tantrums, Teenagers, Time, Vibrators, Waterbeds, Working Mothers, Writing Mothers
Mothers Work!: How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work
by Jessica ChiversWhile the seemingly perfect celebrities in glossy magazines may make juggling family life with a career look effortless, the reality is that reaching equilibrium without going insane requires support and some excellent advice! Mothers Work! dissects and discusses the burning issues playing on these mothers' minds, with a warm, encouraging voice that nudges women to be proactive and gently draws mums away from the pressure of perfection. Jessica shows us that 'it's good to be good enough' and explains how to do it! This book will help you to: know your ideal work scenario; keep in touch and ask for what you want; see your family as a team; find childcare that fits your family; get a grip on guilt; go for 'good enough' at home; get organised for a smooth return; do what it takes to thrive.
Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage
by Jessie HarroldExplore this supportive, grounding guide for new mothers navigating the cascade of identity change and transformation that is motherhood. Our modern, Western societal understanding of what happens to a woman when she becomes a mother—beyond emotional rollercoasters and healing her pelvic floor—remains largely uncharted territory. The transition to motherhood actually takes two to three years, not six weeks or three months as we&’ve been led to believe. Mothershift offers a supportive, affirming road map to take women through this transformational process. Jessie Harrold introduces her &“map for your becoming,&” a research-based, four-phase model that maps out how the transition to motherhood unfolds and helps women to navigate every step along the way. She has used this model to guide thousands of women through the shift into motherhood. Harrold also includes self-inquiry questions and journal prompts in each chapter to help women identify and thrive amidst the cascade of changes they can expect as they enter motherhood. Topics include: Normalizing the feelings of grief and loss of self you may feel along the way. Navigating the discomfort of not knowing who you are anymore now that you&’re a mother. Guiding you to cultivate a sense of empowerment and leadership in motherhood, showing you how mothering is a counterculture act. Showing you how to use the &“superpowers&” that motherhood can offer—self-tending, creativity, embodiment, ritual, community, inner knowing, and earth connection.Gently guiding you to explore who you are becoming.
Mothertime: A Novel
by Gillian WhiteIn this dark comedy, five siblings who are fed up with their mother&’s negligent parenting conspire to teach her a lesson Caroline Townsend is a nightmare for her children. The former actress and current alcoholic hits her nadir on Christmas Eve. Her five young children hope for a Christmas celebration. Instead, they get a fight with their mother, who&’s absolutely plastered and fresh off yet another failed relationship. After lashing out at her children, Caroline passes out under the bent and mangled Christmas tree. For the Townsend children, this proves to be a rare opportunity—a chance to set things right with their mother. Together, they concoct an elaborate ruse designed to teach her a lesson, once and for all. Mothertime finds Gillian White at her uproarious best as she nimbly skewers motherhood and modern marriage.
Mothstorm: The Horror From Beyond Uranus Georgium Sidus!
by Philip ReeveA sinister cloud is approaching the solar system. The closest planet, Georgium Sidus, is inhabited by the missionary Reverend Cruet and his daughter, Charity. Art, Myrtle, and the family decide to investigate after communication with them is lost.
The Motion of the Body Through Space
by Lionel ShriverIn Lionel Shriver’s entertaining send-up of today’s cult of exercise—which not only encourages better health, but now like all religions also seems to promise meaning, social superiority, and eternal life—an aging husband’s sudden obsession with extreme sport makes him unbearable.After an ignominious early retirement, Remington announces to his wife Serenata that he’s decided to run a marathon. This from a sedentary man in his sixties who’s never done a lick of exercise in his life. His wife can’t help but observe that his ambition is “hopelessly trite.” A loner, Serenata disdains mass group activities of any sort. Besides, his timing is cruel. Serenata has long been the couple’s exercise freak, but by age sixty, her private fitness regimes have destroyed her knees, and she’ll soon face debilitating surgery. Yes, becoming more active would be good for Remington’s heart, but then why not just go for a walk? Without several thousand of your closest friends?As Remington joins the cult of fitness that increasingly consumes the Western world, her once-modest husband burgeons into an unbearable narcissist. Ignoring all his other obligations, he engages a saucy, sexy personal trainer named Bambi, who treats Serenata with contempt. When Remington sets his sights on the legendarily grueling triathlon, MettleMan, Serenata is sure he’ll end up injured or dead. And even if he does survive, their marriage may not.The Motion of the Body Through Space is vintage Lionel Shriver written with psychological insight, a rich cast of characters, lots of verve and petulance, an astute reading of contemporary culture, and an emotionally resonant ending.
Motional Blur: A Novel
by Robert EringerA search for meaning leads two men into the wilds of America in “a nonpareil road novel that winds up packing a real emotional punch” (T.C. Boyle, author of The Harder They Come). Disaffected surfer Luke Andersen doesn’t see much point to life. Besides catching waves and driving part-time for a black car service, it’s all becoming one big blur of blah. Then, on his birthday, he’s given a long-haul job taking a client from Santa Barbara to Las Vegas, ruining his plans for what might have actually been a good time. But when he reaches Vegas, his mysterious fare—the almost-senior citizen Charles Gearhart—tells Luke to keep going. And what should have been a day trip becomes a meandering journey, with Gearhart directing Luke through the western badlands of the United States. The deeper Luke gets into the journey, the more intrigued he is by his passenger, who constantly imparts wisdom to help his wayward driver grow up. And the farther they go, the closer both Luke and Charles come to asking the questions they never knew they had—and finding the answers they both need in a “captivating” tale of trials, triumphs, and following the right road (The Independent).