Shortlisted, 2010 Commonwealth Writers' Prize (South East Asia and Pacific) for Best First Book.

A brilliant new take on the road novel from an exciting Australian debut author.

A teenage girl hitches a ride with an older man travelling through middle America. Their relationship is not sexual but may become so; in any case the disapproval they encounter makes no distinction. But in this small, charmed world of backroads, front seats, motels and diners the young woman believes they are safe.

Lyrical, earthy, laced with sly humour and sharp observation, Kirsten Reed's critically acclaimed debut is an irresistible journey through the shining, translucent moment at the end of childhood.

'Fresh and exciting, full of energy and originality, both shocking and deeply felt...For those who care about intelligent, stylish narratives you are in for one hell of a ride.' Daily Mirror