Set in the 1950s, the story follows eleven-year-old Donal Cameron, a spirited and endearing protagonist whose summer escapades lead him from the rugged landscapes of Montana to the bustling streets of Milwaukee. Initially, Donal is sent on a long bus ride to his Aunt Kate while his grandmother has surgery for "female troubles." There he meets and is befriended his aunt's "husband," Herman. After Donald runs afoul of his aunt, he is asked to return home. When he is dropped off at the bus station, he discovers that Herman has left his "wife" and the two decide to spend the remainder of the summer on the road on a Jack Kerouac-like road adventure.
The reader is introduced to cast of eccentric characters through Donal's quest to obtain as many autographs before the summer end, including the aforementioned Kerouac. The novel is a tribute to the resilience of youth and the transformative power of travel. As the two enounter obstacles during the journey, they overcome these bumps in the road through humorous means. I recommend this novel to any reader who enjoys coming-of-age novels.
The reader is introduced to cast of eccentric characters through Donal's quest to obtain as many autographs before the summer end, including the aforementioned Kerouac. The novel is a tribute to the resilience of youth and the transformative power of travel. As the two enounter obstacles during the journey, they overcome these bumps in the road through humorous means. I recommend this novel to any reader who enjoys coming-of-age novels.