working title
Surviving Charlie Brown
what it's about
In her wedding dress, Olive Lee embarks on what becomes a year-long, cross-country journey across America. Fleeing in her father's 1976 Gran Torino, Charlie Brown, she alleviates the guilt of having run out on her life, finding temporary families in wandering teenagers, truck-drivers, and musicians. When a stranger finally catches up with her in Alaska to inform her of her mother's sudden death, Olive returns to her father in an attempt to reconcile his old-world ideals with her new-world desires. However, a stroke that claims her father's ability to speak English challenges their understanding of one another, forcing them to reinterpret the past for the sake of their futures.
nuts and bolts
I started writing this book in June of 2008, while visiting a friend in Alaska. It runs about 92,000 words over 15 chapters, 12 states, 2 continents, and dozens of do-it-yourself sticky notes.
interested?
Download the first chapter in PDF.
keywords
travel, america, asian-americans, alienation, tattoos, classic cars, hitchhiking, trains, love, family, translation, weddings, chicago, new york city, virginia, north carolina, south carolina, charleston, miami, cottageville, new orleans, austin, san antonio, texas, big bend, los angeles, california, san francisco, seattle, alaska, anchorage, denali national park, beijing, china, outsiders, outcasts, vagabonds, musicians, drifters, insomnia, dreams
I am actively seeking representation for this novel.
Please contact me if interested.