Travels with Jim

Travels with Jim is the story of two young adults named Jim and Sorrie who travel across America together, each exploring their place in the world. Jim–the product of a broken home–believes his father is a rock star, and he may or may not be right. He hops freight trains and dreams of finally meeting him somewhere along the road. He thinks his travels represent freedom, but he’s in a prison of his own making as he chases the shadow of a father he’s never met.

Sorrie, too, inhabits an invisible prison. Growing up, she lives on a diet of books but has no real-life experiences and no friends. She runs away from the loneliness of her affluent home only to encounter Jim on the road. Together, they experience the grittiness of life on the edge not knowing what haunting shadows lurk around each corner.

The book explores individual perception and how peoples’ illusions shape their lives. In one, a conventional upbringing, an education, and a career satisfy. In another, not being tied to traditions, expectations, or schedules represent a more fulfilling life. Who is more aware, or does the concept go deeper? Do Jim and Sorrie need to step into what society defines as a successful life or do they--out of necessity-- take the road less traveled and free themselves from the misconceptions they both hold in order to discover why caring for each other can be more important than freedom.