I couldn't help being taken back to my younger days while reading this book. My boyfriend and I hitchhiked across the country back in those days, and this book brought it all back. We even got stuck under a bridge during a horrible thunderstorm while traveling across Oklahoma same as these characters did. This author has a way of description that made me feel as if I was actually riding in the truck, "Red" and listening to the great sounds of the Eighties music. Other reviewers have said that they felt as if they had attended the Live Aid Concert while reading this compelling story, and I couldn't agree more. The music references and detail regarding artists from then reveal an impressive volume of research. For instance, who knew that a British rock star could be a student of the last stand at the Alamo? But beyond the sounds and times of the era, such as using pay phones, and spreading AAA maps across a diner table, there is a heart warming story of young love that had me busting out laughing, then bringing forth some very unexpected tears. I came to love the main characters very much. But even the minor players jumped off the page in such a realistic way I felt as if I actually knew these people. I finished the final third of this book in one sitting, and didn't want it to end, even though the ending was so satisfying. I'd not heard of this author before, then found out this is his first novel. I hope he writes another one, as I will get it immediately. Well done!