The Scenic Route

A Short Story

By: Christina Baker Kline

Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb

Driven by desperation to hit the road, a woman sees her life come into view in a powerful short story about starting over by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Exiles.

Once happily married with a young son, Jess takes to the road to escape her failed relationship and the disappointment of losing touch with her son. Four years into a nomadic existence, she has learned the hacks of van life and promotes a fantasy version of it on Instagram that bears little resemblance to her eclectic community of fellow travelers. But it’s that camaraderie, and the vastness of the great outdoors, that gives Jess the space she needs to find out what really matters to her. And act on it.

©2023 Christina Baker Kline. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

no surprise

what was this title doing listed along with "Mysterìes & Thrillers". I kept expecting something scary or at least ùnexpected to happen.

Thought provoking

Highly enjoyable work. Exceptionally thoughtful. I best part was the protagonist’s enlightenment as she reconected with her son. Hindsight….

Wonderful story

Heartwarming story that makes wonder about your own life. So enjoyable! I hope she writes more of these stories to see where Jess goes.

Amazing side trip.

It was a slice of life adventure, that i am glad to have listened to and enjoyed.

Changing Direction

This is a poignant short story of a mother's journey to reconciliation with her past. After her divorce she stumbles into a lifestyle that gives her the space she needs for introspection. She sees things more clearly, stops blaming and comes to grips with her failings and finds the desire to remedy them. The descriptions of her nomadic lifestyle are interesting, but mostly this story is internal and deals with coming to understanding and forgiveness for ourselves, and others for us. The narration is excellent.