Your Destination Is on the Left

Dessa’s family, whose favorite motto is “never stop moving,” has been traveling in an RV caravan for years, but now Dessa, 17, is ready to put down roots. Her plan is to get her GED and attend art school, but she hasn’t gotten accepted anywhere. After she gets the chance to intern for a famous artist, though, the caravan families begrudgingly agree on a temporary stay in Santa Fe so that she can take advantage of the opportunity. Dessa is thrilled to work for a real artist, but conflicts soon arise: she becomes discouraged, doubting her talent; the family goes through a financial crisis; and her relationship with traveling partner Cy takes a romantic turn, making her wonder if her original plan to leave the group is the right decision after all. In a thoughtful novel depicting the downside of nomadic life, debut author Spieller renders a convincing portrait of a blossoming artist facing relatable coming-of-age issues. Some of the resolutions arrive in too-neat packages, but Dessa’s struggle to realize her dreams without hurting loved ones will resonate. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (June) [/em]