Massachusetts, California, Timbuktu

the long version

Colleen pages through maps and tourist books and phone books, looking for their next home. This time, the destination is Massachusetts. They'll stay with Colleen's old friend, Marie, her husband, Bill, and their kids. Colleen promises it will be the beginning of the rest of their lives. But Justine knows that the truth never just comes waltzing out of someone's mouth through a smile-shaped opening. Once mother and daughters hit the road, another story begins to unfold in the guise of the pioneer diary of Zebulina Walker, whose westward journey offers an intriguing counterpoint to Justine's sudden eastbound voyage. Away from California, as Justine desperately tries to navigate the changing terrain of home, family, and adolescence, Colleen slips further into despondency. Forced to take over all responsibilities, Justine realizes it's up to her to make sure their little family survives the "grand adventure."