I'm so pleased to be the first reviewer of these deeply felt stories, all filled with the worst impulses and best laid worst plans. The book is populated by some unusual characters, such as travelers who envision homeless shelters as funky youth hostels, and an Outward Bound group of misfits who form a merry band. Everyone is young and old beyond their years and some are your typical teenage/early twenties searchers like the babysitter who doesn't get molested by the dad in the car, and the teacher of English in Mexico who's resentful of the privileged blonde missionaries who blow into her town to do some shopping for souvenirs and trolling of local boys. Every setting is vivid and every sin seems unforgiveable. The narratives are so convincing that you'll probably see these places in your own travels and travails. Really absorbing. ( )