Kevin Quinn is a standard-variety American male: middle-aged,
liberal-leaning, self-centered, emotionally damaged, generally
determined to avoid both pain and responsibility. As his relationship
with his girlfriend approaches a turning point, and his career seems
increasingly pointless, he decides to secretly fly to a job interview in
Austin, Texas. Aboard the plane, Kevin is simultaneously attracted to
the young woman in the seat next to him and panicked by a new wave of
terrorism in Europe and the UK. He lands safely with neuroses intact and
full of hope that the job, the expansive city, and the girl from the
plane might yet be his chance for reinvention. His next eight hours make
up this novel, a tour-de-force of mordant humor, brilliant observation,
and page-turning storytelling.