The author involuntarily undertakes a journey that takes him through the American Southwest, San Francisco, Kathmandu, and parts beyond. The book is loosely based on travel the author has engaged in at various times in his life, but is set in the summer and autumn of 1988. The author has personally visited almost all of the locations described in the book. Some of the author's interactions with characters met during the journey are factually accurate, but most are fictions of the author's fertile imagination. Through these interactions, as well as the lyrics of many classic-rock songs, the book explores various aspects of our fragile existence on this planet. In addition, as a travelogue, the book provides snapshots of information about the locations visited by the author during his journey.