The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian

Retiree Ella Robina decides to take a road trip with her husband, John, in their Winnebago, from their home outside Detroit to Disneyland. Going along as much of Route 66 as is left, it will probably be their last vacation together, since Ella has stopped her cancer treatment and John is suffering from advanced Alzheimer's. While on their journey, Ella recounts memories of their life together and guides the reader through the Route 66 tourist traps along the way. With John as the driver and companion, the trip is, at times, scary and stressful for Ella, who has to make sure he doesn't wander off. Other times, we see the love and tenderness between the couple. While my description might make the book seem to be a downer, it's not. The Leisure Seeker is a heartfelt, at times humorous, look at what it's like to get old with the one you love. If you're looking for another road novel featuring older characters, try The Widows' Adventures by Charles Dickinson. Also, I'm glad to see that Zadoorian is still writing. I loved his first novel, Second Hand. The Leisure Seeker will be published next month.