Join Alle C. Hall for a conversation with Daniella Mestyanek Young (Uncultured: A Memoir) about her debut novel, As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back. Described by author Jamie Ford (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) as “A rare novel that shows how easily childhood trauma can be internalized and normalized, distorting our coming-of-age,” As Far as You Can Go is Carly’s story as a child sexual abuse survivor.

As a teen Carly steals ten thousand dollars and runs away to Asia. There, the Lonely Planet path of hookups, heat, alcohol, and drugs takes on a terrifying reality. Landing in Tokyo in the late 1980s, Carlie falls in with an international crew of tai chi-practicing backpackers. With their help, she has the chance at a journey she didn’t plan for: one to find the self-respect taken from her as a child and the healthy sexuality she desires.