Carlie is not merely traveling. A child sexual abuse survivor, as a teen she 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.
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I was watching myself from beside myself. I saw myself crouched in the dim light of our hall stairs. (I WAS WATCHING MYSELF FROM BESIDE MYSELF)
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(@brwpublisher, 2 March 2023, e-galley, 267 pages, copy from the author)
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I decided to read this book because I loved the title. As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back is a great title and made me want to read the book, demanded that I pick it up. I thought this was an incredible book. At times it's heart-breaking as Carlie is plagued by flashbacks of her abuse while trying to heal and move on the only ways she can. I wanted to hug her and shield her from the pain of her memories. Hats off to the author for tackling the subject of child sexual abuse with such respect and dignity. You get little flashes of what happens to Calie but not the whole story, enough to make you root for her and hate her abusers. I got swept into this book and didn't want to leave. I was devastated when I finished it and didn't want to leave Calie behind. I'd recommend this.
