My Summer on Route 66

A light-novel road story set on the Mother Road • By Brian Keating

Story Summary

When twenty-two-year-old Jess Fitzgerald loses her beloved grandfather, she inherits more than his keepsakes—she inherits his wanderlust. A lifetime of journals and black-and-white photos capture his memories of cruising the open highways in America’s golden age of travel, especially the legendary Route 66.

To Jess’s surprise, his will leaves her enough life-insurance money to take her own journey, with one condition: she must use part of it to see the country for herself. Still haunted by her mother’s death and unsure of her future after college, Jess takes a leave of absence and decides to follow in both of their tire tracks.

With the help of her father, she pieces together an itinerary from her grandfather’s and mother’s notes and sets out in early summer, driving a red Jeep Renegade she names Shirley, accompanied by her loyal Australian Shepherd, Cameron. From neon-lit diners in Illinois to the desert motels of New Mexico, Jess uncovers family secrets, makes new friends, and learns that the road’s true purpose isn’t reaching the destination—it’s discovering who you become along the way.

Author’s Notes

My original concept for My Summer on Route 66 was to present it as a manga, but since I don’t have a background in illustration, I decided to develop it as a light novel for now. The visuals here are AI-generated after many iterations to bring Jess, Cameron, and the Mother Road to life.

If you’re a manga artist or illustrator looking to expand your portfolio, feel free to contact me—I’d love to collaborate.

Jess represents a part of me—almost a twin sister or daughter—someone who carries forward my own wanderlust and experiences. Through her, I get to relive journeys, share what I’ve learned, and see the world again with new eyes.

Stories from the Road

Chapters will appear here as they’re published.

“Today” (Smashing Pumpkins) — Jess leaves Chicago at first light; coffee at Lou Mitchell’s, a paper map on the seat, and too many unsent messages in her phone.
More stories and songs will appear here as Jess’s journey continues.