Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane

In this memoir, Lindy West recounts a cross-country road trip undertaken during a difficult period in her life. She explores her experiences following the success of Shrill—both the book and Hulu series—and examines how she struggled with depression, marital strain, and questions about her identity despite being perceived by others as an empowered figure. West describes her emotional crisis and the journey she undertook to recover her sense of self-worth. She reflects on her feelings about marriage, her post-Shrill struggles, and her search for personal direction. The narrative documents both memorable moments—natural landscapes and roadside attractions—and disappointing experiences encountered during her travels, ultimately chronicling her transformation from a passive observer of her own life to an active participant in shaping her future.