Hitchhiker - Paperback
by Nettie Leeflang (Author)
At just nineteen, Nadia leaves behind everything she's ever known, thumbing rides across the vast Canadian landscape with nothing but a backpack and a fierce hope for a better life.
Drawn to Vancouver Island by dreams of gentler winters and brighter tomorrows, she discovers fleeting kindness in strangers' smiles, but also the harsh lessons of a world that demands more than she ever expected.
In the rain-soaked maze of Victoria's tent city, where survival trades in silence and sacrifice, Nadia faces a brutal choice: bend to survive or stand tall and risk everything.
This is not just a journey; it's a fight for her soul, a raw and tender story of resilience, freedom, and the high cost of staying true to yourself and finding faith again.
"Hitchhiker is more than just a story; it's a journey into the hidden struggles faced by many young people today. Raw, honest, and deeply moving, this book stays with you long after the last page."
"There wasn't a single thing I didn't like about this book. I give this young adult novel a solid 5 out of 5 stars."
"I'm a Christian high school student and had to review a book for English class. I used a gift card to buy Hitchhiker, and I'm so glad I did-it's a really unique and original read, not like most books. I loved that."
"What a beautiful book! I kept reading every chance I got and finished it in just a few hours. Living on the streets is no joke."
"This book offers a powerful and eye-opening look into what happened in the tent city in Victoria."
"This book opened my eyes to the realities some teenagers face. It belongs in every high school curriculum. It's a heartfelt, honest book that bridges generations."
"Nettie tells a compelling story in clear, straightforward language, making it accessible to a wide audience, not just young adults."
"This novel tackles difficult topics such as homelessness, addiction, poverty, and mental health with great sensitivity and empathy."
"In this book, Nettie vividly portrays life in a homeless encampment and thoughtfully explores its impact on surrounding communities."
"As a Christian high school student, I chose Hitchhiker for a class project. I liked it so much I finished the whole book in just one day."