Nowhere Near the Sea of Cortez blew me away. The book is laugh outloud funny while at the same time reveals several thought provoking themes and beautiful, lyrical prose. Harris' portrayal of character is outstanding. The short, creatively titled chapters allowed me to closely observe the inner workings of these incredible people and fall in love with all of their troubled souls. The plot's many twists and turns and the author's understanding of all walks of life (young, old, male, female, academics, hippies, mad poets, jehovah's witnesses, and crazed existentialists) prove he is a master storyteller. I can't wait for his next novel.