Sixteen-year-old John Grady Cole, the last in a long line of Texas ranchers, finds himself disconnected from the only life he has ever known. With his friend Lacey Rawlins, he sets off for Mexico in search of a fresh start and a sense of purpose. Their journey is filled with moments of beauty and adventure, as well as challenges that test their resolve and friendship. In Mexico, John finds work on a ranch and falls in love, but he also encounters harsh realities that force him to confront the cost of his dreams. McCarthy's novel is a poignant exploration of youth, freedom, and the enduring quest for identity.​