Book excerpt: Part road trip, part mix-tape, The Life and Times of a Transitional Boyfriend, Vol. 1 takes you along on the humorous misadventures of our hapless hero, Ryan Barbe. He explores the open highway of life with a variety of friends, stopping long enough to take in the local scenery and enjoy what the eateries have to offer before moving on to his next journey. Between historical landmarks and out-of-the-way cafes, Ryan details his encounters with the assorted people he meets. From Redondo Beach to Nashville, with all of Texas in between, Ryan faces each potential calamity - and his overwhelming fear of sharks - with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a song on the car stereo. This self-proclaimed "music guy" knows the danger in the mix-tape; using someone else's words to tell a story or communicate a feeling. But these are Ryan's words. His mix-tape. To you.