When Tessa's Great Aunt Sadie passes away, all the relatives gather like vultures at her house tagging those of Sadie's possessions they want. There is only one hitch: none of the inheritance can be distributed until Sadie's ashes are spread throughout the United States and Canada in accordance with specific instructions she has provided...a task that could take several months. None of relatives, however, are willing to take the time for this road trip so they volunteer Tessa who is not in school and not working. Against her better judgment, she accepts. Outfitted with a newly refurbished truck and camper and money from the estate's attorney, Tessa takes to the road. Along the way she is accosted by selfish relatives, meets truly nice people and has epiphanies about her girlfriend, Dina, and her father's tragic accident.
The Urn Carrier by Chris Convissor is more travelogue than coming of age novel. It recounts where Tessa goes and who she meets, but goes into little detail about her feelings as she spreads her Great Aunt Sadie's ashes. Most of the people she meets are superfluous to her story. Unwarranted changes in several characters as well as abrupt chapter and subject changes mar the tale. The fact that Tessa is a transgender originally named Teddy is subtly noted and is subject to an uncharacteristic comment by Dina which causes a rift between them. While one issue is resolved at the end, many are left unresolved. The Urn Carrier is an unsatisfying read. ( )