Anything Once

"Anything Once" by Isabel Ostrander is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two main characters, James Botts and Lou Lacey, who find themselves together in a rural setting after a chance roadside encounter. As they navigate their way through personal trials and a shared journey, they grapple with themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of societal expectations. At the start of the novel, a young man is discovered injured on the side of a dusty road by Lou, a resourceful and spirited girl. She tends to his wounds and helps him recover in a secluded spot. As they talk, it becomes clear that Lou is running away from a difficult past, and is naïve about the world. Despite their differing backgrounds, a bond forms between them as they journey together. James, who is on a time-sensitive quest to reach New York, feels a sense of responsibility for Lou, while she admires his self-reliance and courage. Their relationship evolves against the backdrop of rural America, setting the stage for further adventures and personal revelations as they move closer to their respective destinies.