Interstate 70, April 1969
Only a year into the Air Force Academy, Sam Roberts has resigned. His father is furious. His mother is understanding but unsupportive. As for him, well . . . Sam doesn’t really know what to think anymore. All he knows is that he doesn’t believe in the US’s involvement in the Vietnam War and can’t be part of it any longer.

Leaving both his girlfriend and the Academy behind in Colorado, Sam hitchhikes his way down Interstate 70 all the way home to Missouri. Along his way, he’ll meet people from all walks of life: four Hispanic youths driving to a quinceañera, retired WWII vets who have differing opinions on the war, a hippie who just left the service, and a couple from California. Each brings their own perspective to both the Vietnam War and American ideals. As for Sam, he’ll end up sharing more than just a ride—the exchange of ideas will set him on the course he was always meant to be on.

Inspired by his own experiences, James Charles Smith’s debut novel Flightless Falcon presents the varying nuances of American political beliefs during the late 1960s. Through Sam’s interactions between people’s perceptions on war, life, and love, Smith creates a narrative that reveals pivotal history through this coming of age story, transporting readers to a place where soul-searching is possible.