John is very lucky.

When all his family died, he survived.

When others struggle to make ends meet, he doesn't need to work.

He is healthy, not bad looking, smart, and good with his hands.

He is also half insane from isolation, grief, and lack of purpose.

After making the decission to embark on a Kerouacian adventure of self-discovery, John wakes up the morning of his planned departure to a busted car and a chance for a wholly different, and slightly less cliche, journey.