Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler

So Anne Tyler has produced one of the most memorable characters in this short book.  Micah is a self-employed IT help service and likes to be organised.  He drives carefully imagining that there is a Traffic God looking on approvingly.

A few things happen that throw Micah off.  His 'girlfriend' acts strangely.  A boy turns up at his door wondering if he is his dad.  And then there's the redhead … I won't spoil that for you.

There are moments of humour – such as when Micah has dinner with his chaotic family.

There are also moments of bitter reflection.