Miranda July is one of the most exciting artists of our time. Her films, art projects, and books are celebrated and eagerly anticipated worldwide. Her new novel "The First Bad Man" proves once again that this author is in a league of her own. A moderately well-known artist treats herself to a trip from the West Coast of the USA to New York for her 45th birthday. She wants to prove something to herself and plans the tour alone by car, stepping out of her comfort zone. After two weeks, she must return to her husband and child, but mainly because the biggest living pop singer wants to meet her to discuss a collaborative project. However, she doesn't get far. Just a few kilometers from her suburban home, she seemingly falls in love with the man who cleans her car window at the gas station, Davey. She checks into a cheap motel, has her room completely redecorated by Davey's wife, and imagines herself into a different life. A grand novel about femininity outside the norm and desire beyond conventions.