The debut novel from Daniela Quirke is available now in print and electronic formats.
October 1998. Charlie is adrift—tending bar in Austin, drowning in ‘90s ennui, and quietly wondering if life has anything better to offer. She doesn’t believe in dreams—just survival, solitude, and the rare high of cooking a perfect meal. But when she crosses paths with a wounded extraterrestrial hiding out in a Texas park, everything shifts.
Before she knows it, she’s behind the wheel of her beat-up Corolla, tearing across the Lone Star State with an alien hitchhiker and no clue what she’s chasing—or why, for the first time in years, it suddenly feels like everything matters.
Set in the pre-gentrified sprawl of slacker-era Austin, The Whole Enchilada follows Charlie as she navigates grief, unexpected friendship, and a past that refuses to stay buried. Funny, fierce, and surprisingly tender, The Whole Enchilada is a cosmic coming-of-age story about fate, freedom, and finally figuring out where you belong—if anywhere at all.
Allegory-rich with grunge-era angst, pop culture deep cuts, and the restless energy of a generation raised on mixtapes and midnight movies, this is a tall Texas tale for the end of the 20th century.
Take a road trip through the wide-open question of what comes next—and discover that the biggest mystery isn’t in the sky. It’s in the rearview mirror.
More reader reviews
“This book is funny and a little silly and incredibly touching and so true. It’s the truest completely fictional story about an alien I’ve ever read. Thank you, Daniela. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.” – Holly G.
“Wholly original and alternately funny and contemplative, this novel takes you on a roadtrip with a quirky alien and a young woman struggling to find herself and resolve grief. Perfect for readers who enjoy trying something new and unique. Extra points for the Siouxie Sioux reference (and lots of other Gen X tidbits woven in)!” – Kara S.
“Who knew an alien from space named Joan could anchor such a charming story of love, grief, friendship and belonging?” – Cynthia A.
“This book is entertaining, and also like a comforting hug. It’s gently sci-fi, but more about connection. I finished it with a warm glow. And I think someone may have been cutting onions in the next room.” – Jo H.