Book Review: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 368

Received: Library

Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆








Summary:
                    Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

My Thoughts:

This book makes me want to travel anywhere and anytime of day. I think this book influenced me more than it should of. I related in similar experiences and it was a joy ride for me. If you're still wondering what this is about.. well it's Amy and Roger's DETOUR.

Amy Curry needs to get herself to Connecticut (while she is in Los Angeles, California). But there's a problem. She can't drive because of an incident what happened with her father. So Mrs. Curry puts Roger to the job. They haven't seen each other in A LOT TIME. So we can basically call them strangers. 

And THUS the adventure road trip begins. I kind of envied their trip because I know I won't go on a road trip soon. LET ALONE A CUTE COLLEGE BOY. This might actually be a story of girl meets boy and it takes centuries for them to get together. But there were MANY little details that make that story theirs. The pictures were also fun to read. I legitimately felt like I was there with them. 

THE PLAYLISTS. I actually knew some bands in Roger's playlists. I loved the little detailed pictures that came with it. 

I also feel like I need to mention Lucien. As you may not know, Lucien is Roger's ex-girlfriend's brother. He is charming and very southern. Lucien understands some of Amy's experiences with family. He has a soft heart. He was a gentlemen and had some wit. What more can Amy ask?

Like all road trips, they come to an end. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour isn't your typical travel, road trip story. It shows how the characters deal with losing someone close to them, and how they come to terms with it. Like it said in the blurb, Amy did find herself. I'm so happy how all the characters overcame their problems. I am definitely looking forward to what Morgan Matson has in store.

4.5/5 STARS