Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
91. Morgan Matson, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
Amy Curry’s father just died in a car accident, and this tragedy has shattered her entire family. Now her brother’s in rehab, her mom’s decided to relocate the family all the way across the country, and Amy’s been left alone in California to finish her junior year. When summer arrives, Amy has to join her mother in Connecticut, but she can’t bring herself to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger Sullivan, the son of a family friend, who agrees to drive Amy on her cross-country road trip. As Amy and Roger hit the road, they decide to make a small deviation from their planned itinerary; but soon their “little detour” turns into a full-fledged adventure, and they form a close bond while exploring parts of America they never thought they’d see. But can they each survive the damage from their pasts and find a way to move forward?
This book surprised me, in a very good way. I was expecting a fun, fluffy, romantic novel, but it’s really more about Amy’s figurative (as well as literal) journey as she learns to cope with her father’s death. I was impressed with how well Matson described the grief and isolation that Amy feels, as well as the negative effects of the tragedy on her entire family. I also liked how the road trip is described in such meticulous detail; Matson has actually been on this trip herself, and it shows in her knowledge of the local restaurants, road signs, and landscapes. The book definitely made me want to go on a road trip of my own! Most of all, I enjoyed watching Amy and Roger’s relationship slowly unfold, and I think Matson took it to just the right place. I wouldn’t mind reading a sequel, though! I’d definitely recommend this book as a strong YA offering, and I’ll be looking out for more books by Matson.