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

Title ~ Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Morgan Matson
Release Date ~ May 4, 2010
Publisher ~ Simon and Schuster
Source ~ A Good Addiction

GOODREADS 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.

REVIEW

What a fantastically quirky book! Amy and Roger are thrown into a cross-country road trip with the most awful timing for both of them. Rather than sulk and argue the whole time, they look to the positive and find opportunities they never expected.

Amy is reeling from her father’s recent death in a car accident. It is no wonder she is not comfortable driving the family car across the country. Amy starts off seemingly emotionless, but she softens and shares her true feelings and grief over her father’s death. Soon enough, her witty and fun side begins to emerge. I love this girl and how she comes off so real and pure.

Roger is nursing a recently broken heart. He is one of those overly sweet and adorable guys that I just cannot get enough of. Roger has what Amy needs right now, an open mind and an open heart. He is willing to really listen to her and offer his support. Roger is the epic part of this trip and it is heart-warming when he and Amy begin to trust each other.

The actual road trip is not just a cross-country trip with a massive detour. Sure, they visit both touristy and unusual places, but there is more going on in that car.  It is an emotional journey for both Amy and Roger. They each learn about themselves and about each other. They share. They grow. They have fun. They let loose. THEY LIVE.

As for the quirky? This book reads like a true road trip. I found scrapbook pages, photos, notes, diner menus, receipts and more laced throughout the story. Oh wait, the songs! I have to mention the songs. There is a whole playlist of songs that bring Amy and Roger’s story to life. How quirky is that?

Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour takes a quirky look at coming to terms with grief and moving on. This feel-good contemporary is perfect to read over your holiday break.