#BookReview: Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul

Synopsis: Jack is on the verge for leaving for college, but before he does, he wants to track down his estranged brother, Alex and find some closure in the wake of their father's death. Meanwhile, Hallie has just found out some upsetting news about a friend in Oregon, and she has a small window to go see him before it's too late.

Jack and Hallie are practically strangers. They shared a class together years ago and haven't seen each other since, though they have more in common than they'd ever imagine. And when fate puts them into the same rideshare to the bus terminal, it kicks off an unconventional and hilarious adventure that may lead them to their own true selves…and maybe to each other.



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars
My Review: This one was a wonderful story about loss and hope. I loved the journey and I couldn't not put it down.  I need another book set in this world. It was so breathtaking and new and moves you though their lives. 

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-It's Jack's last day of high school and his 18th birthday. Still reeling from the death of his father the previous year, struggling with anxiety, and feeling ambivalent about his college plans, Jack has a lot on his plate. When his girlfriend, Natasha, drops a bomb on him days before they are set to begin the next chapter of their lives together, it throws everything into question. Meanwhile, Hallie's cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment have forced her to miss out on much of her high school experience and has put a strain on her family's finances. Although she has been in remission for some time, she has found it difficult to plan for the future or find pleasure in things she used to enjoy. At the start of this novel, her thoughts are consumed by some concerning news she received at her last doctor's appointment. After their paths cross in a serendipitous meeting, Jack and Hallie end up on an unexpected road trip together, both searching for answers. In alternating perspectives, the protagonists feel authentic, as does the connection they form. While the ending wraps up a bit too tidily, readers will be invested in these characters and enjoy watching them become confident in forging their own paths versus doing what is expected of them. Main characters' ethnicity isn't stated. VERDICT A fun and thought-provoking read for mid-size or larger collections.-Kimberly Tolson, Millis P.L., MAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"Reul (My Kind of Crazy) offsets heavy content with a burgeoning friendship conveyed in alternating chapters, and mixes appealing banter and vulnerability to tell a story of two teenagers who are trying to do their best under difficult circumstances." - Publishers Weekly

"Whether you're about to graduate or just feel lost in life, Jack and Hallie's story tells us that it's okay, everything will work out the way it's supposed to, even if it's not what you expected." - Grace, Age 17 (Kids Book Buzz)

"My copy of this soul-filling, raw, love song of a novel is dog-eared and highlighted within an inch of its life. Where the Road Leads Us envelops you the way the very best stories do. I would follow Jack and Hallie—and author Robin Reul—anywhere." - Jennifer Niven, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places

"This story depicts the meaning of serendipity in the most beautiful of ways...I recommend this novel for anyone who loves a good story centered around friendship, travel, and a need for spontaneity in their life!" - Julia B, The Nerd Daily

"This is a great readalike for students who like road trip romances like An Abundance of Katherines by John Green." - Youth Services Book Review

"Reul delivers a road trip with meaning." - Booklist

"[Readers] will be invested in these characters and enjoy watching them become confident in forging their own paths versus doing what is expected of them... A fun and thought-provoking read for mid-size or larger collections." - School Library Journal

"Reul presents a fresh take on serendipitous encounters as a mix of humorous escapades and soulful discussions cause Jack and Hallie to reevaluate their futures and take charge of their lives, with a hint of romance also driving the tension...A feel-good story with depth." - Kirkus Reviews

"It's a tender and heartfelt read with an ending both hopeful and sincere, and readers will happily share the ride." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Where the Road Leads Us propels you through a heartfelt adventure as two teens take a wild road trip to confront their pasts and find their true destinies. I couldn't put it down" - Jeff Garvin, author of Lambda Literary Award finalist Symptoms of Being Human 

"A beautiful, tender and thoughtful meditation on finding your way through the loneliness of grief back to hope" - Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also a Star

"Jack and Hallie hit the road in a quest to confront heartbreak, fear, and grief in this wild, sad, and hopeful novel. Robin Reul tackles tough topics with a nuanced, often hilarious, touch. This is a road trip novel of the best sort, the kind that asks, 'What shall I do with the rest of my life?' As Jack and Hallie discover, the answer is, 'Live it.' A lovely, compassionate, and compulsive read" - Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and How to Make Friends with the Dark

"Jack and Hallie's journey is filled with surprises and sweet discoveries about our choices in life; you'll be glad you jumped on board. Anyone who has faced loss and uncertainty in their life will relate to this emotionally honest, hopeful book." - Misa Sugiura, author of It's Not Like It's a Secret and This Time Will Be Different

Did you know that comments are DELICIOUS? Well they are and if you comment on any of these posts you could win some awesome goodies! 

Don't forget to check out our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and out other social media found on the side bar! 

 Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own."  Thanks to Goodreads and Amazon for the book cover, about the book, and author information. Buying via these links allows my site to get a % of the sale at no cost to you. 

FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. If am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. 

Posted in: 4 Stars, Edelweiss, Review, SourceBooks Fire, Young Adult