Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy Curry is having a terrible year. Her mother has decided to move all the way across the country and needs Amy to drive their car from California to the East Coast. There's just one problem: since the death of her father, Amy hasn't been able to get behind the wheel of a car. Enter Roger, the son of an old family friend, who turns out to be unexpectedly cute...and dealing with some baggage of his own. Meeting new people and coming to terms with her father's death were not part of Amy's plans for the road trip. But then neither was driving on the Loneliest Road in America, seeing the Colorado Mountains, visiting diners, dingy motels and Graceland. But as they drive, and she grows closer to Roger, Amy finds that the people you least expected are the ones you need the most - - and that sometimes you have to get lost in order to find your way home.

I loved this book so much I could of followed Amy and Roger through all 50 states and up to Canada! The last line of the blurb is so poignant and true to their journey.

The plot complemented the journey perfectly and the cast of minor characters were so well thought out, each one played a significant if brief role. My personal favourite was Bronwyn who was the perfect girl to briefly befriend Amy with her southern hospitality.

I really felt for Amy throughout the book. The first chapter set up her character and gave enough background to intrigue you. The flashbacks slowly reveal what Amy was like before her father's death and the circumstances surrounding the death. Making it so clear to see how the death has affected not only Amy and her life but her family too. Her brother Charlie really intrigued me and the little snippets we got were perfect in giving the idea of a sibling relationship that wasn't perfect or extremely close but very real and important to the characters.

I loved Roger! His story was a little more light hearted but he was such a gentleman and the perfect travel companion throughout the book.

The relationship between Amy and Roger is kind of in the background for a lot of the book but it progresses rapidly  from family friends who can barely remember each other to friends who have spent so many significant moments together during the trip. I loved how the ending is resolved yet open to the future.

I loved the little details such as the receipts from hotels and restaurants which make you feel like you are part of the road trip too and the summaries of each state they passed through was brilliant!

I'm now solidly a Morgan Matson fan and I'm eagerly awaiting her next book!
If you haven't checked out this book yet do it! You will not regret it :)
If you've already read Epic Detour try Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt. Epic Detour reminded me of it in ways- Two Way  Street included less travel details but it's a very good read.

Much Love!
Lettie
xxx