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Your Destination Is on the Left
by
Dessa Rhodes is a modern day nomad. Her family travels in an RV, their lives defined by state lines, exit signs, and the small communal caravan they call home. Among them is Cyrus, her best friend and long-time crush, whom she knows she can never be with. When your families are perpetually linked, it’s too dangerous to take a risk on romance.
Instead, Dessa looks to the ...more
Instead, Dessa looks to the ...more
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Hardcover, 304 pages
Published
June 26th 2018
by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Megan Moller
I'm thirteen, and I read this. The language can be a little harsh, but if you're at least 13, you should be fine.
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Start your review of Your Destination Is on the Left
Well it's official: I have a new favorite 2018 debut and its none other than Lauren Spieller's Your Destination Is on the Left.
I never planned on reading this book in February given its June release date; however, in a moment of weakness, or as I like to call it curiosity, I read the first chapter. Before I knew it the first chapter turned into the fifth, and by the end of the night I had read it from start-to-finish in one sitting.
Do I have any regrets? No and yes.
No, because Your ...more
I never planned on reading this book in February given its June release date; however, in a moment of weakness, or as I like to call it curiosity, I read the first chapter. Before I knew it the first chapter turned into the fifth, and by the end of the night I had read it from start-to-finish in one sitting.
Do I have any regrets? No and yes.
No, because Your ...more
Full disclosure: I read this book a long time ago, and I just recently read the finished version and I am just as awestruck then as I am now. I fell in love with Dessa's passion for art and her plight to find out who she is -- both artistically and as a person.
And can we just talk about Cyrus for a moment? Because S-W-O-O-N.
I loved it. If I could give it a thousand stars, I would.
And can we just talk about Cyrus for a moment? Because S-W-O-O-N.
I loved it. If I could give it a thousand stars, I would.
I liked this so much that I said so officially!
“Dessa and her story sparkle with fierce, creative passion. This is a journey I would happily take over and over again.” —Dahlia Adler, author of Just Visiting
I really think this is a book fans of Just Visiting would really enjoy. It's full of art and travel and a girl gently but fiercely fighting for her independence against everything and everyone she knows. And as you can see, I read it pretty damn quickly, too! (Which used to be a given for me, ...more
“Dessa and her story sparkle with fierce, creative passion. This is a journey I would happily take over and over again.” —Dahlia Adler, author of Just Visiting
I really think this is a book fans of Just Visiting would really enjoy. It's full of art and travel and a girl gently but fiercely fighting for her independence against everything and everyone she knows. And as you can see, I read it pretty damn quickly, too! (Which used to be a given for me, ...more
Probably around 3.5*?
So this was quite cute! While I wasn't exactly blown away with novelty, it was certainly enjoyable enough. I am a sucker for a road trip, and I loved how much Dessa was able explore not only her relationships with others, but what she wanted out of life too.
There's a huge focus on family, which is nice, and it definitely is an interesting look into a more nomadic lifestyle than most of us are used to. Honestly, I cannot imagine living with my entire family in an RV now, ...more
So this was quite cute! While I wasn't exactly blown away with novelty, it was certainly enjoyable enough. I am a sucker for a road trip, and I loved how much Dessa was able explore not only her relationships with others, but what she wanted out of life too.
There's a huge focus on family, which is nice, and it definitely is an interesting look into a more nomadic lifestyle than most of us are used to. Honestly, I cannot imagine living with my entire family in an RV now, ...more
Dessa Rhodes, a meticulous perfectionist craving for normalcy, stability, and independence, was easily a protagonist I could not only relate to, but also actively root for right from the get-go. Her character was a wonderfully delightful mix of determined and frightened.
The plot itself wasn’t very complex, which is not a significant issue because this novel was heavily steered by its characters rather than by its plot. I thought it was a fitting approach because in doing so, Your Destination Is ...more
The plot itself wasn’t very complex, which is not a significant issue because this novel was heavily steered by its characters rather than by its plot. I thought it was a fitting approach because in doing so, Your Destination Is ...more
Aug 26, 2019
Sana
marked it as d-n-f
A cute story, but not for me. I find myself not caring and becoming bored w this as I read on.
Going to leave this with no rating.
Going to leave this with no rating.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! You need to pick it up right now...like, right away.
The entire idea of the story to bring an artist's fear or happiness in the limelight connects so much to me, it's hard not to relate. Dessa is a teenager who wants her life to be normal, not something most teenagers want but when you're always on the road and your family are nomads, this is exactly what you want. Especially when you want to become an artist and you want to enter college and you even land an internship ...more
The entire idea of the story to bring an artist's fear or happiness in the limelight connects so much to me, it's hard not to relate. Dessa is a teenager who wants her life to be normal, not something most teenagers want but when you're always on the road and your family are nomads, this is exactly what you want. Especially when you want to become an artist and you want to enter college and you even land an internship ...more
Full of heart, art, and the funny specifics on what life is like when your home is an RV that you share with three other family members. Not only was YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT an entertaining read, one that wraps you up in the characters and their journey, but it's also the type of story that speaks to larger themes. It's an important read for anyone who feels to call to create, and in doing so, is faced with rejection and failure--which Dessa, the main character in this well-written
...more
I loved this book so much, and so easily connected with Dessa — her voice, her struggle to figure out what to do with her life, and the dilemmas she faced were all so relatable. I also love that she's so passionate about art, so her internship was fun to read about. It was also fascinating for me to learn more about RV culture, of which I previously knew so little. And of course, there's Cyrus — the romantic tension was palpable. So well done! I highly recommend this one.
This book has art. It has RVs. It has a boy who rides a motorcycle. And it has one of the most charming little miscreant brothers the world has ever known. (Love you forever, Rodney).
Your Destination is on the Left also has an abundance of that most addictive of YA contemporary feelings -- you know that thing where your heart hurts while you're reading because you've felt all those feelings before and you've made all those decisions before? And maybe you still don't actually know what the right ...more
Your Destination is on the Left also has an abundance of that most addictive of YA contemporary feelings -- you know that thing where your heart hurts while you're reading because you've felt all those feelings before and you've made all those decisions before? And maybe you still don't actually know what the right ...more
This was the first time I’d read a book written by a friend. That was incredible. Her way with words is simple and poetic, and her characters are real and dimensional! The plot was excellent and was a positive story of how important confidence is in aspiring to be your best.
3.5 stars
There are a lot of things to love about Lauren Spieller's debut, Your Destination Is on the Left.
The first thing is super evident, and it's how skilled of a writer Spieller is. She's fantastic, and you know that even though this is her debut, she really knows how to write a story for young adults.
Seriously, she understands the things that make YA books so great, and she's managed to seamlessly incorporate them in her writing. Things like romance that isn't invasive, characters really ...more
There are a lot of things to love about Lauren Spieller's debut, Your Destination Is on the Left.
The first thing is super evident, and it's how skilled of a writer Spieller is. She's fantastic, and you know that even though this is her debut, she really knows how to write a story for young adults.
Seriously, she understands the things that make YA books so great, and she's managed to seamlessly incorporate them in her writing. Things like romance that isn't invasive, characters really ...more
One of the most unique contemporary YA premises I've read! This is a fresh, lovely story about self-discovery, independence, and growing up.
“All that matters is that I when I’m with Cy, I know who I am and I know what I want. When I’m with Cy, I’m home.”
Your Destination Is on The Left is such a charming novel about discovering one’s self and pursuing your goals no matter what obstacles lie ahead. The importance of family is a recurring theme throughout the story, and the friendships between the protagonist, Dessa and her friends, Cyrus and Tarryn, were simply beautiful. I flew through this novel in two sittings, and absolutely ...more
Full disclosure - I had the privilege of reading this book a couple of times before publication. One of the things I have always loved about this book, besides the super interesting concept of a nomadic group of families traveling together full time across the US, is the way the idea of failure is approached. We have such rigid ideas of what it means to fail and to succeed, and YOUR DESTINATION ON THE LEFT challenges that in so many ways, in ways that feel realistic. As an artist myself (of a
...more
I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did.
Your Destination Is on the Left is about 17-year-old Dessa and her path to finding her muse again. All through middle and high school, YA contemporary was my jam, but the genre slowly started to wear on me, and when Twilight kicked off the YA fantasy phenomenon, I didn't read much more contemporary aside from the fun, kitschy reads, only diving deeper into the world of fantasy. But then this book came along, and it not only surprised me, but ...more
Your Destination Is on the Left is about 17-year-old Dessa and her path to finding her muse again. All through middle and high school, YA contemporary was my jam, but the genre slowly started to wear on me, and when Twilight kicked off the YA fantasy phenomenon, I didn't read much more contemporary aside from the fun, kitschy reads, only diving deeper into the world of fantasy. But then this book came along, and it not only surprised me, but ...more
The family motto was "never stop moving". Though they meant it terms of physical location, it applied to Dessa with respect to her emotional and personal growth.
Dessa's family had been living a nomadic life for the past five years, but Dessa had plans of her own. She aspired and worked towards the goal of going to art school and becoming an artist. She yearned for some independence, and not having all her life choices decided by a group vote. However, after countless college rejections, she ...more
Dessa's family had been living a nomadic life for the past five years, but Dessa had plans of her own. She aspired and worked towards the goal of going to art school and becoming an artist. She yearned for some independence, and not having all her life choices decided by a group vote. However, after countless college rejections, she ...more
Mmmmmmm
That was good.
That was sweet.
That was frustrating.
That was cute.
This book is a lot of things to me It can be super cute and adorable, but there are times which you wanna reach into the book, grab Dessa by her shoulders, and say, "Get a grip on yourself! You can do this!"
I liked the premise of the book being "Girl always traveling and getting rejected by colleges wants to be an artist." I really liked Dessa's character. She was super relatable at times which is really good for the main ...more
That was good.
That was sweet.
That was frustrating.
That was cute.
This book is a lot of things to me It can be super cute and adorable, but there are times which you wanna reach into the book, grab Dessa by her shoulders, and say, "Get a grip on yourself! You can do this!"
I liked the premise of the book being "Girl always traveling and getting rejected by colleges wants to be an artist." I really liked Dessa's character. She was super relatable at times which is really good for the main ...more
An arc of this book was sent to me by Simon Teen in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
The Destination Is on the Left is a beautiful story of growing up, letting go, and being brave. I loved the idea of this story, and the plot was wonderful! The setting and the character development was just a great addition. Dessa is a girl that is gently, but fiercely, fighting her struggles to get to her end goal of studying art. I fell in love with her passion for art ...more
Rating: 3.5 / 5
The Destination Is on the Left is a beautiful story of growing up, letting go, and being brave. I loved the idea of this story, and the plot was wonderful! The setting and the character development was just a great addition. Dessa is a girl that is gently, but fiercely, fighting her struggles to get to her end goal of studying art. I fell in love with her passion for art ...more
3.5 stars.
I really liked this! The family caravan foundation made for a unique set-up. Dessa's internal dilemma of disappointing her parents by not wanting to adopt their lifestyle was relatable; I felt the frustration right alongside her. I did want more development -- to better get to know D's family, especially her grandmother. I had some questions about the internship, and Cy -- lots to unpack here. I might be watching too much Dawson's Creek lately but Dessa totally reminded me of a Joey ...more
I really liked this! The family caravan foundation made for a unique set-up. Dessa's internal dilemma of disappointing her parents by not wanting to adopt their lifestyle was relatable; I felt the frustration right alongside her. I did want more development -- to better get to know D's family, especially her grandmother. I had some questions about the internship, and Cy -- lots to unpack here. I might be watching too much Dawson's Creek lately but Dessa totally reminded me of a Joey ...more
I really like reading books about art and artists, but this one didn't speak to me as much as I hoped it did. I liked reading about the life of a traveler, but I think a lot of the plot was predictable, and also one of the characters said something I think is kind of problematic about Hinduism which really turned me off to the rest of the book, so I'm knocking another star off of what could have been a 4 star read.
This was a cool read because it's not your typical YA situation. The MC's home is the RV she travels in with her parents and little brother, alongside a couple other families. She just finished high school (via online courses) and wants to go to art college. But her parents are reluctant to see her leave the traveling life, and did I mention there's a boy she might just be in love with?
Jan 05, 2019
Madison Lessard
marked it as to-read
How did it take me this long to realize that's the cathedral in Santa Fe on the cover? Blessed. Now I have to read this.
You got to do what to you want to do!
Dessa and her family travel in an RV caravan that is really a loving, supportive, rolling semi-communal home inhabited mostly by we-missed-the-60's-hippies. But with Dessa's adulthood bearing down on her, she is conflicted. She was raised to believe in family unity as one of the highest values, but does she really believe that commitment to a family should compel you to abandon your own individual potential? Dessa and the rest of the cast are finely drawn, her lifestyle fascinating, the romance
...more
As someone who is both very close to her family and very fond of putting down roots and staying there (preferably in a nice house with some history of its own), Dessa having to make a choice between those two things was a genuine struggle -- not least because I ALSO love road trips.
I always say I'm not big on travel, but what I really mean is I don't want to mess with airports, passports, and unfamiliar countries. Traveling around the country on wheels? I couldn't and wouldn't want to do it ...more
I always say I'm not big on travel, but what I really mean is I don't want to mess with airports, passports, and unfamiliar countries. Traveling around the country on wheels? I couldn't and wouldn't want to do it ...more
A unique story with lots of relatable moments. Loved it!
I've never read a book quite like this one. I was rooting for Dessa from page one and then rooting HARDER for her by the end. I loved how quiet it was and how sweet and inspiring. Beautiful and heartbreaking.
Full disclosure here in that I was extremely privileged to read Your Destination Is on the Left in its infancy and also in this final form of completion, with this published version being a beautifully refined version of the one I first read.
Dessa's story is one that pulled me in and has stuck with me over the months since I first read it. I'm a sucker for sibling stories, and the relationship between Dessa and her little brother, Rodney, is one I fully believed existed in real life. This goes ...more
Dessa's story is one that pulled me in and has stuck with me over the months since I first read it. I'm a sucker for sibling stories, and the relationship between Dessa and her little brother, Rodney, is one I fully believed existed in real life. This goes ...more
This story helped me through a slump.
It was what some of us call wonderful feel good fluff.
Sometimes I believe we all feel like Dessa scared to fail however we cannot allow the fear of failing stop us from trying or living our happiness, doing what brings us happiness.
Some of us allow love, friendship and even family to curve our dreams or happiness and we truly cannot allow these things to rule our happiness or we just may miss those opportunities that lead us to our destination.
In this great ...more
It was what some of us call wonderful feel good fluff.
Sometimes I believe we all feel like Dessa scared to fail however we cannot allow the fear of failing stop us from trying or living our happiness, doing what brings us happiness.
Some of us allow love, friendship and even family to curve our dreams or happiness and we truly cannot allow these things to rule our happiness or we just may miss those opportunities that lead us to our destination.
In this great ...more
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