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Where the Road Leads Us
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.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2021
About the author
Robin Reul
2 books167 followersThe author of MY KIND OF CRAZY and WHERE THE ROAD LEADS US, Robin Reul has been writing since she was in early elementary school, when she used to make her own book club flyers for her classmates and then pen them original stories. She loves to write stories that straddle the line between humor and heartbreak, filled with quirky, memorable characters who stay with the reader long after the story ends. When she's not writing, Robin can be found drinking copious amounts of iced coffee and listening to way too much 80's music. She lives in Los Angeles suburbia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 26, 2022
This book was sweet in a pretty corny way, but a fun journey. I do love stories where we get to see the events through more than one perspective. The writing was excellent in places and the characters were pretty well developed. Jack has just graduated and even though he’s supposed to be leaving for New York City for an internship he finds something that motivates him to find his brother who struggles with addiction. Hallie has had some of her own struggles but is desperate to go to a friend’s good bye party the following day in Oregon. Both of them set out to go on a road trip that will end up being pretty cheesy but an experience of their lives.
May 14, 2021
Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul is a book about two characters trying to find themselves and what they really want out of life.
Jack is dealing with a father who had passed away a brother who is a recovering addict and a mother who is absent always traveling for her job. Hallie is trying to meet somebody who is dying from cancer and is trying to get to him before he decides to end his life.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and their personalities. I could feel their personal struggles, and my heart ached for them. Even though, this book dealt with some hard topics, it had lots of comedy to make me laugh out loud. I gave this book an A+.
Jack is dealing with a father who had passed away a brother who is a recovering addict and a mother who is absent always traveling for her job. Hallie is trying to meet somebody who is dying from cancer and is trying to get to him before he decides to end his life.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and their personalities. I could feel their personal struggles, and my heart ached for them. Even though, this book dealt with some hard topics, it had lots of comedy to make me laugh out loud. I gave this book an A+.
Want to read
October 17, 2020This is not exactly the type of book I might normally pick up....it's realistic fiction and I have a feeling there's going to be a bit of romance in it....but THIS COVER, GUYS. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COVERS I HAVE EVER SEEN.
April 10, 2021
When I started reading Where the Road Leads Us, I was expecting a very heartbreaking and difficult-to-read book. What I discovered instead was a fun read, with lots of profound messages, much the same as Unpregnant by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan. They both feature a road trip where all the characters have a different purpose but have gathered in the same car for the ride. While in Unpregnant it was with the purpose of ending an unwanted pregnancy for one girl and meeting a distant father for the other one, in Where the Road Leads Us, we have three characters who at first seem, total strangers, each with their own goal.
Hallie is a cancer survivor who wants to leave Los Angeles to visit a friend she met online who is ending his own life via assisted suicide since he is in a lot of pain and his cancer is incurable. She buys the bus tickets with money she steals from her parents since she thinks they would not approve of her leaving on her own to meet a boy she met online for such a tragic meeting, but the wildfires are making all the buses late and she is stuck.
Jack was just dumped by his girlfriend on graduation day which is also his birthday so he is naturally very upset and leaves a party with a car-sharing service to hang out at a nearby bus station to lose some time because his car is stuck by other party attendants. In the car, he meets Hallie who is going in the same direction, and their car driver Oscar, who also wants to leave LA to stop his ex-girlfriend's wedding and maybe switch places with the groom if all goes according to his plan. Earlier in the day, Jack discovers a letter from his departed father to his estranged brother that he never managed to send before he died. So when the buses don't arrive for Hallie, he makes up his mind for the three of them to use Oscar's car and go together since they have the same destination or general direction anyway.
Now of course there are lots of misfortunes and adventures on the way, but the story didn't feel cliche at all and despite the serious topics it delves into like cancer, death of a family member, overdose, assisted suicide, it manages to somehow be a fun read at the same time as being profound and meaningful.
"I'd always wondered what happened to her in the same way you wonder about a canceled TV series that abruptly ends without resolution. Eventually you make peace with the fact that just because you want answers it doesn't mean you're gonna get them, and after a while you forget about it and move on."
It's a very good coming-of-age story, and probably one of the best I read so far in 2021.
Hallie is a cancer survivor who wants to leave Los Angeles to visit a friend she met online who is ending his own life via assisted suicide since he is in a lot of pain and his cancer is incurable. She buys the bus tickets with money she steals from her parents since she thinks they would not approve of her leaving on her own to meet a boy she met online for such a tragic meeting, but the wildfires are making all the buses late and she is stuck.
Jack was just dumped by his girlfriend on graduation day which is also his birthday so he is naturally very upset and leaves a party with a car-sharing service to hang out at a nearby bus station to lose some time because his car is stuck by other party attendants. In the car, he meets Hallie who is going in the same direction, and their car driver Oscar, who also wants to leave LA to stop his ex-girlfriend's wedding and maybe switch places with the groom if all goes according to his plan. Earlier in the day, Jack discovers a letter from his departed father to his estranged brother that he never managed to send before he died. So when the buses don't arrive for Hallie, he makes up his mind for the three of them to use Oscar's car and go together since they have the same destination or general direction anyway.
Now of course there are lots of misfortunes and adventures on the way, but the story didn't feel cliche at all and despite the serious topics it delves into like cancer, death of a family member, overdose, assisted suicide, it manages to somehow be a fun read at the same time as being profound and meaningful.
"I'd always wondered what happened to her in the same way you wonder about a canceled TV series that abruptly ends without resolution. Eventually you make peace with the fact that just because you want answers it doesn't mean you're gonna get them, and after a while you forget about it and move on."
It's a very good coming-of-age story, and probably one of the best I read so far in 2021.
April 12, 2021
Jack had been struggling with his father's death, and upon finding a letter from his father addressed to his estranged brother, he set out to locate him. Hallie was racing against the clock and had to get to Oregon to see her terminally ill friend. They felt alone in their struggles until a rideshare brought the two almost-strangers together just when they needed someone most.
What a wonderful and touching physical and emotional journey! Both Hallie and Jack were at a crossroads and dealing with some major concerns. This unexpected excursion resulted in a surprising friendship that helped them both find some clarity.
The story started with Jack, who was NOT having the best birthday ever. He was due to leave for his internship in New York prior to starting his freshman year at Columbia, and he just could not muster any excitement about this big life change. He had been trying to fill the emptiness left by his father's death, but could not. With an absent mother, an estranged brother, and a dead father, Jack was left on his own to deal with his feelings, and I think that's why I was so happy when the universe brought him and Hallie together.
Hallie was also unsure about her future, but for very different reasons. Her health issues forced her to finish high school via home schooling and left her parents with a great amount of debt. College didn't seem like a possibility and the things she was passionate about before her illness lost their luster. This forced Hallie to stop looking ahead to a life she believed she would never have. I shed some tears for Jack, but Hallie's story really made my heart ache.
This road trip unfolded in quite an entertaining and emotionally satisfying way. It started off rather comically with some over the top antics. Then it settled into a series of beautiful and meaningful moments, where Hallie and Jack got into deep soul-baring exchanges. I love the idea of fate intervening right when you need it most, and that's what happened here.
Chance brought these two together, but it was with the other person's assistance that they were able to reclaim some control over their lives. Jack and Hallie were dealing with their own issues, but that insight and understanding translated to each of them finding a way to understand themselves. Overall, this was a rewarding expedition which was filled with warmth, hope, and heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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What a wonderful and touching physical and emotional journey! Both Hallie and Jack were at a crossroads and dealing with some major concerns. This unexpected excursion resulted in a surprising friendship that helped them both find some clarity.
The story started with Jack, who was NOT having the best birthday ever. He was due to leave for his internship in New York prior to starting his freshman year at Columbia, and he just could not muster any excitement about this big life change. He had been trying to fill the emptiness left by his father's death, but could not. With an absent mother, an estranged brother, and a dead father, Jack was left on his own to deal with his feelings, and I think that's why I was so happy when the universe brought him and Hallie together.
Hallie was also unsure about her future, but for very different reasons. Her health issues forced her to finish high school via home schooling and left her parents with a great amount of debt. College didn't seem like a possibility and the things she was passionate about before her illness lost their luster. This forced Hallie to stop looking ahead to a life she believed she would never have. I shed some tears for Jack, but Hallie's story really made my heart ache.
This road trip unfolded in quite an entertaining and emotionally satisfying way. It started off rather comically with some over the top antics. Then it settled into a series of beautiful and meaningful moments, where Hallie and Jack got into deep soul-baring exchanges. I love the idea of fate intervening right when you need it most, and that's what happened here.
Chance brought these two together, but it was with the other person's assistance that they were able to reclaim some control over their lives. Jack and Hallie were dealing with their own issues, but that insight and understanding translated to each of them finding a way to understand themselves. Overall, this was a rewarding expedition which was filled with warmth, hope, and heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
November 19, 2020
The synopsis is a little bit misleading. Yes, it's all accurate but it may lead you to believe that this is a heavy book; it's really not. It's actually such a fun book and just a real delight to read.
It's been a hard year for everyone (I read the book and wrote this in 2020), and I really needed this story. I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud and how many times I smiled and how many times I hugged my Kindle. (No judgment--hard year.)
Everything about this story is completely perfect and exactly what I needed to read. It's a very fun book but, at the same time, there are really quietly profound parts. There are thoughts about grief and how to change your life's path, basically how to break inertia and to start trying to actively choose how you want your life to go. (I think a lot of us can remember the time before college, and how it can sometimes feel like it's an expected choice and not a deliberate one.)
This is exactly what I needed and I hope you preorder it. This is even better than her debut, which is the highest bar.
Highly recommended.
It's been a hard year for everyone (I read the book and wrote this in 2020), and I really needed this story. I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud and how many times I smiled and how many times I hugged my Kindle. (No judgment--hard year.)
Everything about this story is completely perfect and exactly what I needed to read. It's a very fun book but, at the same time, there are really quietly profound parts. There are thoughts about grief and how to change your life's path, basically how to break inertia and to start trying to actively choose how you want your life to go. (I think a lot of us can remember the time before college, and how it can sometimes feel like it's an expected choice and not a deliberate one.)
This is exactly what I needed and I hope you preorder it. This is even better than her debut, which is the highest bar.
Highly recommended.
April 15, 2021
I received this book for free from Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef.
"There's something freeing in talking to people you know you're probably never going to see again. There's no expectation or judgement... Everyone accepts each other for who they are, and it's enough."
When I picked up Where the Road Leads Us I had no idea how much I was going to love it. It sounded like an interesting read and I was excited for it, but it definitely went way beyond that! I would like for everyone to meet Jack, Hallie and Oscar, three unlikely characters that end up taking an emotional road trip together. And what a road trip, I cannot even begin how crazy and life-changing it was. What started off as a hitch ride quickly turned into an incredible adventure.
During that road trip several unfortunate events happened, but what stood out to me the most was how even though they were so very different, they managed to help each other out and made this journey of self reflection. There was a lot of humor involved as well, I think one of my favorite parts was when someone stole their car, I couldn't stop laughing! I absolutely loved Hallie and Jack (they are the main characters of this story), but somehow I also viewed Oscar as an MC since he is there for the most part and quite sincerely, I cannot imagine this story without him.
Where the Road Leads Us was such an amazing read for me, it was heartwarming, emotional and amusing, I could hardly put it down. And despite having some tough subjects, it was also a light read that I think many people would enjoy. All in all, I really liked it and I highly recommend it!!
TW: loss, depression, desease,drug addiction.
"There's something freeing in talking to people you know you're probably never going to see again. There's no expectation or judgement... Everyone accepts each other for who they are, and it's enough."
When I picked up Where the Road Leads Us I had no idea how much I was going to love it. It sounded like an interesting read and I was excited for it, but it definitely went way beyond that! I would like for everyone to meet Jack, Hallie and Oscar, three unlikely characters that end up taking an emotional road trip together. And what a road trip, I cannot even begin how crazy and life-changing it was. What started off as a hitch ride quickly turned into an incredible adventure.
During that road trip several unfortunate events happened, but what stood out to me the most was how even though they were so very different, they managed to help each other out and made this journey of self reflection. There was a lot of humor involved as well, I think one of my favorite parts was when someone stole their car, I couldn't stop laughing! I absolutely loved Hallie and Jack (they are the main characters of this story), but somehow I also viewed Oscar as an MC since he is there for the most part and quite sincerely, I cannot imagine this story without him.
Where the Road Leads Us was such an amazing read for me, it was heartwarming, emotional and amusing, I could hardly put it down. And despite having some tough subjects, it was also a light read that I think many people would enjoy. All in all, I really liked it and I highly recommend it!!
TW: loss, depression, desease,drug addiction.
June 5, 2022
If you're not into road trip narratives than I can't really recommend this because it definitely falls prey to the sillier tropes of the genre but the dialogue was inspired at parts (and really cheesy the rest of the time) and it was so good at generating catharsis that it squeezed a few tears out of me!
May 1, 2021
10/10
Oh my god. Oh my fucking god. This book was amazing. Easily one of my favorites of the entire year. Thanks to the Book Drop subscription box for sending me this masterpiece.
Okay. So. Jack. Hallie. Oscar. Princess. Owen. Alex. All of these amazing characters that fit into this one weekend, this one life-changing 48 hour trip.
I love Jack. I love him. He addressed a lot of feelings about grief, about wanting more time to figure out life. He also spent the entire book coming to the realization that maybe he wasn't as content with his life as he thought he was on page one. And even on page 1 he was struggling.
Hallie learns throughout the whole book that it's not a crime to trust people and let them in. She realized, with the passing of one of her closest friends drawing so near, that there was life outside of her room, and sometimes, the risks outweigh the consequences.
Oscar is literally the only reason this story happened, and I loved him so much. GoodCarma gets a 5-star review from me, even if they are fake. If he hadn't been headed to LA, if he hadn't been able to pick up Jack that night, none of this story would have been possible.
The ending was so amazing, I think it reflected the book perfectly. It actually reminded me of Jack's "Choose Your Own Adventure" novel that he was writing. We see Hallie and Jack agree to meet up in the future, and I think that their ending is decided by each individual reader, just like a CYOA book. If you're an optimist, Jack and Hallie meet again, time leads them back to one another. If you're a pessimist, then for whatever reason, they don't meet.
This book showed every reader to expect the unexpected, to roll with life, and to never, ever stay on the ground, no matter how many times life throws you down.
This story is told in a beautiful, unconditional, witty way. I grew to love and feel for every single character. I will go through every adjective I know to describe this book, because it deserves all the praise. I definitely have a new favorite.
Oh my god. Oh my fucking god. This book was amazing. Easily one of my favorites of the entire year. Thanks to the Book Drop subscription box for sending me this masterpiece.
Okay. So. Jack. Hallie. Oscar. Princess. Owen. Alex. All of these amazing characters that fit into this one weekend, this one life-changing 48 hour trip.
I love Jack. I love him. He addressed a lot of feelings about grief, about wanting more time to figure out life. He also spent the entire book coming to the realization that maybe he wasn't as content with his life as he thought he was on page one. And even on page 1 he was struggling.
Hallie learns throughout the whole book that it's not a crime to trust people and let them in. She realized, with the passing of one of her closest friends drawing so near, that there was life outside of her room, and sometimes, the risks outweigh the consequences.
Oscar is literally the only reason this story happened, and I loved him so much. GoodCarma gets a 5-star review from me, even if they are fake. If he hadn't been headed to LA, if he hadn't been able to pick up Jack that night, none of this story would have been possible.
The ending was so amazing, I think it reflected the book perfectly. It actually reminded me of Jack's "Choose Your Own Adventure" novel that he was writing. We see Hallie and Jack agree to meet up in the future, and I think that their ending is decided by each individual reader, just like a CYOA book. If you're an optimist, Jack and Hallie meet again, time leads them back to one another. If you're a pessimist, then for whatever reason, they don't meet.
This book showed every reader to expect the unexpected, to roll with life, and to never, ever stay on the ground, no matter how many times life throws you down.
This story is told in a beautiful, unconditional, witty way. I grew to love and feel for every single character. I will go through every adjective I know to describe this book, because it deserves all the praise. I definitely have a new favorite.
December 28, 2020
This book is one of my favorite reads of 2020. It was wholesome, sweet, and above all, a tale of two friends finding themselves on a road trip. I went into this expecting a romance, and I've never been happier to read a book that wasn't even slightly romantic. Sure, Hallie and Jake would've worked together, but I love the way Reul crafted this story.
Blurb
Jake is determined to go see his estranged brother before he leaves for college. Hallie is determined to go meet her online friend for the first time before he dies. After they end up sharing the same rideshare, and both of their trains get delayed, they decide to make their way to their destinations together.
I strongly believe that friendships in books are better than romances. Yes, I love a good romance, but I love a strong friendship even more. It might be because I just find friendships more relatable, but that's not relevant. Anyway, the friendship between Jake and Hallie is going to stick in my mind. I feel like this really conveyed their bond well. They were both such eclectic characters, and I loved them together. Being there as they worked through their own problems, and talked their way through a road trip was amazingly fun.
Any good contemporary requires strong characters, and that's exactly what this book had! I loved how they were distinct, I always knew whose perspective I was reading from. The interactions between Hallie and Jake were hilarious, and I could've read another 100 pages of just them interacting. Oscar however, is the highlight of this book. On top of being utterly hilarious, he was such a fun character. The scene with them trying to get their car back by using all of the mannequins was amazing, I was cracking up.
When the bomb about Hallie having cancer was dropped, I got real worried. I hate cancer love stories. I rated The Fault in Our Stars one star. They just don't work with me. This book did though! Hallie having cancer didn't feel like it was the plot, it just felt like another piece of Hallie. I really enjoyed it, which was a pleasant surprise.
If you're in the mood for a summer tale of friendship and adventure, this is for you! I'm not even a contemporary fan, and yet I still love this. I'd definitely recommend it!
Thanks to Robin Reul and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Blurb
Jake is determined to go see his estranged brother before he leaves for college. Hallie is determined to go meet her online friend for the first time before he dies. After they end up sharing the same rideshare, and both of their trains get delayed, they decide to make their way to their destinations together.
I strongly believe that friendships in books are better than romances. Yes, I love a good romance, but I love a strong friendship even more. It might be because I just find friendships more relatable, but that's not relevant. Anyway, the friendship between Jake and Hallie is going to stick in my mind. I feel like this really conveyed their bond well. They were both such eclectic characters, and I loved them together. Being there as they worked through their own problems, and talked their way through a road trip was amazingly fun.
Any good contemporary requires strong characters, and that's exactly what this book had! I loved how they were distinct, I always knew whose perspective I was reading from. The interactions between Hallie and Jake were hilarious, and I could've read another 100 pages of just them interacting. Oscar however, is the highlight of this book. On top of being utterly hilarious, he was such a fun character. The scene with them trying to get their car back by using all of the mannequins was amazing, I was cracking up.
When the bomb about Hallie having cancer was dropped, I got real worried. I hate cancer love stories. I rated The Fault in Our Stars one star. They just don't work with me. This book did though! Hallie having cancer didn't feel like it was the plot, it just felt like another piece of Hallie. I really enjoyed it, which was a pleasant surprise.
If you're in the mood for a summer tale of friendship and adventure, this is for you! I'm not even a contemporary fan, and yet I still love this. I'd definitely recommend it!
Thanks to Robin Reul and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 14, 2021
When Jack and Hallie's paths cross, Robin Reul takes us on an incredible journey filled with depth, emotion, heart, and hope. The trials and tribulations of life are woven together in such a beautiful way, showing that sometimes we're behind the wheel of life and sometimes life is behind the wheel, but ultimately it's the choices we make that help determine its meaning.
This gorgeous cover reflects this gorgeous YA novel. I highly recommend that you give into the journey!
This gorgeous cover reflects this gorgeous YA novel. I highly recommend that you give into the journey!
April 13, 2021
This book was absolutely stunning and such a wonderful read that made me so happy and also tore my heart to pieces at times.
The characters were so well written and I loved reading both Jack and Hallie's perspectives throughout the book as their journeys came together and then separated. I just felt everything with them as they went through so much in such a short period of time and it was just so wonderful to watch them both grow on their road trip to San Francisco. Another character I particularly enjoyed was Oscar and I loved how he came back into the book and we were able to see how his arc ended as well because I had become quite invested in his story.
The plot was amazing and I just adored how it followed Jack and Hallie over the course of 24 hours and them both after a time jump so we were able to see what happened based on the decision they had made. I laughed and I cried and now I really want to go to San Fransisco and do a spontaneous road trip! The ending was perfect for the book, even if I had wanted a slightly different ending for the characters it felt right for the book and I desperately want a sequel now to see how Jack and Hallie's stories continue to intertwine with each other and see where they end up. I just adored the story of this book so much!
The writing was wonderful and beautiful and just such a delight to read. As I've said I adored the characters and the plot and I was just so absorbed by this book completely and I felt like I was living the experience with the characters. I cannot wait to see what else Robin Ruel comes out with because I know that it is going to be absolutely amazing!
I was kindly given a copy of this book to review in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
The characters were so well written and I loved reading both Jack and Hallie's perspectives throughout the book as their journeys came together and then separated. I just felt everything with them as they went through so much in such a short period of time and it was just so wonderful to watch them both grow on their road trip to San Francisco. Another character I particularly enjoyed was Oscar and I loved how he came back into the book and we were able to see how his arc ended as well because I had become quite invested in his story.
The plot was amazing and I just adored how it followed Jack and Hallie over the course of 24 hours and them both after a time jump so we were able to see what happened based on the decision they had made. I laughed and I cried and now I really want to go to San Fransisco and do a spontaneous road trip! The ending was perfect for the book, even if I had wanted a slightly different ending for the characters it felt right for the book and I desperately want a sequel now to see how Jack and Hallie's stories continue to intertwine with each other and see where they end up. I just adored the story of this book so much!
The writing was wonderful and beautiful and just such a delight to read. As I've said I adored the characters and the plot and I was just so absorbed by this book completely and I felt like I was living the experience with the characters. I cannot wait to see what else Robin Ruel comes out with because I know that it is going to be absolutely amazing!
I was kindly given a copy of this book to review in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
May 9, 2021
HEARTWARMING ❤️☄️
This book is like having a conversation with someone who can make you feel home and level up your spirits.
This book is like having a conversation with someone who can make you feel home and level up your spirits.
October 23, 2021
3 Stars
This YA story had some truly fun and entertaining moments, but I didn't always buy into the more serious occasions. They didn't always ring completely true and I found myself questioning motive and reasoning. I liked the characters, though, and they helped keep me reading.
May 2, 2021
⭐️REVIEW⭐️ #WhereTheRoadLeadsUs by Robin Reul follows Jack and Hallie, two virtual strangers brought together by chance on the night of their high school graduation. Jack is bound for Columbia when he decides to take an impromptu road trip to San Francisco to find his estranged brother, hoping for some closure in the wake of his father’s death. Meanwhile, Hallie has found out some upsetting news about a friend in Oregon and is determined to see him before it’s too late. Fate puts them in the same rideshare on the way to the bus stop, kicking off an unconventional and hilarious adventure - involving a fake Australian actor, a kidnapped chihuahua and matching tattoos- that might just lead them to their true selves.. and to each other 💖
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This book was very sweet. I really enjoyed the first half- the road trip hijinks were very funny, and the somewhat unpredictable journey had me turning the pages- but the second half lagged a little for me and I lost interest a little. I did really like the journey to self discovery these two made, and I liked how they each found their own kind of peace with their inner (and outer) demons. The writing is quick and engaging and full of warmth. The story had a whole lot of heart and I think it will resonate with younger readers in particular.
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I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a soul searching YA read, along the lines of All The Bright Places. It’s a story of hope and self discovery and the power of choosing your own future. And just look at that cover 😍
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Thank you to @sourcebooksfire and the author for sending me this copy for review 💫
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This book was very sweet. I really enjoyed the first half- the road trip hijinks were very funny, and the somewhat unpredictable journey had me turning the pages- but the second half lagged a little for me and I lost interest a little. I did really like the journey to self discovery these two made, and I liked how they each found their own kind of peace with their inner (and outer) demons. The writing is quick and engaging and full of warmth. The story had a whole lot of heart and I think it will resonate with younger readers in particular.
•
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a soul searching YA read, along the lines of All The Bright Places. It’s a story of hope and self discovery and the power of choosing your own future. And just look at that cover 😍
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Thank you to @sourcebooksfire and the author for sending me this copy for review 💫
March 19, 2023
i dnfed but mostly because this book has been on hold since last summer…
i think it started out good? it was just kinda boring, hence the fact that i just decided to dnf it after i opened it for the first time in months today and realized that i don’t remember anything LMAO
i think it started out good? it was just kinda boring, hence the fact that i just decided to dnf it after i opened it for the first time in months today and realized that i don’t remember anything LMAO
May 11, 2021
3/5 Cute book with a good message! I didn’t fully feel the chemistry between the main characters and some parts were cheesy. Overall a decent read.
April 6, 2021
ARC provided by Sourcebooks Fire and Robin Reul via MTMC Tours. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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04-06: 'Where the Road Leads Us' by Robin Reul is a dual narrative about a pair of teens who find themselves at a different, but equally life-altering crossroads.
Jack is pretty much the golden boy. He's such an over-achiever that he's stacking self-taught AP studies on top of those he's been scheduled for in school. Here, literally getting ready to pack up and leave for college, life throws him a curveball.
Reeling from the unexpected, Jack finds himself rethinking everything. Before he follows that pre-designated path.. he wants to locate his estranged brother and set some things to rest.
Hallie seems more free-spirited. Life has been kicking her while she's down for awhile and it's forced her to adopt a sort of 'roll with the punches' approach. When she gets some upsetting news about a friend, she makes a spur of the moment decision to go see him while she can.
Generally speaking, this is a sweet, quirky novel. Though there are some heavy topics being dealt with, the story is never really sad. There's a concerted effort both between the characters and clearly by the author to sort of recalibrate the emotional perspective whenever something potentially negative occurs in the story.. which supports the whole 'bright side' theme.
Jack and Hallie have a really cute, warm dynamic and their rideshare driver turned newfound friend actually adds to that feeling within the story. Though some of the dynamics that pop-up between side characters throughout the book are a little clunky, 'the trifecta' as I like to call them, doesn't suffer from it at all.
Their adventures as they travel together are a bit wild and some might even feel they're unrealistic, but as someone who's made road trips with similarly strange incidents littering the way, it just made me laugh and keep reading.
I enjoyed the way Jack and Hallie tended to be each other's true North. Whenever one of them would get lost along the way, sort of faltering with their personal struggle.. the other would be there to right them and keep them going.
This is a story full of hope.. and with the last year we've all had, I don't think we can have too much of that. If you're looking for a light read, that still has some emotional depth as the characters deal with their traumas, this might be the book for you.
Mild caution for triggers regarding loss of loved ones and severe illnesses.
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April 5, 2021
Where The Road Leads Us is a YA road trip style novel that steers into coming of age territory. It alternates POV between two 18 year old Los Angeles teens, Jack and Hallie and what happens when they each decide to take a few risks and start living on their own terms.
Jack is reeling from the death of his father, the loss of his estranged drug addict brother, a fresh break-up with his girlfriend and the sudden jitters that come with moving across the country to attend college. After finding a letter his father wrote before his death Jack decides to drop all of his plans and go to San Francisco in hopes of finding his brother. But as fires rage in Southern California his trip gets sidetracked repeatedly and he finds himself teaming up with former classmate Hallie.
Hallie is a cancer survivor who has been playing it safe at home, took her GED for any early graduation and is facing an uncertain future. The only thing she is sure of is that she needs to see her online friend Owen before he ends his life as his cancer has become terminal. But the buses that would take her to Oregon are delayed and the opportunity to join Jack in a ride-share is suddenly on the table.
Jack and Hallie will build an intimate friendship over the next 24 hours and share thoughts and pieces of their pasts that they’ve never admitted to anyone. Both Jack and Hallie have faced a lot of loss and disappointments and each are trying to manage their own issues with expectations and what the future holds. Despite the heavy subject matter Robin Reul inserts a lot of humor and slices of life into both of their journeys. These are both bright and witty teens and the story isn't bogged down with Insta-love or longing glances. The plot is fast paced enough to keep anyone’s interest without feeling rushed.
I think readers of all ages will enjoy this contemporary YA novel that includes heavy subject matter like death of a parent, drug addiction/overdose, cancer and end of life/assisted suicide but handles them all in a respectful manner that is not overly depressing or preachy and instead is realistic and ultimately hopeful.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My copy was provided for review purposes by NetGalley and the publisher
Jack is reeling from the death of his father, the loss of his estranged drug addict brother, a fresh break-up with his girlfriend and the sudden jitters that come with moving across the country to attend college. After finding a letter his father wrote before his death Jack decides to drop all of his plans and go to San Francisco in hopes of finding his brother. But as fires rage in Southern California his trip gets sidetracked repeatedly and he finds himself teaming up with former classmate Hallie.
Hallie is a cancer survivor who has been playing it safe at home, took her GED for any early graduation and is facing an uncertain future. The only thing she is sure of is that she needs to see her online friend Owen before he ends his life as his cancer has become terminal. But the buses that would take her to Oregon are delayed and the opportunity to join Jack in a ride-share is suddenly on the table.
Jack and Hallie will build an intimate friendship over the next 24 hours and share thoughts and pieces of their pasts that they’ve never admitted to anyone. Both Jack and Hallie have faced a lot of loss and disappointments and each are trying to manage their own issues with expectations and what the future holds. Despite the heavy subject matter Robin Reul inserts a lot of humor and slices of life into both of their journeys. These are both bright and witty teens and the story isn't bogged down with Insta-love or longing glances. The plot is fast paced enough to keep anyone’s interest without feeling rushed.
I think readers of all ages will enjoy this contemporary YA novel that includes heavy subject matter like death of a parent, drug addiction/overdose, cancer and end of life/assisted suicide but handles them all in a respectful manner that is not overly depressing or preachy and instead is realistic and ultimately hopeful.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My copy was provided for review purposes by NetGalley and the publisher
March 14, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really really enjoyed this! Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera.
The characters were very relatable and real, I especially loved Jack's character and how nuanced his development was.
I laughed out loud at many parts, especially the scene where they try to get Oscar's car back, with the mannequins- hilarious!
I only wish we could have had a bit more of Hallie's individual chapters.
Also, I was so hopeful that they would indeed meet 6 months later at the wind organ - then again, I realise that what actually happened is much more believable for the characters, and was in fact a much better ending.
I really really enjoyed this! Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera.
The characters were very relatable and real, I especially loved Jack's character and how nuanced his development was.
I laughed out loud at many parts, especially the scene where they try to get Oscar's car back, with the mannequins- hilarious!
I only wish we could have had a bit more of Hallie's individual chapters.
Also, I was so hopeful that they would indeed meet 6 months later at the wind organ - then again, I realise that what actually happened is much more believable for the characters, and was in fact a much better ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Where the Road Leads Us in exchange for an honest review.
Based on the praises from other authors and description, Where the Road Leads Us sounds heavy and emotional and while I think that tonally that doesn't quite fit the story, this book is definitely still full of a lot of emotion and insights on life. It just tells it in more of a lighthearted, comedic style that makes the emotional moments even more poignant (the best comparison I can think of is the tonal style of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl). That definitely works to the stories advantage because what could have been a "sad boy and girl go on sad roadtrip" story ended up being full of humor, charismatic & easy to root for characters, and a whole lot of heart.
Based on the praises from other authors and description, Where the Road Leads Us sounds heavy and emotional and while I think that tonally that doesn't quite fit the story, this book is definitely still full of a lot of emotion and insights on life. It just tells it in more of a lighthearted, comedic style that makes the emotional moments even more poignant (the best comparison I can think of is the tonal style of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl). That definitely works to the stories advantage because what could have been a "sad boy and girl go on sad roadtrip" story ended up being full of humor, charismatic & easy to root for characters, and a whole lot of heart.
April 6, 2021
This book was a refresher! I like to read a contemporary in between fantasy reads in order to reset or to get out of slumps. This was heartbreaking, wholesome, interesting, and sweet all in one. I truly enjoyed the dynamic between the characters although there was something sad looming in the plot. There was growth and development. You definitely get attached with this one!
If you’re looking for a quick heartfelt read with engaging MC and plot, definitely give this a shot!
Thank you so much to the publisher for gifting me an early copy!
If you’re looking for a quick heartfelt read with engaging MC and plot, definitely give this a shot!
Thank you so much to the publisher for gifting me an early copy!
April 25, 2022
umm yeah it was kind of cute.
i don’t really have much to say. it was boring the plot continued to lose me, so much was happening that i didn’t know what was going on. i guess it had a good message but other then that it i don’t care for it.
spoiler(if you’re gonna waste your time reading this book): they don’t kiss, not once!! and forehead/cheek kisses don’t count. ugh so lame.
anyways i didn’t like it.
i don’t really have much to say. it was boring the plot continued to lose me, so much was happening that i didn’t know what was going on. i guess it had a good message but other then that it i don’t care for it.
spoiler(if you’re gonna waste your time reading this book): they don’t kiss, not once!! and forehead/cheek kisses don’t count. ugh so lame.
anyways i didn’t like it.
January 11, 2021
This book was so great! I tend to shy away from sad stories, so I was hesitant to request this. But the reviews claimed it was lighter than it looked, and thankfully they turned out to be right. It was a freaking delight. I loved the characters, and I loved the road trip. The banter was top notch. Overall, it was just a perfect escapist read. I'm excited to get the author's previous book now!
February 8, 2022
I really really enjoyed this book. The little moments, being able to envision everything that’s happening. I loved the way the characters were portrayed. Such a beautiful book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who might be interested. It deals with grief and the aftermath of someone you love dealing with addiction. The way everything is portrayed is in a sensitive and seemingly very thought out nature. However, I would advise looking at trigger warnings if you might be worried.
April 16, 2021
This lovely book gave me everything I wanted from it. A simple and compelling story, with great, nuanced characters and engaging dialog. It felt authentic, these kids (new adults really) had a lot going on in their lives, and their conversations were honest and thought-provoking. It didn't feel preachy or fake, which can happen with a lot of YA books. (Uber-precocious teens spouting off perfectly formed sentences, or worse - awkward "teen lingo", ugh - often rings untrue, at least for me.) I loved seeing the friendship form between Jack and Hallie, watching their adventures, and I looked forward to picking up the book and reading more. Well done!
May 3, 2021
4.25! got me in my feels
wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as i did. warm and thoughtful with sparks of joy throughout!
wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as i did. warm and thoughtful with sparks of joy throughout!
May 14, 2021
This book gave me a feel good vibes all over... The characters Hallie and Jack will remain close to my heart..kudos to the author for her narrative style..
June 4, 2021
really enjoyed this one! :))
April 29, 2022
mid ass book
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