Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Pages: 344
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 4, 2010

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.

My Thoughts: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was such a cute and enjoyable book! It had it's sad and heartbreaking moments, but at the same time, there were many uplifting and happy moments. I loved Amy and Roger's journey together. They were great characters. I especially loved Roger! He was so nice and completely adorable. I also loved the romance that blossomed between them. Their relationship really helped them both develop and grow as people. It was gradual and sweet and made me smile. Honestly, the entire story just put a huge smile on my face!

This book featured a road trip across the US, starting in California and ending in Connecticut. I was actually on my way to Florida when I started reading this book, so I felt like I could relate to Amy and Roger in a way. The long hours in the car, taking food and restrooms breaks, listening to music, and watching the scenery pass by. Amy and Roger's trip sounded fun and exciting. I loved the pit stops they made along the way. Whenever I recognized something like a landmark, restaurant, song, or anything featured in this story, I couldn't help but to point it out to whoever was sitting beside me on the car ride. It was great!

I have to say I was extremely impressed with Roger's playlists that were scattered throughout the book. I didn't know all the musicians, but there were some that I was shocked and happy to see! St. Vincent, The Knife, Röyksopp, Passion Pit, and Animal Collective to name a few. I had a heart attack when I saw that the Röyksopp song mentioned was "What Else Is There?" (see video below)! I love that song so much! It just surprised me that Roger (and the author, who has AWESOME taste, by the way) knew about these groups because sometimes I feel like my sisters and I are the only ones who listen to them.

So, my review seems to have focused mostly on certain random stuff mentioned in the book... I couldn't help it though! I just love it when authors include things readers can identify from their own lives. It's a nice feeling. Almost nostalgic. As for the actual story, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour had everything to make it a perfect summer read for me. The ending of the characters' journey was bittersweet and completely satisfying. I'm definitely keeping on eye out for any other books Morgan Matson writes.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars