Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

By Morgan Matson

Publication date: May 4, 2010

Synopsis:

Amy Curry hasn't been able to drive since the death of her father three months ago so when her mom needs their car to be driven to their new home in Connecticut, she enlists the aid of Roger Sullivan, the son of a friend. Roger is supposed to be heading to Pennsylvania to spend the summer with his dad before returning to college but he has his own reasons for going on the road trip. Although Amy's mom gives them a really boring planned route that should only take them four days, Roger and Amy decide to make a detour that leads them to places like Yellowstone National Park and Graceland. Along the way Amy begins to slowly heal as she opens up about her guilt and grief.

As the book starts out Amy is going through the motions of life, isolating herself from her friends and family due to the guilt she feels over her dad's death. Details about that fateful day and the family's life before and after are slowly revealed. We see glimpses of Amy as a happy and talented teen, the good twin, and someone who was incredibly close to her dad. Now she is a broken individual and her emotions ring true. Roger is also dealing with an emotional blow of a different kind-a painful breakup. He is a really sweet guy and I loved how caring he was toward Amy.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is a story that is by turns touching, humorous, and romantic. The characters are authentic and the creative use of the travel journal, playlists, pictures, and receipts give the reader a unique reading experience that allows us to be part of the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and the writing reminded me strongly of Sarah Dessen. Morgan Matson is definitely a YA author to watch. I would suggest Amy & Roger's Epic Detour to fans of Sarah Dessen and Elizabeth Scott.

Readalikes: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen,  Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler,  13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Myracle