Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

by Morgan Matson

[Leah]

I've been wanting to read Amy & Roger's Epic Detour for AGES. Probably since it was released in 2010 - yes, SIX YEARS. But for one reason or another, I've never gotten around to it (and, sadly, that can be attributed to many, many books I own/don't own/want to own etc). BUT, I got it from the library, with it's manic, insanely gorgeous pink cover (not the same as the one above) and I read it! Just like that. If only it was that easy for all the other books I own, eh?

I absolutely LOVE road trip books. I love the idea of heading to America, renting a car or camper van and just driving through every single state. It would be epic. So it's fair to say I was really looking forward to Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, especially since they discarded Amy's moms plans, and WENT ON A DETOUR. It took them on this amazing journey, especially poignant and powerful after what Amy went through, and the whole reason they're now moving to Connecticut, and it was nice to see her get away from all of that, and for Roger to drive without asking too many questions. Yes, everything Amy had gone through was always present, and at times made me tear up, but it also meant that she got to see some amazing sights and meet some amazing people on their trip, and forget about her worries if only for a little bit.

If I'm honest it took me a little bit to get into Amy & Roger's Epic Detour - Amy's so sad, and she and Roger barely know each other, but as the road trip continues and they make more detours, and end up in more crazy, amazing places, and they get to know each other better and all of a sudden I couldn't put it down. It just got under my skin, and soon I was just dying to get finished and also, at the same time, terrified to finish because HOW DO YOU END A ROAD TRIP BOOK WHEN THE TWO LIVE IN SEPARATE STATES? It's safe to say, I would like a sequel, please and thank you.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour turned into a fantastic read. All the different states were fabulous to visit, and I loved all the weird and wonderful characters we met - Bron, Drew, Walcott, Lucien. I also loved the scrapbook aspect, with pictures, notes, playlists incorporated into the book, it was such a special addition to the book. Matson is such an emotional writer, and what Amy went through really broke my heart, and brought tears to my eyes. The connection between Amy and Roger was magical, and a lot of what made this novel work. This was such a good book, and I can't believe I waited so long to read it, but it was so worth the wait and I can't wait to devour the rest of Morgan's fabulous novels.