The Geography of Lost Things: A Road Trip Adventure
ABOUT the BOOK
Author: Jessica Brody
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: 2018
Genre: Fiction; YA Contemporary, YA Fiction
Source: Publisher Provided e-ARC – Thank you, Simon Pulse!
FIND the BOOK ELSEWHERE: Goodreads
FIND the REVIEW ELSEWHERE: Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★
The Geography of Lost Things by Jessica Brody | Book Review
THE STORY | Ali is anything but sentimental when it comes to the father who abandoned her. This is why when she is willed his prize possession, a 1968 Firebird, she cannot be rid of the inheritance fast enough. Her mother is about to lose their home, and loathe to move, Ali determines this car is the answer to their financial prayers.
Her road trip plans to sell the car falls through when her ex-boyfriend, Nico invites himself along. What begins as a single goal mission soon changes when Ali is forced to reexamine her life, and her opinion of the man who left her.
REVIEW | A rare occurrence in my reading habits is a good book that really surprises me. There are novels that take my breath away, but I usually crack them open anticipating this. There are novels that make me smile, but don’t leave a lasting impression, but again, I anticipate this. Then there are the books like ‘Lost Things’ that go in unexpected directions.
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The synopsis for this book does draw a reader in as does the cover, but I still have reservations because of the road trip angle. For some reason, this is a book trope I’m not overly fond of. I suspect this is because most of the stories I’ve experienced like this have been boring. Fortunately, The Geography of Lost Things is anything but. I did see one reviewer comment that this story could have been a little bit shorter, and I do agree. However even though the story many have been just as effective with 10-20 pages less, it never bores me.
The characters help to keep the story rolling forward and easily capture our hearts. Ali is a kind of emotional wall in many ways, but through Nico, she learns a great deal. She opens herself to new experiences and her heart to new possibilities. It’s a journey not only in the physical sense (because of her road trip), but also for her emotional health. Then there’s Nico. His character is one of the best YA heroes I’ve met in recent years. Gentleman that he is, he’s not without his own scars.
Brody writes a compelling story with a clear first-person narrative that introduces us to a variety of quirky characters. To go with this there is also fun chapter headings (which list Ali’s finds along the journey), Craigslist trades, and a beautiful little romance. Whether it’s Ali’s love of quizzes or Nico’s cute “swearing” game, this love story is hard not to adore.
If you enjoy Emery Lord or Kasie West novels, The Geography of Lost Things is lovely. From the opening pages to the final lesson, it’s a gem. It’s the kind of book that makes me want to immediately pick up another novel from Jessica Brody, and the sort of story you should definitely seek out.
If you enjoy Emery Lord or Kasie West novels, 'The Geography of Lost Things' is lovely. #BookReview Share on XContent: There is some profanity, but most is of the commonplace variety. There is some minor innuendo.
I’ve read two books by Jessica and have enjoyed them. I wish this book didn’t cuss in it. If you had to guess on how many times, was it like less than 5 or more than? It’s been a while since I’ve read it, but I enjoyed My Life Undecided by Jessica. I will say it’s Middle Grade. I think the concept of it is really cute. I’m glad you really enjoyed it :)
I totally understand preferring books without swearing – I try to avoid this more often than not. I’d say there’s between 5-10 instances of swearing. It didn’t seem like a lot while I was in the story, so I don’t feel as if it distracts too much from the story. When it does, it bothers me because I often feel like authors add it just because they can (i.e., the YA genre allows for this, etc.).
Glad to know you’ve enjoyed Jessica’s books, Amy. :)