Book: Wanderlove
Author: Kirsten Hubbard
Blog: http://kirstenhubbard.blogspot.com/
Category: Young Adult - Fiction
My thoughts ...
Short summary: 18-year-old Bria Sandoval decides to sign up for a guided tour of Central America by herself in an attempt to to find independence and renew her love of art. Imagine her surprise when her group turns out to be filled with middle-aged tourists. When she meets Rowan, a devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his sister Starling, an outspoken humanitarian, she takes a chance by ditching her group and joining them for an amazing backpacking opportunity.
The good: I loved Bria as a protagonist. There was just something about her character that really resonated with me. She's often pigeon-holed into this image people form about her and then she surprises them with either her honesty or humor or feistiness. It just goes to show that sometimes first (or even the second or third) impressions aren't always true. Plus the entire book is basically her living out a fantasy of mine. Booking a trip to a foreign country with no plan, completely on her own and of course, meeting a really cute, amazing guy along the way. I enjoyed all her insights, the slow way she put herself back together and found joy in the little things. As I was reading, I felt like I was living vicariously through her - even if it was just for a couple hours.
The bad: Um, I wanted more? The ending made sense and I can see why she chose that moment. But I really did want more!
Do I recommend?: Yes! If you've already caught the travel bug, you'll enjoy this one a lot. And even if you haven't.. this book will make you want to hop on a plane and travel to the nearest foreign country. Honestly, I've been thinking about Paris all morning!
Happy reading!
I totally wanted to do what Bria did just after finishing this book. I just wanted to up and leave and go somewhere exotic and meet awesome fellow travelers. One day...
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