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Once Upon a Road Trip #1
Once Upon a Road Trip
Eighteen-year-old Angeli doesn't "fit in." She's never been on a single date, and she lives vicariously through an online world of storytelling. With the pressures of choosing a practical future path bearing down, she needs a drastic change. Too old to run away from home, she opts instead to embark on a solo 2-month road trip. But her freedom is tempered by loneliness - and anxiety tests her resolve as she comes face-to-face with her quirky internet friends.
Aside from contracting mono and repeatedly getting herself lost, Angeli's adventure is mired by more unforeseen glitches - like being detained by Canadian authorities, and a near-death experience at the hands of an overzealous amateur wrestler. Her odyssey is complicated further when she unwittingly earns the affections of two young men. One a privileged martial artist; the other a talented techie with a colorful past.
Bewildered by the emotions they stir, Angeli spurns the idea of a doomed long-distance relationship. But she is unprepared for the determination of her hopeful suitors. In the wake of her refusal, one man will betray her, and the other will prove himself worthy of a place in her future.
Angeli sets off in search of a better understanding of herself, the world, and her place in it. What she finds is an impractical love, with the potential to restore her faith in happy endings.
A true story with an unapologetically honest outlook on life, love, faith, and adventure - Once Upon A Road Trip is a coming-of-age memoir.
Aside from contracting mono and repeatedly getting herself lost, Angeli's adventure is mired by more unforeseen glitches - like being detained by Canadian authorities, and a near-death experience at the hands of an overzealous amateur wrestler. Her odyssey is complicated further when she unwittingly earns the affections of two young men. One a privileged martial artist; the other a talented techie with a colorful past.
Bewildered by the emotions they stir, Angeli spurns the idea of a doomed long-distance relationship. But she is unprepared for the determination of her hopeful suitors. In the wake of her refusal, one man will betray her, and the other will prove himself worthy of a place in her future.
Angeli sets off in search of a better understanding of herself, the world, and her place in it. What she finds is an impractical love, with the potential to restore her faith in happy endings.
A true story with an unapologetically honest outlook on life, love, faith, and adventure - Once Upon A Road Trip is a coming-of-age memoir.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
52 people are currently reading
13850 people want to read
About the author
Angela N. Blount
4 books691 followershttps://www.facebook.com/AngelaNBlount
Award-winning author Angela N. Blount is a Minnesota native, transplanted to the deep South--where she currently resides with her understanding husband, their four children, and a small menagerie of rescue animals. She is a staff book reviewer for Young Adult Books Central, a memoirist (though, not much a fan of referring to herself in first-person *cough*), sporadic poet, and webcomic artist.
In her spare time, Angela enjoys reading, thrifting, coffee shop loitering, questionable attempts at horticulture, and all things geeky.
Angela is a PRO member of the Romance Writers of America, and was named a finalist in the 2012 Sheila, Laurie, and Orange Rose contests. She also took first place in the 2012 OKRWA Finally A Bride contest. In 2014 her debut memoir, Once Upon a Road Trip, was an NIEA finalist, International Book Award finalist, Chanticleer Journey Award finalist, and winner of the silver medal in the Literary Classics International Book Awards.
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Regarding Friend Requests:
"I prefer that my goodreads friends have at least ten books in common with me, and a rating similarity of 68% or more. Not to be snobbish at all--I just want to be sure our literary perspectives can be mutually beneficial." :)
Award-winning author Angela N. Blount is a Minnesota native, transplanted to the deep South--where she currently resides with her understanding husband, their four children, and a small menagerie of rescue animals. She is a staff book reviewer for Young Adult Books Central, a memoirist (though, not much a fan of referring to herself in first-person *cough*), sporadic poet, and webcomic artist.
In her spare time, Angela enjoys reading, thrifting, coffee shop loitering, questionable attempts at horticulture, and all things geeky.
Angela is a PRO member of the Romance Writers of America, and was named a finalist in the 2012 Sheila, Laurie, and Orange Rose contests. She also took first place in the 2012 OKRWA Finally A Bride contest. In 2014 her debut memoir, Once Upon a Road Trip, was an NIEA finalist, International Book Award finalist, Chanticleer Journey Award finalist, and winner of the silver medal in the Literary Classics International Book Awards.
------
Regarding Friend Requests:
"I prefer that my goodreads friends have at least ten books in common with me, and a rating similarity of 68% or more. Not to be snobbish at all--I just want to be sure our literary perspectives can be mutually beneficial." :)
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September 3, 2016Yes, I am the author. :) And no, I'm not about to rate/review my own book. ;)
I did, however, want to clear up a spot of confusion a few people have expressed (which I suspect is in large part due to the point of view used, and/or perhaps a result of how eReaders sometimes open straight to the first chapter, thus skipping the disclaimer.)
This book is a memoir. It is an accurate-as-possible record of an eight week period in my (the author's) life. I chose to write a majority of it in third-person limited because it allowed me the most honesty and objectivity about various events and situations...and because writing "I...I...I" throughout an entire book didn't really appeal to me. ;) While the style is a bit unusual, it's not unprecedented. I hope this information might help people in the consideration and/or reading of this story.
I did, however, want to clear up a spot of confusion a few people have expressed (which I suspect is in large part due to the point of view used, and/or perhaps a result of how eReaders sometimes open straight to the first chapter, thus skipping the disclaimer.)
This book is a memoir. It is an accurate-as-possible record of an eight week period in my (the author's) life. I chose to write a majority of it in third-person limited because it allowed me the most honesty and objectivity about various events and situations...and because writing "I...I...I" throughout an entire book didn't really appeal to me. ;) While the style is a bit unusual, it's not unprecedented. I hope this information might help people in the consideration and/or reading of this story.
January 2, 2016
Reposting this review from 2015, as I am also reviewing for NetGalley.
Disclaimer: The author is a friend of mine on Good Reads, and she provided me with a copy of her book for review.
That said, I'm impressed. Told mostly in third person with a splattering of short journal entries, this story is a memoir disguised as a fictional work. It's a combination of travel memoir, and a record of personal growth.
Set a few months after 9/11, the story perfectly captures life with the technology out there at the time. Cell phones existed, but we didn't all have them yet. Computers and the internet were common, but not as advanced as they are now. Pay phones still existed. Whoah - wow. Paper maps. And calling cards.
These things made me smile, because I remember those years fondly. While this was "Angeli's" story, parts of it rang very close to my own memory. Yes, I spent quite a bit of time during the late '90s and early '00s traveling by car. And stopping to use pay phones. I even hit some of the same areas that Angie described in her book.
Some of the background stuff too, that started Angie on her journey. Online social and writing groups that led to meeting some in my journeys, yeah. As I read this book and was totally engaged in Angie's story, some old memories floated to the surface. Good, bad, ugly. And hey, I even thought as I read that Angie should have stopped in South Georgia for a spell :)
Personal memories and parallels to the story aside, Angela Blount can seriously write. This story was engaging from the beginning and remained that way all the way to the end. She conveyed not only what happened, but the emotional ups and downs along the way. The personal touch and how well it rung true for me makes it easy to round up to 5-stars, but the story itself is a solid, thoroughly enjoyable read all on its own.
Angela, thank you for offering me the opportunity to read your story, and for sharing something so personal in such a beautiful way with all of your readers.
Disclaimer: The author is a friend of mine on Good Reads, and she provided me with a copy of her book for review.
That said, I'm impressed. Told mostly in third person with a splattering of short journal entries, this story is a memoir disguised as a fictional work. It's a combination of travel memoir, and a record of personal growth.
Set a few months after 9/11, the story perfectly captures life with the technology out there at the time. Cell phones existed, but we didn't all have them yet. Computers and the internet were common, but not as advanced as they are now. Pay phones still existed. Whoah - wow. Paper maps. And calling cards.
These things made me smile, because I remember those years fondly. While this was "Angeli's" story, parts of it rang very close to my own memory. Yes, I spent quite a bit of time during the late '90s and early '00s traveling by car. And stopping to use pay phones. I even hit some of the same areas that Angie described in her book.
Some of the background stuff too, that started Angie on her journey. Online social and writing groups that led to meeting some in my journeys, yeah. As I read this book and was totally engaged in Angie's story, some old memories floated to the surface. Good, bad, ugly. And hey, I even thought as I read that Angie should have stopped in South Georgia for a spell :)
Personal memories and parallels to the story aside, Angela Blount can seriously write. This story was engaging from the beginning and remained that way all the way to the end. She conveyed not only what happened, but the emotional ups and downs along the way. The personal touch and how well it rung true for me makes it easy to round up to 5-stars, but the story itself is a solid, thoroughly enjoyable read all on its own.
Angela, thank you for offering me the opportunity to read your story, and for sharing something so personal in such a beautiful way with all of your readers.
September 30, 2013
Firstly, thank you to the author for letting me read and review this book! I feel honored! :)
The story Once Upon a Road Trip was all-in-all, a good read. And as an avid YA fiction reader, it was refreshing. Very realistic.
The synopsis caught my attention because it seemed like the perfect book. Adventure, real issues that real people have today, romance-ss.. :)
And Angela Blount delivered. The weirdness of Angeli's across-the-country road trip to people she has never seen in person kept me reading.
The two unexpected romances that came up kept me intrigued.
And her inability to make a straight decision about her future kept the book relatable.
The romance between Angeli and Vince was genuine, and cute. It wasn't this amazing love at first sight, but built as the story went on. As I said before: very realistic.
The romance in this book could so easily happen in real life that it makes it that much more appealing.
Anyway, I also find it unique that by the end of the book, Angeli doesn't magically have it all figured out. Its gradual, and takes time as she tackles big decisions. I like that.
So as I predicted before, this book was a well-rounded, good read. I recommend it.
The story Once Upon a Road Trip was all-in-all, a good read. And as an avid YA fiction reader, it was refreshing. Very realistic.
The synopsis caught my attention because it seemed like the perfect book. Adventure, real issues that real people have today, romance-ss.. :)
And Angela Blount delivered. The weirdness of Angeli's across-the-country road trip to people she has never seen in person kept me reading.
The two unexpected romances that came up kept me intrigued.
And her inability to make a straight decision about her future kept the book relatable.
The romance between Angeli and Vince was genuine, and cute. It wasn't this amazing love at first sight, but built as the story went on. As I said before: very realistic.
There comes a time when people just get tired of the usual, unrealistic, i'd-die-for-you romances that begin the first time two people see each other. I mean, who actually thinks that can happen in real life?
The romance in this book could so easily happen in real life that it makes it that much more appealing.
Anyway, I also find it unique that by the end of the book, Angeli doesn't magically have it all figured out. Its gradual, and takes time as she tackles big decisions. I like that.
So as I predicted before, this book was a well-rounded, good read. I recommend it.
August 24, 2013
"Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere; and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself."
I would firstly like to thank the author for giving me such a wonderful story to read and review. This is the kind of book one wouldn't forget in a hurry.
As they say "Adventure Is Out There". And this sure is one of those adventures I myself would love to go on.
Angie doesn't know what she wants from her life. Having decided to figure herself out she sets out for a 2 month road trip. Being all alone she feels vulnerable and fearful of the unknown and thus knows that is why she has to go through it so that at the end she emerges a winner. But a road trip isin't all fun and games. Over the course of 2 months Angie visits some of her friends she made on an online writing community. A couple of them she's met before but the others not so much. I really liked them but one of them just irritated me since he seemed to be such a great guy in the beginning. And the other
was simply perfect. You just want him to be the "One". Nope I'm not gonna give up the names. You have to read it for that :D & you sure will be glad that you did.
This story made me smile at times and got me angry when things got a little roughed up in Angie's journey. Although she still doesn't know what to do with her future career wise but she now has someone great amd amazing to share it with. All in all this being Angela's true story I think it was incredible. The way she grew throughout the journey, the amazing kindness she showed towards people, her gentle soul and a truly great story. Highly recommended!
I would firstly like to thank the author for giving me such a wonderful story to read and review. This is the kind of book one wouldn't forget in a hurry.
As they say "Adventure Is Out There". And this sure is one of those adventures I myself would love to go on.
Angie doesn't know what she wants from her life. Having decided to figure herself out she sets out for a 2 month road trip. Being all alone she feels vulnerable and fearful of the unknown and thus knows that is why she has to go through it so that at the end she emerges a winner. But a road trip isin't all fun and games. Over the course of 2 months Angie visits some of her friends she made on an online writing community. A couple of them she's met before but the others not so much. I really liked them but one of them just irritated me since he seemed to be such a great guy in the beginning. And the other
was simply perfect. You just want him to be the "One". Nope I'm not gonna give up the names. You have to read it for that :D & you sure will be glad that you did.
This story made me smile at times and got me angry when things got a little roughed up in Angie's journey. Although she still doesn't know what to do with her future career wise but she now has someone great amd amazing to share it with. All in all this being Angela's true story I think it was incredible. The way she grew throughout the journey, the amazing kindness she showed towards people, her gentle soul and a truly great story. Highly recommended!
August 15, 2013
Angela N. Blount’s writing is so spectacular and so flawless. It's a special occurrence to be able to say something such as that! This was a fantastic read and I can't wait for you to venture it on your own!
This is a very promising debut novel that is based highly off the authors own awe-inspiring, cross-country adventure at a young age.
I was so amazingly wrapped up in this story that I just HAD to stay up last and finish it. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and genuine; it’s easy to lose yourself with the time they share together, almost as if you were there. Angeli is a tremendously brave –despite her unknowing of it— to take on the long road ahead of her alone. With each cherished friend she meets up with, she is trialed with many different choices to make, and finds pieces of herself along the way.
Each character you meet in this story has their own problems they face and have to deal with. I feel that not only with just Angeli, readers could relate to, but there is a character in here that everyone might feel a tad of a connection with. Angeli has witnessed so much. That connection is hard to come by in books, and I feel it is a very important bond between reader and character/author.
Angeli faces a lot of her own struggles before the journey and as it takes place.
The stress she undergoes, as well, and how she comes out stronger in the end is inspiring for anyone who just needs that little push to get up and follow their own dreams-- to live a little.
I love how each chapter ends with a mileage log and a page from her diary for each day, filled with important revelations and the emotions she experienced. Experiences such as being detained on the Canadian border, Ground Zero in NYC, the struggles with two boys who claim their love for her, endless! All in all, she sees that there are others out there who suffer much worse things than her in their lives, the different ways people live and their cultures. She escapes danger, and goodness, just exciting to live vicariously through these pages. I wish I could have gone through with making a trip like this. My best friend growing up and I would mention it in passing but plans just never fell through. What a great learning experience this must have been for the author. This story absolutely proves that life is what you make it.
In the epilogue of this story, she states that she will never know exactly who she is, or what may become of her career-- if she ever decides one at all... Well, let me just offer this, she has nothing to worry about. Her unique and refreshing storytelling is going to get her far, very far and I am excited that we were able to witness the debut of a long and beautiful career ahead of her. And I am sure that after the readers finally get their hands on this coming of age novel, that they too will agree. =) !
This is a very promising debut novel that is based highly off the authors own awe-inspiring, cross-country adventure at a young age.
I was so amazingly wrapped up in this story that I just HAD to stay up last and finish it. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and genuine; it’s easy to lose yourself with the time they share together, almost as if you were there. Angeli is a tremendously brave –despite her unknowing of it— to take on the long road ahead of her alone. With each cherished friend she meets up with, she is trialed with many different choices to make, and finds pieces of herself along the way.
Each character you meet in this story has their own problems they face and have to deal with. I feel that not only with just Angeli, readers could relate to, but there is a character in here that everyone might feel a tad of a connection with. Angeli has witnessed so much. That connection is hard to come by in books, and I feel it is a very important bond between reader and character/author.
Angeli faces a lot of her own struggles before the journey and as it takes place.
The stress she undergoes, as well, and how she comes out stronger in the end is inspiring for anyone who just needs that little push to get up and follow their own dreams-- to live a little.
I love how each chapter ends with a mileage log and a page from her diary for each day, filled with important revelations and the emotions she experienced. Experiences such as being detained on the Canadian border, Ground Zero in NYC, the struggles with two boys who claim their love for her, endless! All in all, she sees that there are others out there who suffer much worse things than her in their lives, the different ways people live and their cultures. She escapes danger, and goodness, just exciting to live vicariously through these pages. I wish I could have gone through with making a trip like this. My best friend growing up and I would mention it in passing but plans just never fell through. What a great learning experience this must have been for the author. This story absolutely proves that life is what you make it.
In the epilogue of this story, she states that she will never know exactly who she is, or what may become of her career-- if she ever decides one at all... Well, let me just offer this, she has nothing to worry about. Her unique and refreshing storytelling is going to get her far, very far and I am excited that we were able to witness the debut of a long and beautiful career ahead of her. And I am sure that after the readers finally get their hands on this coming of age novel, that they too will agree. =) !
February 16, 2014
A wonderful story about facing the challenges that come from having the freedom to chase your dreams. This story is full of action and unexpected finds with humor and slabs of real life thrown in. A good reading adventure for anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to blaze their own path of exploration while strengthening friendships.
The main character's name is Angie and she opens up to share her social struggles in school, dealing with not fitting in and bullying. I think it's a more common occurrence among teens than even the kids who are going through this type of challenges realize. I think a lot of the readers will have similar enough experiences that will keep them engaged with what the writer has to say, even when some of the situations that happened in this story are different than how society is today. For example, cell phones are everywhere and not many people know what a pay phone is, however, since Star Wars also seems to have a lack of cell phones in common and doesn't detract from the story in any way, then neither will it in ONCE UPON A ROAD TRIP :)
Her family is reluctant to let her go, which is a realistic reaction that could be expected and should be weighed by any individual who wishes to embark on such a journey. Though Angie loves and appreciates their concerns, she steels herself, makes her plans and saves as much money as she can for the trip. In the end, like a lot of good parents, they see that it's something that means a lot to their daughter and in a touching scene, Angie's dad, Nicolas see's his big girl off onto her journey.
Angie goes on a long journey visiting many places such as, Detroit, Ottawa, New York, Alabama, and just about everywhere in between. Throughout the story, pages of Angie's actual journal are recorded such things as quirky road kill statistics, a synopses of her day, and a butterfly companion she took care of.
Along the way, you get to meet a wide mix of people each with their own character flaws and personalities, and Angie's flawless transition and endearing interactions between all of them. People are difficult to get a long with, and the annoying ones make it all the more difficult to like, but Angie takes them all in as if they were her younger siblings.
Angie talks about her on the road struggles too, like missing home and wondering if she made the right decision. She also has a tense moment with a police officer while she is attempting to save money by sleeping in her car. Along the way, Angie has a confusing tumble into a bit of a love triangle and an eventual unfortunate event that solidifies her decision in her final choice over the two men.
Angie also offers a unique first person perspective on the lives that were lost and mourned after the planes took down the World Trade Center since she happened to be visiting a friend in New York at the time. Until that part in the story, the events that happened that day had never been real to me before.
Throughout the book, Angie uses her whits, careful planning, and ultimately the protection of God to help see her on her way. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventure, as a sucker for a good adventure story myself I had a hard time putting this one down.
The main character's name is Angie and she opens up to share her social struggles in school, dealing with not fitting in and bullying. I think it's a more common occurrence among teens than even the kids who are going through this type of challenges realize. I think a lot of the readers will have similar enough experiences that will keep them engaged with what the writer has to say, even when some of the situations that happened in this story are different than how society is today. For example, cell phones are everywhere and not many people know what a pay phone is, however, since Star Wars also seems to have a lack of cell phones in common and doesn't detract from the story in any way, then neither will it in ONCE UPON A ROAD TRIP :)
Her family is reluctant to let her go, which is a realistic reaction that could be expected and should be weighed by any individual who wishes to embark on such a journey. Though Angie loves and appreciates their concerns, she steels herself, makes her plans and saves as much money as she can for the trip. In the end, like a lot of good parents, they see that it's something that means a lot to their daughter and in a touching scene, Angie's dad, Nicolas see's his big girl off onto her journey.
Angie goes on a long journey visiting many places such as, Detroit, Ottawa, New York, Alabama, and just about everywhere in between. Throughout the story, pages of Angie's actual journal are recorded such things as quirky road kill statistics, a synopses of her day, and a butterfly companion she took care of.
Along the way, you get to meet a wide mix of people each with their own character flaws and personalities, and Angie's flawless transition and endearing interactions between all of them. People are difficult to get a long with, and the annoying ones make it all the more difficult to like, but Angie takes them all in as if they were her younger siblings.
Angie talks about her on the road struggles too, like missing home and wondering if she made the right decision. She also has a tense moment with a police officer while she is attempting to save money by sleeping in her car. Along the way, Angie has a confusing tumble into a bit of a love triangle and an eventual unfortunate event that solidifies her decision in her final choice over the two men.
Angie also offers a unique first person perspective on the lives that were lost and mourned after the planes took down the World Trade Center since she happened to be visiting a friend in New York at the time. Until that part in the story, the events that happened that day had never been real to me before.
Throughout the book, Angie uses her whits, careful planning, and ultimately the protection of God to help see her on her way. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventure, as a sucker for a good adventure story myself I had a hard time putting this one down.
August 20, 2013
I'd like to thank the author for asking me to read this great book, it truly is an inspiring read. I wish I had done something like this myself. I've actually been thinking about buying a plane ticket and just disappearing somewhere for a week! Just me, myself, and I! I apologize in advance for the long review, sometimes I can't stop myself from getting all of my thoughts out there, especially if I loved the book!!!
This book is a memoir about a Minnesota girl named Angeli (Angie) who's coming into her own by taking a 2 month 6,000 mile + road trip after her high-school graduation. She's an active member of an online writing community and has made quite a bit of friends there; that's who she will be traveling to meet and stay with, with the exception of 1 person who's a cousin of her best friend Elsie. I think that the way Angie goes about writing her story and sharing her experiences with us is brilliant. She got to see and do so much in a short window of time, I can honestly say that I am jealous of this woman. In her blurb she mentioned that she met her husband on this trip, so the novice sleuth that I am guessed the whole book as to who it could be. By the end of the book, she picked a great man. The RIGHT one!
There are scenes in the book that you will laugh and cry with her, as well as feel the same anger she did when things on her trip got rough or didn't go as planned. And when I say they didn't go as “planned”, I am directing it towards a certain person in the book, who started out with a lot of potential to be a great friend, but after getting to know what kind of person he really was, I was glad when he was out of the picture. =) Also, when she traveled to Dayton, OH, she wasn't far off from my hometown, I thought that was pretty cool.
The time she was in New York City to visit “Scott”, she described the city and the people so well; I haven't been there yet, but I feel like I have a little perspective as to what to expect when I do. She was there just 9 months after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, so her describing ground zero, and the memorials there made by everyone..... I broke down crying right along with her. I was a Junior in High-school when that happened, I'll never forget the dread I felt when one of my teachers said that a plane had just crashed into the WTC....
I did laugh out loud when I read that Angie spit off the Empire State Building! And yes, I'm pretty sure that it would dissipate shortly after. “Scott” seemed like a great guy in the beginning, offering his shoulder to her to sleep on as they all made their way into NYC. I did find his juvenile posse greatly annoying, I don't know if I could have handled them as well as you did. 10 minutes would have done me in! ---- Sticking with “Scotty Boy” later on in the book when she's nearing the end of her trip, she meets him at his mothers house in DC. Let me just say that his mother was something else, I'm not sure I would have stayed at her house with the way she treated Angie!! If she was that annoyed to have this extremely polite young woman at her house, she should have just told her so. The author has the patience of a saint, I'll give her that :) The fact that “Scott” told Angie that she should “suck up” to his mother, to get on her good side and that she's not too good for that, KILLED me!!! I mean seriously?!!
I am actually trying to plan a trip to Niagara Falls sometime soon since one of my friends recently moved to northern NY. I loved the way the author described it.
Beautiful!
I really enjoyed her time spent up in Canada with “Zak”, the lover of Egg Nog. I had no idea you could freeze and keep it a while, good to know! I love the stuff as well, lol. The Tulip Festival and hike along the Canadian Shield really sound like something I would enjoy, among many other things that beautiful country has to offer. I also didn't know that mace was illegal in the there. I wanted to slap that silly ferret man while he was interrogating Angie. Granted he was just doing his job, but clearly it was obvious that she were just a kid who was touring and didn't know.
Her trip and experience down south to Alabama, had me cracking up. Things are really different than up north with the accents, slang, and ma'ams. I really liked “Vince's” character, and how he opened up the more he was with Angie to be more of himself rather than the know-it-all jerk persona he was putting off at first. I actually thought that his friend Grady might have even been the guy she ended up with because of the way he was flirting with her. I DON'T think I'm in a big hurry to come face to face with a scorpion just yet. That's one thing I don't envy Angie of!
There are many more things I could talk about from this book and her wonderful experience, but I'll let the readers find out for themselves. This story gives me hope that there is someone out there for everyone, that's the hopeless romantic in me coming out.. Anyways, I absolutely recommend this book! Can't wait to see what she writes up for us all next!
This book is a memoir about a Minnesota girl named Angeli (Angie) who's coming into her own by taking a 2 month 6,000 mile + road trip after her high-school graduation. She's an active member of an online writing community and has made quite a bit of friends there; that's who she will be traveling to meet and stay with, with the exception of 1 person who's a cousin of her best friend Elsie. I think that the way Angie goes about writing her story and sharing her experiences with us is brilliant. She got to see and do so much in a short window of time, I can honestly say that I am jealous of this woman. In her blurb she mentioned that she met her husband on this trip, so the novice sleuth that I am guessed the whole book as to who it could be. By the end of the book, she picked a great man. The RIGHT one!
There are scenes in the book that you will laugh and cry with her, as well as feel the same anger she did when things on her trip got rough or didn't go as planned. And when I say they didn't go as “planned”, I am directing it towards a certain person in the book, who started out with a lot of potential to be a great friend, but after getting to know what kind of person he really was, I was glad when he was out of the picture. =) Also, when she traveled to Dayton, OH, she wasn't far off from my hometown, I thought that was pretty cool.
The time she was in New York City to visit “Scott”, she described the city and the people so well; I haven't been there yet, but I feel like I have a little perspective as to what to expect when I do. She was there just 9 months after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, so her describing ground zero, and the memorials there made by everyone..... I broke down crying right along with her. I was a Junior in High-school when that happened, I'll never forget the dread I felt when one of my teachers said that a plane had just crashed into the WTC....
I did laugh out loud when I read that Angie spit off the Empire State Building! And yes, I'm pretty sure that it would dissipate shortly after. “Scott” seemed like a great guy in the beginning, offering his shoulder to her to sleep on as they all made their way into NYC. I did find his juvenile posse greatly annoying, I don't know if I could have handled them as well as you did. 10 minutes would have done me in! ---- Sticking with “Scotty Boy” later on in the book when she's nearing the end of her trip, she meets him at his mothers house in DC. Let me just say that his mother was something else, I'm not sure I would have stayed at her house with the way she treated Angie!! If she was that annoyed to have this extremely polite young woman at her house, she should have just told her so. The author has the patience of a saint, I'll give her that :) The fact that “Scott” told Angie that she should “suck up” to his mother, to get on her good side and that she's not too good for that, KILLED me!!! I mean seriously?!!
I am actually trying to plan a trip to Niagara Falls sometime soon since one of my friends recently moved to northern NY. I loved the way the author described it.
“The massive carving of darkened cliff face bowed to her right in a sweeping, concave formation. It was as though some ancient Titan had taken a bite out of the earth and the Niagara River now poured into the chasm left behind.”
Beautiful!
I really enjoyed her time spent up in Canada with “Zak”, the lover of Egg Nog. I had no idea you could freeze and keep it a while, good to know! I love the stuff as well, lol. The Tulip Festival and hike along the Canadian Shield really sound like something I would enjoy, among many other things that beautiful country has to offer. I also didn't know that mace was illegal in the there. I wanted to slap that silly ferret man while he was interrogating Angie. Granted he was just doing his job, but clearly it was obvious that she were just a kid who was touring and didn't know.
Her trip and experience down south to Alabama, had me cracking up. Things are really different than up north with the accents, slang, and ma'ams. I really liked “Vince's” character, and how he opened up the more he was with Angie to be more of himself rather than the know-it-all jerk persona he was putting off at first. I actually thought that his friend Grady might have even been the guy she ended up with because of the way he was flirting with her. I DON'T think I'm in a big hurry to come face to face with a scorpion just yet. That's one thing I don't envy Angie of!
-She lightened her voice and smiled, willing his gaze to lift. “It'll make a great story one day.”-
There are many more things I could talk about from this book and her wonderful experience, but I'll let the readers find out for themselves. This story gives me hope that there is someone out there for everyone, that's the hopeless romantic in me coming out.. Anyways, I absolutely recommend this book! Can't wait to see what she writes up for us all next!
November 11, 2013
Read more reviews at What Danielle Did Next
ONCE UPON A ROAD TRIP was an interesting take on memoir as the author wrote about her road trip during the summer after high school as a coming of age fictionalised account using her real life events as the plot. It made the reading experience all the more captivating as you knew it was based in fact and these characters were real.
Angeli has always felt like an outsider and like many teens has taken to the online community to connect with others like her. Cultivating those friendships she plans a road trip through America and Canada as she tries to figure out her next move, planning on staying with her online friends in the towns on her route. It was fascinating to see how that aspect of the plan played out and how deep or shallow those friendships turned out to be in person. It took me a while to settle in whilst reading this book. The writing style was interesting, there was almost a detachment to it at first and it felt a bit clinical but as I got to know the characters a bit better it considerably warmed which added to the realism of the book as it reminded me of meeting people in real life and the awkwardness as you stumble around trying to make a connection as differing personalities bond and clash.
Angeli was an interesting character, I found her to be kind but oddly abrasive at times especially in her judgements about other people. Her saving grace however was the fact that she caught herself when making those judgements and accepting her opinions weren't always meant to be shared. Intelligent with a strong sense of faith I did connect with her by the end of the book and really felt I had a sense of who she was and why she made the choices she did.
It was interesting that most of the people she stayed with on her road trip stops were boys and their families and the interactions between her and her hosts were definitely some of my favourite parts of the story. Particularly the character of Alec whom I really felt for as he seemed typical of the people we read about in articles about online communities who seek solace with people they don't have to interact with face to face. Having to confront his quirks and flaws in person with Angeli rather than simply logging off was fascinating to read.
There's a strong theme of self-discovery and sticking to your principles throughout this book which I really enjoyed and I liked that Angeli didn't compromise herself no matter how tempting the situations that arose on her travels could be. A large part of the book is taken up by stirrings of potential romance that as a reader you know will eventually evolve into marriage for the author so it was captivating to watch Angeli stumble and fall into lust and love and make the choices that would shape her future happiness. Like reading a journal from times past this book brings you back to those times of uncertainty in life and love at any age.
Uplifting and entertaining ONCE UPON A ROAD TRIP was a special insight into just how wonderful and unique life can be even when it seems like it's just your everyday.
ONCE UPON A ROAD TRIP was an interesting take on memoir as the author wrote about her road trip during the summer after high school as a coming of age fictionalised account using her real life events as the plot. It made the reading experience all the more captivating as you knew it was based in fact and these characters were real.
Angeli has always felt like an outsider and like many teens has taken to the online community to connect with others like her. Cultivating those friendships she plans a road trip through America and Canada as she tries to figure out her next move, planning on staying with her online friends in the towns on her route. It was fascinating to see how that aspect of the plan played out and how deep or shallow those friendships turned out to be in person. It took me a while to settle in whilst reading this book. The writing style was interesting, there was almost a detachment to it at first and it felt a bit clinical but as I got to know the characters a bit better it considerably warmed which added to the realism of the book as it reminded me of meeting people in real life and the awkwardness as you stumble around trying to make a connection as differing personalities bond and clash.
Angeli was an interesting character, I found her to be kind but oddly abrasive at times especially in her judgements about other people. Her saving grace however was the fact that she caught herself when making those judgements and accepting her opinions weren't always meant to be shared. Intelligent with a strong sense of faith I did connect with her by the end of the book and really felt I had a sense of who she was and why she made the choices she did.
It was interesting that most of the people she stayed with on her road trip stops were boys and their families and the interactions between her and her hosts were definitely some of my favourite parts of the story. Particularly the character of Alec whom I really felt for as he seemed typical of the people we read about in articles about online communities who seek solace with people they don't have to interact with face to face. Having to confront his quirks and flaws in person with Angeli rather than simply logging off was fascinating to read.
There's a strong theme of self-discovery and sticking to your principles throughout this book which I really enjoyed and I liked that Angeli didn't compromise herself no matter how tempting the situations that arose on her travels could be. A large part of the book is taken up by stirrings of potential romance that as a reader you know will eventually evolve into marriage for the author so it was captivating to watch Angeli stumble and fall into lust and love and make the choices that would shape her future happiness. Like reading a journal from times past this book brings you back to those times of uncertainty in life and love at any age.
Uplifting and entertaining ONCE UPON A ROAD TRIP was a special insight into just how wonderful and unique life can be even when it seems like it's just your everyday.
September 25, 2013
This story really captured my attention for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the story line is just so different than the routine plot line of seemingly every other book out there. This book was an adventure. The way that the book was set up with so that the reader does not know what will happen. They must just go with the flow. Although it was a little boring at times, it still interested me so that wanting to know what happens kept me reading. Secondly, there was more to this book than just the what happens in the book. The fact that the author actually based this book off of an adventure she had in real life is almost mind-blowing. It was such a courageous thing to do. This book has more meaning because of this. It shows this girl who set of to learn more about herself and what she wants to do with her life. The love story is also a great part of this book because sometimes it is hard to believe that good men are really out there who will fight for their lady. It's a true love story and is so romantic that it means more than some love stories in books because it actually happened.
As for the characters in the book, I liked how each characters house Angeli stopped by had a different situation as in terms of family, and the boys' personality. At sometimes I found Angeli's character to be a bit repetitive on a few opinions or thoughts mentioned throughout the book. Other than that I has no complaints with the characters. The author focused on mainly their actions and personalities rather than their looks which left a little more room for imagination. Overall I really liked this book and will be looking for more books by this author.
As for the characters in the book, I liked how each characters house Angeli stopped by had a different situation as in terms of family, and the boys' personality. At sometimes I found Angeli's character to be a bit repetitive on a few opinions or thoughts mentioned throughout the book. Other than that I has no complaints with the characters. The author focused on mainly their actions and personalities rather than their looks which left a little more room for imagination. Overall I really liked this book and will be looking for more books by this author.
November 17, 2014
(I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.)
This wasn't a read I enjoyed unfortunately.
The people in this weren't awful, but I can't say that I'd be friends with them.
This started out pretty slow, and I was quite bored because of it. I hoped that it would be more enjoyable when I got further in to the road trip, but unfortunately, my feelings never changed.
Overall, Not for me.
This wasn't a read I enjoyed unfortunately.
The people in this weren't awful, but I can't say that I'd be friends with them.
This started out pretty slow, and I was quite bored because of it. I hoped that it would be more enjoyable when I got further in to the road trip, but unfortunately, my feelings never changed.
Overall, Not for me.
November 7, 2013
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review (David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!)
I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. I atually thought it might be a very interesting read. I usually like road trip stories. Especially with some romance in it.
But I found it just a big, very LONG disappointment.
It started out very slow and uneventful. It was slow paced and some of the content was kind of... unuseful or uninteresting. Unimpressive.
Some of the characters were nice but not remarkable.
Don ended up being a jerk, even though we didn't really get to know him personally.
Zak started out being a jerk too, but was just appearance, because he happened to be actually nice instead.
Scott seemed a nice guy but revealed himself being a creep and a jerk.
The story started to be more interesting by that point. I thought "Finally some romance, or at least some emotions!"
Things started to get very interesting with Vince. Although he seemed a jerk and a weird guy at first, he ended up being a real sweetheart. A lovely and sweet guy. And he explained later on in the story why he acted like he did when he first met Angie. I really liked him!
Now, about Angie..... I can't say I liked her. I just couldn't get myself to "feel" her. I couldn't connect to her. At least for most of the time. And I mostly wanted to beat the hell out of her. She was so annoying and frustrating most of the time.
My notes (if you haven't read them in my updates):
20.0% "So far, slow paced and uneventful. I liked Sandra though. Alec too was a nice guy. Mark was....well, weird and a little too animated for me. But given his condition (or at least his possible condition, if Angie was right) it's understandable. Don and Zak seem two jerks in my opinion. Met tons of them in my life and I find their type kind of disgusting and coward."
31.0% "I admit I had a change of heart about Zak. Not that I love him now. But he isn't the jerk I thought he would be either. I appreciated how he defended Angie at the Peace Tower. And I liked Eve, his sister, a lot. Really cute and funny. Even his mother ended up being nice. I liked this bit of the story much better than the previous bits. Much more interesting. Probably because of more interesting characters and events."
40.0% "I don't see what the big problem is. It was just a kiss. It happens, you know, when two peoples like each other, even just a little. No big deal."
52.0% "I honestly don't know how I feel or what I think about Angie and Scott. Clearly, there's attraction, but they argue too much, and irritate each other too often. And it's kind of annoying."
75.0% "And I don't know how I feel about Vince. He's a weird guy. My first impression when he met Angie wasn't good. He said some weird things and he was kind of rude and... well, I didn't like his comment about getting laid, even though it wasn't referred to Angie. It baffled me. Even more so when his behaviour changed later on.
I liked Grady."
79.0% "Oh my God! Would you relax??!! You're getting on my nerves! They care, you're unhappy. They don't care, you're unhappy. Chill out!"
84.0% "God, she's so annoying! I want to hit her in the head! What? You want a guy that's never been with another girl? Never been in love or sexually active? Are you looking for a priest? You're delusional. And you're throwing away a lovely guy. The chance of finding true love and being loved. You're an idiot!"
87.0% "He's so sweet and you're so stupid, girl! I want to beat the crap out of you until you finally see reason! Seriously, you're frustrating and annoying me!"
Now, for the rating.... that'll be hard, but I'll think well and be honest, as always.
I know it shows 2 stars, but it's actually 2 stars and a half.
I am sorry about this low rating and not so flattering review. But it probably wasn't my thing. And it was too long for my likes. I see many peoples loved this book. So, I guess personal tastes are just different. You can't help how you feel.
I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. I atually thought it might be a very interesting read. I usually like road trip stories. Especially with some romance in it.
But I found it just a big, very LONG disappointment.
It started out very slow and uneventful. It was slow paced and some of the content was kind of... unuseful or uninteresting. Unimpressive.
Some of the characters were nice but not remarkable.
Don ended up being a jerk, even though we didn't really get to know him personally.
Zak started out being a jerk too, but was just appearance, because he happened to be actually nice instead.
Scott seemed a nice guy but revealed himself being a creep and a jerk.
The story started to be more interesting by that point. I thought "Finally some romance, or at least some emotions!"
Things started to get very interesting with Vince. Although he seemed a jerk and a weird guy at first, he ended up being a real sweetheart. A lovely and sweet guy. And he explained later on in the story why he acted like he did when he first met Angie. I really liked him!
Now, about Angie..... I can't say I liked her. I just couldn't get myself to "feel" her. I couldn't connect to her. At least for most of the time. And I mostly wanted to beat the hell out of her. She was so annoying and frustrating most of the time.
My notes (if you haven't read them in my updates):
20.0% "So far, slow paced and uneventful. I liked Sandra though. Alec too was a nice guy. Mark was....well, weird and a little too animated for me. But given his condition (or at least his possible condition, if Angie was right) it's understandable. Don and Zak seem two jerks in my opinion. Met tons of them in my life and I find their type kind of disgusting and coward."
31.0% "I admit I had a change of heart about Zak. Not that I love him now. But he isn't the jerk I thought he would be either. I appreciated how he defended Angie at the Peace Tower. And I liked Eve, his sister, a lot. Really cute and funny. Even his mother ended up being nice. I liked this bit of the story much better than the previous bits. Much more interesting. Probably because of more interesting characters and events."
40.0% "I don't see what the big problem is. It was just a kiss. It happens, you know, when two peoples like each other, even just a little. No big deal."
52.0% "I honestly don't know how I feel or what I think about Angie and Scott. Clearly, there's attraction, but they argue too much, and irritate each other too often. And it's kind of annoying."
75.0% "And I don't know how I feel about Vince. He's a weird guy. My first impression when he met Angie wasn't good. He said some weird things and he was kind of rude and... well, I didn't like his comment about getting laid, even though it wasn't referred to Angie. It baffled me. Even more so when his behaviour changed later on.
I liked Grady."
79.0% "Oh my God! Would you relax??!! You're getting on my nerves! They care, you're unhappy. They don't care, you're unhappy. Chill out!"
84.0% "God, she's so annoying! I want to hit her in the head! What? You want a guy that's never been with another girl? Never been in love or sexually active? Are you looking for a priest? You're delusional. And you're throwing away a lovely guy. The chance of finding true love and being loved. You're an idiot!"
87.0% "He's so sweet and you're so stupid, girl! I want to beat the crap out of you until you finally see reason! Seriously, you're frustrating and annoying me!"
Now, for the rating.... that'll be hard, but I'll think well and be honest, as always.
I know it shows 2 stars, but it's actually 2 stars and a half.
I am sorry about this low rating and not so flattering review. But it probably wasn't my thing. And it was too long for my likes. I see many peoples loved this book. So, I guess personal tastes are just different. You can't help how you feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Angela N. Blount.)
This was an interesting story about one girl’s road trip to see friends after graduating high-school.
Angie was a character who seemed more mature than her years at times, and then at other times did things that maybe weren’t so well thought out. She took risks, she tried new things, and she seemed to have spent a lot of time planning out her road trip. I certainly wouldn’t have had the guts to try shark or snails, and driving thousands of miles would have gotten old for me.
The storyline in this was mainly about Angie’s journey, and the people she met and things she did along the way. She visited friends and her relationships with them changed, some for the better and some for the worse, and she made sure to try new things and see places she wanted to see whilst on her journey.
There was a bit of romance in this, as the author explains, this book tells the story of how she met her husband! There were a few kisses with different boys in this book though, which kind-of kept the reader in the dark a bit as to which man would be the right one.
The ending to this was hopeful, and it did seem like Angie had decided which guy it was that was the right guy for her. I wasn’t really expecting the situation that she found herself in with one of her suitors though.
Overall; interesting road-trip story,
6.25 out of 10
This was an interesting story about one girl’s road trip to see friends after graduating high-school.
Angie was a character who seemed more mature than her years at times, and then at other times did things that maybe weren’t so well thought out. She took risks, she tried new things, and she seemed to have spent a lot of time planning out her road trip. I certainly wouldn’t have had the guts to try shark or snails, and driving thousands of miles would have gotten old for me.
The storyline in this was mainly about Angie’s journey, and the people she met and things she did along the way. She visited friends and her relationships with them changed, some for the better and some for the worse, and she made sure to try new things and see places she wanted to see whilst on her journey.
There was a bit of romance in this, as the author explains, this book tells the story of how she met her husband! There were a few kisses with different boys in this book though, which kind-of kept the reader in the dark a bit as to which man would be the right one.
The ending to this was hopeful, and it did seem like Angie had decided which guy it was that was the right guy for her. I wasn’t really expecting the situation that she found herself in with one of her suitors though.
Overall; interesting road-trip story,
6.25 out of 10
July 26, 2016
I have to say, I am quite impressed with this book!
First I want to appologize to Mrs. Blount about the long time of reading before I coluld write this review.
Now onto my review.
Angeli, she is such an amazing character with a great personality. I enjoyed her road trip on meeting her friends and seeing how much she cared about them. I enjoyed reading her growth as a person and to discovering herself.
Angela Blount wrote an exceptional book about learning ones self and discovering her purpose.
I know my review is quite short, but i can not put into words how much I enjoyed this book.
Thank you!
First I want to appologize to Mrs. Blount about the long time of reading before I coluld write this review.
Now onto my review.
Angeli, she is such an amazing character with a great personality. I enjoyed her road trip on meeting her friends and seeing how much she cared about them. I enjoyed reading her growth as a person and to discovering herself.
Angela Blount wrote an exceptional book about learning ones self and discovering her purpose.
I know my review is quite short, but i can not put into words how much I enjoyed this book.
Thank you!
November 12, 2013
“Once Upon A Road” is a great travel story about Angie's adventures on the road. The descriptions of everyone she meets are whimsical and endearing, especially as she compares them in “real life” to their online personas.
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
February 12, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the We ♥ YA Books!
I was so excited to read this book. When I see the words road trip in a title I'm sold!
But unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted.
I'll start with what I've like about it.
I like the fact that it was a memoir. I love to see real road trip stories.
I like the journal's entry in the end of the chapters.
Here's what I didn't like...
The journal's entry in the end of the chapters. I know it's in the things I liked but I didn't like the fact that the information was repeating itself in it.
The religion was too present in the book. I just don't enjoy very religious people.
I would like to have more road... When I see the word road trip in a title I want to see the road! Also the visits she made were too rushed and the meets with her friends too long.
Speaking of her friends, I didn't care for most of them.
The writing style. I felt cold about it, I think it's because of the way it use the she instead of I.
I was so excited to read this book. When I see the words road trip in a title I'm sold!
But unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted.
I'll start with what I've like about it.
I like the fact that it was a memoir. I love to see real road trip stories.
I like the journal's entry in the end of the chapters.
Here's what I didn't like...
The journal's entry in the end of the chapters. I know it's in the things I liked but I didn't like the fact that the information was repeating itself in it.
The religion was too present in the book. I just don't enjoy very religious people.
I would like to have more road... When I see the word road trip in a title I want to see the road! Also the visits she made were too rushed and the meets with her friends too long.
Speaking of her friends, I didn't care for most of them.
The writing style. I felt cold about it, I think it's because of the way it use the she instead of I.
May 3, 2014
Wow. This book was just.... Wow.
I had heard about it from entering a giveaway, but since I did not win it, I decided the book sounded too good to wait for another, so I bought it. And let me tell you, I am glad I did.
Every element of this book was perfect. The writing was flawless. It did take me a few pages to get adjusted to the point of view, but I honestly felt as if it added to the story to make it even better.
I am completely impressed at how well the story was executed, and knowing that it is a retelling of the authors experiences makes it so much more interesting. I wish I had the guts to go on such an adventure.
I honestly wish there was more to the story, but I am completely content with how it ended. Five out of five perfect stars for an amazing book.
I had heard about it from entering a giveaway, but since I did not win it, I decided the book sounded too good to wait for another, so I bought it. And let me tell you, I am glad I did.
Every element of this book was perfect. The writing was flawless. It did take me a few pages to get adjusted to the point of view, but I honestly felt as if it added to the story to make it even better.
I am completely impressed at how well the story was executed, and knowing that it is a retelling of the authors experiences makes it so much more interesting. I wish I had the guts to go on such an adventure.
I honestly wish there was more to the story, but I am completely content with how it ended. Five out of five perfect stars for an amazing book.
January 3, 2014
My hope is there will be another book, that we'll get to find out what happened with Vince, with school, with life?
This book was in places enlightening, funny, fun, inspirational, and heart rending. Having lived through what that person was trying to do, and I don't believe for an instant that was sleep assault at all, it was horribly painful to have Angel have to experience that. I'm so thankful she was able to defend herself and thwart her attacker.
This was a wonderful book, and I'm really hoping there will be another!
This book was in places enlightening, funny, fun, inspirational, and heart rending. Having lived through what that person was trying to do, and I don't believe for an instant that was sleep assault at all, it was horribly painful to have Angel have to experience that. I'm so thankful she was able to defend herself and thwart her attacker.
This was a wonderful book, and I'm really hoping there will be another!
August 1, 2013
A young persons dream, but a parents nightmare. An ambitious and courageous young woman decides to go on a road trip, by herself, to visit and stay with people, most of whom she has not met, except on-line. This is the true story of just such a trip and the amazing, and sometimes scary things that happened one summer. Inspirational for young people going through the transition to adulthood and reassuring for adults as it reminds us both of our own dreams and how capable our children really are.
October 1, 2013
The book is about the author's road trip when she was eighteen years old. It was well written. I admire the courage of the character for taking the trip. What's so amazing about the story is that the character honors God. A must read for the young ones. I fell in love with Vince too. He's so sweet and caring! :) Great job, Angeli! I look forward to reading more of your work. It will definitely be added on my love to read again list.
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March 12, 2013Quiero sinopsis!! ♥ Esperaré como buena chica
January 5, 2015
Review to come...
July 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the We ♥ YA Books!
The premise caught my eye and I quickly signed up my interest, and while I don't generally take a long time to read (I'm reading the book just days before the reviews are due), but I couldn't help but take my time in delving in since I was currently overseas on holidays; enjoying the food, culture and atmosphere- you know the drill. So, back to the book review:
The story starts with our Angie (18 years old wanderlust) at her high school graduation; the author gives us a short but clear idea of some of the usual characters and experiences are at her local small town; we have her relationship with her family, her eccentric and quirky cool best mate Elsie and just a general view of what she would be leaving while she's about to embark on this cross country adventure. And so it begins...
Angie goes on a cross country adventure with her trusty car , from each location she has a host- friends from her online writing community and their families. Her online friends are mostly guys, nerds if you will- they're endearing as much as they are are bundle of complex personalities, and before you ask if the situation is safe, it is, as these young men/boys still live with their parents/relatives (I'm looking at you Sandra, it would be amazing to have you as a host mum); as well as a mace and a bow knife for safety purposes. Every chapter boasts a mountain of descriptive language and a plethora of experiences, the writing is blunt, and engaging; I couldn't help but find Angie's sharp wit and dry humour entertaining, it made her all the more relatable. I wont spoil the whole story for you, but as expected, no family is ever the same; no two individuals would ever have the same perspective- So, Angie got a whole dose of life's challenges, its ups and downs, not just from living with relatively 'known' strangers but travelling alone as well. No man (in this case young woman) is an island, with Angie's isolation comes both sacrifices and rewards, which our author sheds light on.
Each host family no matter how short their appearance in the story was clearly written in a way that painted a realistic picture, which added some fluidity to the story- as a reader we get to feel what had transpired between both parties, as if we were in the same room as them. So, I believed that at every destination Angie was headed to- whether it be to do some solo touristy thing i.e going to see the Niagara Falls, or finally meet/hang out/ live with her online friends, there were always going to be challenges she had to face- isolation, depression, home sickness, longing, love and life. However, our dear Angie tackled each and every challenge head on- victorious; with her innocence yet street smarts and worldly if not kindly view of the world , her perspectives help aid in her quest for growth and maturity. Definitely a strong, highly relatable character; she's a strong practical dreamer who is armed with logic and angelic providence on her side.
As much as this was a story about love; a love of self, love of adventures, love of God and romantic love, I couldn't help but be somewhat unnerved by Angie's initial choice, I liked S because he was, from what I could tell a pretty decent guy for Angie, they were so similar in most ways and he was always caring and likeable towards her, you also can't deny the physical pull they had together
(it was somewhat explosive) , I initially also felt like V carried too much baggage internally, between his parents along with his ex-gf. But, as it so happens, V complemented her more that S could ever do, he was basically the Yin to her Yang; opposites do attract as long as boundaries are established.
The book took some time for me to get used to, since it has been awhile since I've read anything in third person, but once you get over that and adapt, the story is just gravy!
*P.S
The book is based on the authors experience.
Four stars- since there were two incidents that where not properly delved into, very serious issue. Perhaps since its based on a true to life story, I assumed that there was possibly more to it, but in the book I wasn't particularly happy/satisfied to how it was handled and/or rectified...
The premise caught my eye and I quickly signed up my interest, and while I don't generally take a long time to read (I'm reading the book just days before the reviews are due), but I couldn't help but take my time in delving in since I was currently overseas on holidays; enjoying the food, culture and atmosphere- you know the drill. So, back to the book review:
The story starts with our Angie (18 years old wanderlust) at her high school graduation; the author gives us a short but clear idea of some of the usual characters and experiences are at her local small town; we have her relationship with her family, her eccentric and quirky cool best mate Elsie and just a general view of what she would be leaving while she's about to embark on this cross country adventure. And so it begins...
Angie goes on a cross country adventure with her trusty car , from each location she has a host- friends from her online writing community and their families. Her online friends are mostly guys, nerds if you will- they're endearing as much as they are are bundle of complex personalities, and before you ask if the situation is safe, it is, as these young men/boys still live with their parents/relatives (I'm looking at you Sandra, it would be amazing to have you as a host mum); as well as a mace and a bow knife for safety purposes. Every chapter boasts a mountain of descriptive language and a plethora of experiences, the writing is blunt, and engaging; I couldn't help but find Angie's sharp wit and dry humour entertaining, it made her all the more relatable. I wont spoil the whole story for you, but as expected, no family is ever the same; no two individuals would ever have the same perspective- So, Angie got a whole dose of life's challenges, its ups and downs, not just from living with relatively 'known' strangers but travelling alone as well. No man (in this case young woman) is an island, with Angie's isolation comes both sacrifices and rewards, which our author sheds light on.
Each host family no matter how short their appearance in the story was clearly written in a way that painted a realistic picture, which added some fluidity to the story- as a reader we get to feel what had transpired between both parties, as if we were in the same room as them. So, I believed that at every destination Angie was headed to- whether it be to do some solo touristy thing i.e going to see the Niagara Falls, or finally meet/hang out/ live with her online friends, there were always going to be challenges she had to face- isolation, depression, home sickness, longing, love and life. However, our dear Angie tackled each and every challenge head on- victorious; with her innocence yet street smarts and worldly if not kindly view of the world , her perspectives help aid in her quest for growth and maturity. Definitely a strong, highly relatable character; she's a strong practical dreamer who is armed with logic and angelic providence on her side.
As much as this was a story about love; a love of self, love of adventures, love of God and romantic love, I couldn't help but be somewhat unnerved by Angie's initial choice, I liked S because he was, from what I could tell a pretty decent guy for Angie, they were so similar in most ways and he was always caring and likeable towards her, you also can't deny the physical pull they had together
(it was somewhat explosive) , I initially also felt like V carried too much baggage internally, between his parents along with his ex-gf. But, as it so happens, V complemented her more that S could ever do, he was basically the Yin to her Yang; opposites do attract as long as boundaries are established.
The book took some time for me to get used to, since it has been awhile since I've read anything in third person, but once you get over that and adapt, the story is just gravy!
*P.S
The book is based on the authors experience.
Four stars- since there were two incidents that where not properly delved into, very serious issue. Perhaps since its based on a true to life story, I assumed that there was possibly more to it, but in the book I wasn't particularly happy/satisfied to how it was handled and/or rectified...
February 5, 2014
This is the first memoir I have read, I had previously had a vague idea on what a memoir was, but this had certainly cleared things up for me and I will definitely read more in the future.
The memoir is about a teen-aged Angela Blount as a fresh out of high school student who has no idea what to do with her life. She embarks on a journey to find herself through the adventure of a road trip. My reactions to Angie’s road trip was at first: “Is this girl crazy?” and I couldn’t understand why she would want to do that, I’d always wanted to go on a road trip, but with friends, not on my own. As I read on, I then understood it was a trip of self discovery which was a thing needed to do in solitude.
Angie’s character-to me- was incredibly down to earth and a strong hearted Christian which good morals, Blount made her teen-aged self very relatable to me. She was also a drifter through her high school life, like myself she wasn't fully involved in school life and naturally, she was also curious and seemed sort of lost but aware that she was in search of something she was missing. Again like myself she is a questioner, questioning the relevance of some school subjects which teach you next to nothing about the real world. This is all we learn in the chapters before her road trip, we do learn little things about her friend and family but nothing else. Her introduction seemed incomplete, the same with how she felt at the beginning, a brilliant technique Blount has used there to show her uncertainty about herself.
During the first parts of her journey, I learn of how observant and perceptive Angie is at her age, revealing her intelligence and maturity at such an age (17), I know many girls at her age that aren't half as intelligent Angie seems to come across as. She really does start to feel like a fictional character helping her friends/hosts along with their respective problems, it seemed a little too good to be true. She came across as a supportive friend who was good at talking to others without making them feel uncomfortable- like every girl’s dream friend.
I did realise that Angie stayed with a lot of boys. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I did feel a little uneasy as this revelation became more and more apparent. I felt like this was a bad thing waiting to happen even though she’d previously met with a few of them. She only has one girl friend and the rest are online friends who happen to be boys. She doesn't say it, but I think she was one who didn’t get along very well with most girls at school. The boy situation does come to be a problem as she develops unfamiliar feelings for some and some reciprocate that back. This is relatively new to her, which is understandable, but she is a very caring character for those admirers and is constantly thinking about their feelings.
The epilogue is the sweetest part of the whole adventure, winding down and showing us that her journey did not end up with her fully discovering herself, but someone to discover the rest with and an absolutely great story to tell one day.
I usually hate books written in third person exempt a few brilliant classics and one fantastic novel based on the Iliad, but this will surely be added to my accepted list. With third person, I never really have a connection with the main character, like the information is just being relayed to me, but with this book I did feel that connection which made me carry on reading, I don’t know how Blount did it but props to her for keeping me engaged.
It was an enjoyable read and one I would definitely read again, Blount has inspired me to not only be a better Christian like herself but also have an adventure too.
I'd like to say a huge thank you to Angela for giving be the book and I would surely like to read more from her!
The memoir is about a teen-aged Angela Blount as a fresh out of high school student who has no idea what to do with her life. She embarks on a journey to find herself through the adventure of a road trip. My reactions to Angie’s road trip was at first: “Is this girl crazy?” and I couldn’t understand why she would want to do that, I’d always wanted to go on a road trip, but with friends, not on my own. As I read on, I then understood it was a trip of self discovery which was a thing needed to do in solitude.
Angie’s character-to me- was incredibly down to earth and a strong hearted Christian which good morals, Blount made her teen-aged self very relatable to me. She was also a drifter through her high school life, like myself she wasn't fully involved in school life and naturally, she was also curious and seemed sort of lost but aware that she was in search of something she was missing. Again like myself she is a questioner, questioning the relevance of some school subjects which teach you next to nothing about the real world. This is all we learn in the chapters before her road trip, we do learn little things about her friend and family but nothing else. Her introduction seemed incomplete, the same with how she felt at the beginning, a brilliant technique Blount has used there to show her uncertainty about herself.
During the first parts of her journey, I learn of how observant and perceptive Angie is at her age, revealing her intelligence and maturity at such an age (17), I know many girls at her age that aren't half as intelligent Angie seems to come across as. She really does start to feel like a fictional character helping her friends/hosts along with their respective problems, it seemed a little too good to be true. She came across as a supportive friend who was good at talking to others without making them feel uncomfortable- like every girl’s dream friend.
I did realise that Angie stayed with a lot of boys. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I did feel a little uneasy as this revelation became more and more apparent. I felt like this was a bad thing waiting to happen even though she’d previously met with a few of them. She only has one girl friend and the rest are online friends who happen to be boys. She doesn't say it, but I think she was one who didn’t get along very well with most girls at school. The boy situation does come to be a problem as she develops unfamiliar feelings for some and some reciprocate that back. This is relatively new to her, which is understandable, but she is a very caring character for those admirers and is constantly thinking about their feelings.
The epilogue is the sweetest part of the whole adventure, winding down and showing us that her journey did not end up with her fully discovering herself, but someone to discover the rest with and an absolutely great story to tell one day.
I usually hate books written in third person exempt a few brilliant classics and one fantastic novel based on the Iliad, but this will surely be added to my accepted list. With third person, I never really have a connection with the main character, like the information is just being relayed to me, but with this book I did feel that connection which made me carry on reading, I don’t know how Blount did it but props to her for keeping me engaged.
It was an enjoyable read and one I would definitely read again, Blount has inspired me to not only be a better Christian like herself but also have an adventure too.
I'd like to say a huge thank you to Angela for giving be the book and I would surely like to read more from her!
January 12, 2014
Firstly Id like to thank Angela N. Blount for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review
I apologize for the delay with the review. I suppose I could have writer OMG WOW I LOVED THIS BOOK but I thought you all might like me to elaborate, plus I just couldn't do that to a book this good so bare with me. I usually give a brief overview of what the books about but because I have so much to say about how much of a pleasant surprise this book was ill just get right to it.
I signed up to R2R this book originally because I myself have always dreamed of traveling, just get in my car and go but unfortunately having 3 young children that dream has been postponed. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw the blurb for this book.
I loved every aspect of this book for instance the cover, all the humour, the fact that Angeli and all the characters weren't perfect and never claimed to be and that everyone that Angeli visited had there own issues/ problems they were trying to deal with.
She had a dream and no matter how many people told her to reconsider it she decided to take life by the scruff of the neck and experience it. I love, love, loved the tally at the end and thought it was a good touch. As was the journal entries throughout the story.
I have never read a coming-of-age memoir or any memoir for that matter but if they are anything like this one I'll be reading a lot more of them. Now in saying that. I have no idea if memoirs have epilogues but I am a BIG fan of them and would have loved to have seen one at the end of this book just to put my very curious mind to rest.
I know, I know curiosity killed the cat and if I was one I would have died a long time ago. In saying this there is a little epilogue that fit perfectly with the story but being greedy I would have liked a did Angeli and (whomever she chose - go buy the book and see)relationship last, what did she decide to study at college. I know curious right!
I would have also have loved to have seen a couple of pictures of Angela N. Blount's journey but my imagination will just have to conjure up the images.
Now that I have mentioned all the great things I found in this book I have to mention the one thing that annoyed me which was the naivety of Angeli to stay with Steven after "the incident" (yes I'm dubbing it the incident so as not to give any spoilers away). I even found myself yelling things out at Angeli only to realize I was drawing curious looks of the other patrons of the shop where I was when I just so happened to be reading this particular part and had to make a hasty get away before I was escorted out for being a crazy loon. Anyway as I was saying, once I relocated I started to also reassure Angeli that the betrayals of others had nothing to do with it being her fault and that she shouldn't lay the blame of herself.
Every time I think about this book I second guess my self as to giving it a 4 or 5 and at the time I thought 4 was suffice but now I have let the idea stew I've decided to give it a 5. Because this story is one that will stick with you long after and because I love the idea that love and happy endings are real and not just in books or in movies and even if they are unexpected you should let yourself be open to new things because life is full of surprises as Angela N. Blount's found in her awe-inspiring journey.
If you are reading this thank you for sticking with me and ill leave you on a quote I loved from this book
I apologize for the delay with the review. I suppose I could have writer OMG WOW I LOVED THIS BOOK but I thought you all might like me to elaborate, plus I just couldn't do that to a book this good so bare with me. I usually give a brief overview of what the books about but because I have so much to say about how much of a pleasant surprise this book was ill just get right to it.
I signed up to R2R this book originally because I myself have always dreamed of traveling, just get in my car and go but unfortunately having 3 young children that dream has been postponed. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw the blurb for this book.
I loved every aspect of this book for instance the cover, all the humour, the fact that Angeli and all the characters weren't perfect and never claimed to be and that everyone that Angeli visited had there own issues/ problems they were trying to deal with.
She had a dream and no matter how many people told her to reconsider it she decided to take life by the scruff of the neck and experience it. I love, love, loved the tally at the end and thought it was a good touch. As was the journal entries throughout the story.
I have never read a coming-of-age memoir or any memoir for that matter but if they are anything like this one I'll be reading a lot more of them. Now in saying that. I have no idea if memoirs have epilogues but I am a BIG fan of them and would have loved to have seen one at the end of this book just to put my very curious mind to rest.
I know, I know curiosity killed the cat and if I was one I would have died a long time ago. In saying this there is a little epilogue that fit perfectly with the story but being greedy I would have liked a did Angeli and (whomever she chose - go buy the book and see)relationship last, what did she decide to study at college. I know curious right!
I would have also have loved to have seen a couple of pictures of Angela N. Blount's journey but my imagination will just have to conjure up the images.
Now that I have mentioned all the great things I found in this book I have to mention the one thing that annoyed me which was the naivety of Angeli to stay with Steven after "the incident" (yes I'm dubbing it the incident so as not to give any spoilers away). I even found myself yelling things out at Angeli only to realize I was drawing curious looks of the other patrons of the shop where I was when I just so happened to be reading this particular part and had to make a hasty get away before I was escorted out for being a crazy loon. Anyway as I was saying, once I relocated I started to also reassure Angeli that the betrayals of others had nothing to do with it being her fault and that she shouldn't lay the blame of herself.
Every time I think about this book I second guess my self as to giving it a 4 or 5 and at the time I thought 4 was suffice but now I have let the idea stew I've decided to give it a 5. Because this story is one that will stick with you long after and because I love the idea that love and happy endings are real and not just in books or in movies and even if they are unexpected you should let yourself be open to new things because life is full of surprises as Angela N. Blount's found in her awe-inspiring journey.
If you are reading this thank you for sticking with me and ill leave you on a quote I loved from this book
"Everybody’s damaged. It’s just a question of how badly, and whether you’re healing or still bleeding"
February 6, 2015
Received a digital copy from the author for an honest review
You open the book and the first thing you see is this: "And for our children. Because one day, I want you to know the whole story of how I met your
father." Right there and then made me curious of who the father could be and how they met.
That was one part that intrigued me the most and the second, what the story is all about of course, that this book is the memoir of the author´s two month road trip across the country all by herself, and don´t forget Canada.
This is the story of Angeli an 18 year old girl who decides to take a two month road trip the summer after her high school graduation, to visit her internet friends all over U.S and Canada.
Her courage to take on a trip like that all by herself is admirable and I wish I had the guts to do something like that.
It must be amazing to meet your internet friends in real life to see if their exactly like you thought they would be or different, in a good or bad may.
"She felt closer to some of her
online peers than she did to the friends she saw on a daily basis." I understand that completely, I feel exactly the same way with my internet friends.
I was intrigued to get to know who the father of her children turned out to be. With that in mind I had these thoughts in my head every time Angeli visited someone: “could that be him, or maybe this guy?” or “nah, not him and I wish it was him”. If I got disappointed of who it turned out to be, you are wrong. I was more than happy with who it turned out to be, he seems like the sweetest guy. Always asking how Angeli was feeling and so caring.
One of my favorite parts is when Angeli got lost one night on her way to meet her new host and it turned out she made the wrong turn and he was looking for her. That was really sweet of him and that hug! If only I could meet someone from the internet and say “it´s so weird… you´re a real person”.
I liked it from start to finish. It was well written and you never got bored besides the parts were she visited someone for a short time and you could feel that she did not enjoy her visit. Angeli felt very mature of her age and very wise and made good decisions. But which teenager isn´t confused and not sure of what you want to do with your life. Rather than to hurt someone from getting their heart broken or mislead them in any way she decided to let them down nicely. I respected her for that. But in the end even Angeli couldn´t even hold back. I guess when you find the right one, you know. Made me glad that she found someone she didn´t want to let go off even if she tried.
There were some up and downs, good and bad, fun and sad, cute and bold moments. Everyone who´s read it or going to is going to want to make a road trip after reading this book, i´ll promise you that because I certainly do!
And it gives you hope that it´s someone out there for everyone.
Last thing i´m really excited that book two will be out soon. Can´t wait to know more!
You open the book and the first thing you see is this: "And for our children. Because one day, I want you to know the whole story of how I met your
father." Right there and then made me curious of who the father could be and how they met.
That was one part that intrigued me the most and the second, what the story is all about of course, that this book is the memoir of the author´s two month road trip across the country all by herself, and don´t forget Canada.
This is the story of Angeli an 18 year old girl who decides to take a two month road trip the summer after her high school graduation, to visit her internet friends all over U.S and Canada.
Her courage to take on a trip like that all by herself is admirable and I wish I had the guts to do something like that.
It must be amazing to meet your internet friends in real life to see if their exactly like you thought they would be or different, in a good or bad may.
"She felt closer to some of her
online peers than she did to the friends she saw on a daily basis." I understand that completely, I feel exactly the same way with my internet friends.
I was intrigued to get to know who the father of her children turned out to be. With that in mind I had these thoughts in my head every time Angeli visited someone: “could that be him, or maybe this guy?” or “nah, not him and I wish it was him”. If I got disappointed of who it turned out to be, you are wrong. I was more than happy with who it turned out to be, he seems like the sweetest guy. Always asking how Angeli was feeling and so caring.
One of my favorite parts is when Angeli got lost one night on her way to meet her new host and it turned out she made the wrong turn and he was looking for her. That was really sweet of him and that hug! If only I could meet someone from the internet and say “it´s so weird… you´re a real person”.
I liked it from start to finish. It was well written and you never got bored besides the parts were she visited someone for a short time and you could feel that she did not enjoy her visit. Angeli felt very mature of her age and very wise and made good decisions. But which teenager isn´t confused and not sure of what you want to do with your life. Rather than to hurt someone from getting their heart broken or mislead them in any way she decided to let them down nicely. I respected her for that. But in the end even Angeli couldn´t even hold back. I guess when you find the right one, you know. Made me glad that she found someone she didn´t want to let go off even if she tried.
There were some up and downs, good and bad, fun and sad, cute and bold moments. Everyone who´s read it or going to is going to want to make a road trip after reading this book, i´ll promise you that because I certainly do!
And it gives you hope that it´s someone out there for everyone.
Last thing i´m really excited that book two will be out soon. Can´t wait to know more!
November 21, 2013
Free Copy Courtesy of Author
“Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere; and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”
Characters
There are a number of characters.
Angeli is the main character. She was well-meaning but was a bit overbearing and a know-it-all. I didn't really like her at the beginning but she turned out good at the end. It was really a story of personal growth for her
I know, I know…there’s something cliché about that. The heroine initially wanting to clobber a protagonist male, but later realizing that he’s grown on her and she actually really likes him. Technically, I’m not supposed to find that appealing. But maybe real life is a lot more cliché than anyone wants to admit. Or maybe there’s just a fine, subjective line between the cliché and the poetic.
Don was a jerk. Zak started out being a jerk too, but he happened to be a nice guy. And I loved his sister. One of my favourite characters in the book.
Scott seemed to be okay. Not nice. Not a jerk but he ended up being a creep and a jerk.
Vince was "offish" and weird at first but I really liked him. And I felt for him. He was really sweet and protective. Sometimes a little overboard but generally a sweetheart.
“I know you can take care of yourself,” he said, with absolute conviction. His vivid eyes probed hers. With the same underlying resolve, he lifted a hand and brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “I just think...you shouldn’t -have- to.”
The Story/Writing
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the style of writing. It reads like a novel and that made it enjoyable.
We follow Angeli on her trip across the US and even into Canada. Where she stays with people from her online writing community.
There's a lot of drama on the way. The story got really really interesting in the third part.
The romance between Angeli and Vince was interesting. It wasn't first sight, I-just-met-you-but-I'd-climb-a-thousand-mountains-to-make-you-happy type of love. It built up as the story went on.
“There’s so much I don’t know, I think it’s been distracting me from what I do know. I know you have a good heart, an amazing mind, and the potential to do great things. I know I respect so many things about you. And...I like who I am when I’m around you.” She felt a smile forming on her face as she gathered her courage. “I guess what I’m trying to say is—if you’re still sure about this—then I suppose we can give it a try.”
Recommendation
I really enjoyed this book and although it's targeted at young adults, I'd recommend this to everyone.
“Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere; and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”
Characters
There are a number of characters.
Angeli is the main character. She was well-meaning but was a bit overbearing and a know-it-all. I didn't really like her at the beginning but she turned out good at the end. It was really a story of personal growth for her
I know, I know…there’s something cliché about that. The heroine initially wanting to clobber a protagonist male, but later realizing that he’s grown on her and she actually really likes him. Technically, I’m not supposed to find that appealing. But maybe real life is a lot more cliché than anyone wants to admit. Or maybe there’s just a fine, subjective line between the cliché and the poetic.
Don was a jerk. Zak started out being a jerk too, but he happened to be a nice guy. And I loved his sister. One of my favourite characters in the book.
Scott seemed to be okay. Not nice. Not a jerk but he ended up being a creep and a jerk.
Vince was "offish" and weird at first but I really liked him. And I felt for him. He was really sweet and protective. Sometimes a little overboard but generally a sweetheart.
“I know you can take care of yourself,” he said, with absolute conviction. His vivid eyes probed hers. With the same underlying resolve, he lifted a hand and brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “I just think...you shouldn’t -have- to.”
The Story/Writing
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the style of writing. It reads like a novel and that made it enjoyable.
We follow Angeli on her trip across the US and even into Canada. Where she stays with people from her online writing community.
There's a lot of drama on the way. The story got really really interesting in the third part.
The romance between Angeli and Vince was interesting. It wasn't first sight, I-just-met-you-but-I'd-climb-a-thousand-mountains-to-make-you-happy type of love. It built up as the story went on.
“There’s so much I don’t know, I think it’s been distracting me from what I do know. I know you have a good heart, an amazing mind, and the potential to do great things. I know I respect so many things about you. And...I like who I am when I’m around you.” She felt a smile forming on her face as she gathered her courage. “I guess what I’m trying to say is—if you’re still sure about this—then I suppose we can give it a try.”
Recommendation
I really enjoyed this book and although it's targeted at young adults, I'd recommend this to everyone.
May 4, 2019
The fact that this is set in 2002 makes her a contemporary of mine, which makes it extra-accessible. However, something about the margins and font immediately screamed "self published," which I equate with amateur writing and minimal editing. This seems a not-inaccurate impression -- there's just a certain style to good but not fully polished writing where the dialogue is off, not quite natural. Maybe too many descriptors? It especially stands out in phrases like "she said, in a glaringly unexcited tone," or the overly flowery style of describing a classmate as "an athletic, dark skinned beauty."
However, the further into the book I got, the more that fell away as I got attached to the story. In her journal entry she describes it as her "walkabout," which is definitely accurate. While the post-graduation summer road trip was more about visits with friends than things that happened on the road, it was still a romantic idea because they were visits to meet internet friends, long before this became mainstream (all guys, interestingly enough, which is the opposite of my experience in internet-friending). That's actually a beautiful way to accomplish two dreams at once.
The part that might lead you to mistake it for a YA novel is when two of the guys fall in love with her, and if you want to save yourself some fretting, either look up the summary of the sequel or let me tell you which one you should look forward to: I also recommend not focusing on that, because it's mainly relevant near the end. And one of the nice things about that is her faith-based insistence on both physical boundaries -- even though she still ends up accidentally falling asleep with guys more than once, which is my #1 favorite thing -- and on not "dating around" or otherwise starting casual relationships that won't likely go the distance.
All in all, I think simply writing this trip down in book form is an accomplishment. If I'd done this, I'd turn it into a book too (on second thought, is it too late for me to do this?). Part of the dedication is to her children, "because one day, I want you to know the whole story of how I met your father." (TED MOSBY STYLE! Except with fewer tangents and one night stands.) It is definitely nice as a family legacy and I think her children are very lucky.
3.5 stars butting up to 4 the more I write about it, though I'm not quite sure I loved the actual writing enough to get all the way there. We'll see how lasting an impression the content makes. I definitely do want to keep going and read the sequel, though.
P.S. I really, really, really love the cover.
However, the further into the book I got, the more that fell away as I got attached to the story. In her journal entry she describes it as her "walkabout," which is definitely accurate. While the post-graduation summer road trip was more about visits with friends than things that happened on the road, it was still a romantic idea because they were visits to meet internet friends, long before this became mainstream (all guys, interestingly enough, which is the opposite of my experience in internet-friending). That's actually a beautiful way to accomplish two dreams at once.
The part that might lead you to mistake it for a YA novel is when two of the guys fall in love with her, and if you want to save yourself some fretting, either look up the summary of the sequel or let me tell you which one you should look forward to: I also recommend not focusing on that, because it's mainly relevant near the end. And one of the nice things about that is her faith-based insistence on both physical boundaries -- even though she still ends up accidentally falling asleep with guys more than once, which is my #1 favorite thing -- and on not "dating around" or otherwise starting casual relationships that won't likely go the distance.
All in all, I think simply writing this trip down in book form is an accomplishment. If I'd done this, I'd turn it into a book too (on second thought, is it too late for me to do this?). Part of the dedication is to her children, "because one day, I want you to know the whole story of how I met your father." (TED MOSBY STYLE! Except with fewer tangents and one night stands.) It is definitely nice as a family legacy and I think her children are very lucky.
3.5 stars butting up to 4 the more I write about it, though I'm not quite sure I loved the actual writing enough to get all the way there. We'll see how lasting an impression the content makes. I definitely do want to keep going and read the sequel, though.
P.S. I really, really, really love the cover.
January 31, 2014
This author clearly comes from the same community of people online that I do because I understood everything that Angeli was going through and what drove her to go on the adventure written about in Once Upon a Road Trip. This is a memoir about a young girl who flourish in an online community of writers, but doesn't quite fit into the real world as much as she does online. Deciding to do something drastic, she goes on a 2 month road trip to discover what she wants to do with the rest of her life and meet some of the people she considers friends in this community that she loves so much.
This book has so many ups and downs that just make it seems like she is never going to complete her journey that it really tugs at your heart many times. Between a near-death experience and possibly falling in love, you can see the change in Angeli as every situation unfolds. Going on this experience with her, really gave me some perspective on things that I am doing, right now. Obviously I have a blog, and I am actively involved in the online world of books (hence writing this review to begin with) and I can understand what is going on her head because I live it. I have people that I interact with online that I would call friends that I have never met, and probably will never meet. The idea that I don't fit in, is very real. Angeli, however, doesn't take this lying down and goes out and does something about the feelings that she is struggling with, which is more than I can say I will ever do. I will live vicariously through her in this book though because she took life by the horns and really took control over her future.
The romance in the story felt real and natural, versus many manufactured or forced romance that you see in so many books. The flow of the book seemed natural as well, which really kept the whole story together and down the Earth, which I really enjoyed. I loved that this is a memoir because there is a real person behind a seemingly real story, which is not easily found. Taking into account that it was also beautifully written, I would recommend picking this book up for a refreshing read that will take you on an adventure but might just inspire your own along the way
This book has so many ups and downs that just make it seems like she is never going to complete her journey that it really tugs at your heart many times. Between a near-death experience and possibly falling in love, you can see the change in Angeli as every situation unfolds. Going on this experience with her, really gave me some perspective on things that I am doing, right now. Obviously I have a blog, and I am actively involved in the online world of books (hence writing this review to begin with) and I can understand what is going on her head because I live it. I have people that I interact with online that I would call friends that I have never met, and probably will never meet. The idea that I don't fit in, is very real. Angeli, however, doesn't take this lying down and goes out and does something about the feelings that she is struggling with, which is more than I can say I will ever do. I will live vicariously through her in this book though because she took life by the horns and really took control over her future.
The romance in the story felt real and natural, versus many manufactured or forced romance that you see in so many books. The flow of the book seemed natural as well, which really kept the whole story together and down the Earth, which I really enjoyed. I loved that this is a memoir because there is a real person behind a seemingly real story, which is not easily found. Taking into account that it was also beautifully written, I would recommend picking this book up for a refreshing read that will take you on an adventure but might just inspire your own along the way
February 5, 2014
This is a debut novel that is based on the authors own inspiring story about her, cross-country adventure at a young age. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and genuine; it’s easy to lose yourself in this story. Being brave, despite the unknowing of it, and to take on the long road ahead of her alone. With each cherished friend she meets up with, she has to make many different choices to which she will find something new about herself along the way.
Each character you meet in this story has their own problems they face and have to deal with. I feel that not only with just Angeli, the readers will relate to Angeli, but there are times when everyone might feel some type of a connection with her. Angeli faces a lot of her own struggles before the journey and as she times goes on she is coming into her own. I feel that this story absolutely proves that life is what you make it. This was a very unique and a very refreshing way of storytelling. I am sure that after the readers get their hands on this coming of age novel, they won’t want to put it now until the end.
Merged review:
This is a debut novel that is based on the authors own inspiring story about her, cross-country adventure at a young age. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and genuine; it’s easy to lose yourself in this story. Being brave, despite the unknowing of it, and to take on the long road ahead of her alone. With each cherished friend she meets up with, she has to make many different choices to which she will find something new about herself along the way.
Each character you meet in this story has their own problems they face and have to deal with. I feel that not only with just Angeli, the readers will relate to Angeli, but there are times when everyone might feel some type of a connection with her. Angeli faces a lot of her own struggles before the journey and as she times goes on she is coming into her own. I feel that this story absolutely proves that life is what you make it. This was a very unique and a very refreshing way of storytelling. I am sure that after the readers get their hands on this coming of age novel, they won’t want to put it now until the end.
Each character you meet in this story has their own problems they face and have to deal with. I feel that not only with just Angeli, the readers will relate to Angeli, but there are times when everyone might feel some type of a connection with her. Angeli faces a lot of her own struggles before the journey and as she times goes on she is coming into her own. I feel that this story absolutely proves that life is what you make it. This was a very unique and a very refreshing way of storytelling. I am sure that after the readers get their hands on this coming of age novel, they won’t want to put it now until the end.
Merged review:
This is a debut novel that is based on the authors own inspiring story about her, cross-country adventure at a young age. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and genuine; it’s easy to lose yourself in this story. Being brave, despite the unknowing of it, and to take on the long road ahead of her alone. With each cherished friend she meets up with, she has to make many different choices to which she will find something new about herself along the way.
Each character you meet in this story has their own problems they face and have to deal with. I feel that not only with just Angeli, the readers will relate to Angeli, but there are times when everyone might feel some type of a connection with her. Angeli faces a lot of her own struggles before the journey and as she times goes on she is coming into her own. I feel that this story absolutely proves that life is what you make it. This was a very unique and a very refreshing way of storytelling. I am sure that after the readers get their hands on this coming of age novel, they won’t want to put it now until the end.
June 19, 2017
"A Grand Adventure" (from Portland Book Review) definitely summarizes this captivating read quite well. I felt like I was right there with the author for the entire trip. She is a girl who doesn't quite fit in with the normal crowd, and I that's something I could identify with. Her story sucked me in quickly, because I adore travel, yet never took such a trip like she had planned to "find herself" and meet friends she had only interacted with online. I was curious how she would find them, and how she would protect herself when faced with certain situations. I was delighted with the author's beautiful word pictures and clarity in explanations of people, events, and differences of north/south culture. She is very grown-up with much wisdom and insight for a person for her age and shows herself to be more mature than most her age. This gave her an overall advantage on her travels, I believe.
When I picked up the book and began to read, time passed so quickly, that I did not realize how much time had passed, and how quickly I was able to get through the book! It was very smooth and easy to read; very captivating and flowed well from one section to the next. To see the actual roadkill record in the back of the book definitely made me chuckle! I was stunned at her Canadian trouble!! My heart wrenched at her incident at the B&B, and I could easily see why one certain guy was chasing hard after her. I also appreciated the carefully woven moments in the storyline where the author mentioned prayer, God and being lead and directed by Him. You can that He is important to the author, without her story being "religiously heavy". I think this will lead readers to ask more questions about Him if they are intrigued.
Altogether, this is a fabulous book that I would recommend anyone who enjoys reading, should read. Whether you need a new book, a light(er) read, or a young person who needs a new perspective on life. I will most certainly encourage my daughter to read this when she is older. It will give her understanding of those different than her, and it will also give her an idea of things that could happen with relationships and how to be prepared to deal with that. It will also teach her to lean on God for direction & clarity.
When I picked up the book and began to read, time passed so quickly, that I did not realize how much time had passed, and how quickly I was able to get through the book! It was very smooth and easy to read; very captivating and flowed well from one section to the next. To see the actual roadkill record in the back of the book definitely made me chuckle! I was stunned at her Canadian trouble!! My heart wrenched at her incident at the B&B, and I could easily see why one certain guy was chasing hard after her. I also appreciated the carefully woven moments in the storyline where the author mentioned prayer, God and being lead and directed by Him. You can that He is important to the author, without her story being "religiously heavy". I think this will lead readers to ask more questions about Him if they are intrigued.
Altogether, this is a fabulous book that I would recommend anyone who enjoys reading, should read. Whether you need a new book, a light(er) read, or a young person who needs a new perspective on life. I will most certainly encourage my daughter to read this when she is older. It will give her understanding of those different than her, and it will also give her an idea of things that could happen with relationships and how to be prepared to deal with that. It will also teach her to lean on God for direction & clarity.
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