Amy and Roger’s Grand Adventure: A Journey Through America’s Heartland by Morgan Matson

Synopsis:
Amy Curry feels like her life is falling apart. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut just before Amy’s senior year, and her dad recently passed away in a car accident. To escape it all, Amy sets off on a cross-country road trip from her old home to her new life. Accompanying her is Roger, the son of an old friend of Amy’s mother. Amy hasn’t seen Roger in years and isn’t thrilled about traveling with someone she barely knows. However, as the journey progresses, she unexpectedly starts to develop feelings for him. Along the way, she begins to come to terms with her father’s death and starts figuring out how to rebuild her life. The story, told through a mix of traditional narrative, diner napkins, motel receipts, and postcards, is about one girl’s journey to find herself.

Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour Review:
You might think it’s strange to feature a debut novel from the well-known author Morgan Matson. But recently, “Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour” has been making rounds again on various Booktube channels I watch. I had the book on my shelf, so I decided to give it a go. Even though the novel is five years old, it’s still an incredible journey worth discovering.

The beginning of the novel is almost perfect. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of books focused solely on two characters, especially those written in the first person. This approach can make it challenging to develop other characters since everything is filtered through Amy’s perspective. However, Morgan’s writing dispels any potential drawbacks. Amy’s characterization is so rich that I didn’t mind being confined to her thoughts and emotions.

Sadly, the middle of the book felt a bit flat. During their detours, focusing on Roger’s attempts to reconnect with friends and fix a relationship, the plot dragged. Despite the introduction of more characters and potential for interesting events, this part felt like a letdown. Up to this point, the book had a mature feel, delving into Amy’s emotions profoundly. But this section reverted to typical teenage rites of passage, like college parties and emotional mistakes, which felt out of place.

The rest of the novel picks up beautifully. Morgan clearly cares deeply about this story; she even took a similar road trip herself, which she documents in the author’s notes at the end of the book. This attention to detail, including playlists, receipts, photos, maps, and doodles between chapters, adds a unique touch.

Amy and Roger’s relationship, a subtle and quiet one, is excellently developed. Instead of pushing Amy to open up, Roger’s mere presence provides her comfort. Sometimes, just being there for someone speaks louder than words, and this quiet strength adds depth to their characters and story.

Take a ride with Amy and Roger; their journey is filled with memorable detours and worth every turn. It’s a fantastic road trip story that stands out in its genre, full of fun and reminiscent of a traditional cross-country adventure.

Adaptation Recommendation:
Though I haven’t seen many road trip “buddy” films, “Crossroads,” starring Britney Spears, and “Monte Carlo,” about three girls on a journey of self-discovery, come to mind. A film adaptation of this book would likely work well, capturing the essence of the journey these two characters undertake.

Overall Rating:
“You had me at hello.”

Romance Rating:
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”

Book Info:
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Questions for Readers:
What’s your favorite Morgan Matson novel or YA contemporary book? Share your thoughts!