DNF

I just wanted a nice summer read with some travel and a cute boy, and maybe some family drama.
Why on earth did I pick up THIS?

Aubree reads like a 12y.o. Her sister is a nutcase. Her mom sounds like an overbearing tyrant. The dad gets points for living with the crazies and knowing and bringing in good lawyers.

The premise is so far removed from reality that I don't even know how to articulate it.

And I have not even made it to the boy yet! (the boy is fine, btw)

You know you need to abandon a book when it makes you want to bang your skull against a hard surface and scream at the sheer stupidity.

WHY did I pick this up? IDEK ( )

Charming story and a lot of fun to read. Does a great job of capturing the sister dynamic and the magic of experiencing Europe (and traveling solo) for the first time.

The main character is an intelligent high school senior who is overprotected by her mom and lacks life experience and a lifeview beyond her own perspective. Thrust into a situation in which she has the opportunity to work in Europe for a few weeks, she develops a sense of resourcefulness, empathy, and confidence that she didn't have (or have need of) before.

The one nit I have: there is a senior couple from Dallas who are not just underdeveloped in comparison to the others, but represent the worst stereotypes of Texans. It feels mean-spirited and small-minded, especially because all the other characters are fully developed and sympathetic.

Some free research about Texans for next time, since it appears the author has never bothered to get to know any actual Texans:
- we understand that Spanish is a language and Mexico is a country
- believe it or not, even for Texas, gouda isn't a foreign concept
- men referring to women as the "little lady"... really??

In spite of its lone star hating, Wanderlost bubbles with intelligence, and presents both Aubrey and Sam as a match of equals. Both are special and both have flaws. It's a real and reasonable portrayal of young love that could potentially go the distance. ( )

Rating: 4 Stars

I really liked this book. The plot, most of the characters, and the setting were very well written. It really made me feel as though I wanted to be in Aubree's place. I, personally, have always dreamed of doing a grand tour of Europe. I hope someday I get that chance.

What gives this book 4 stars?
1.) I loved the plot, however it was somewhat slow in hooking me. I found that I would read part of it and then read something else because it didn't grab me in the very beginning. I also thought that Aubree was very immature in the beginning, wining about having to take her sister's place. In my opinion, she should have been thrilled, given the circumstance surrounding her opportunity, to go to Europe period.
2.) I loved the setting. I thought the author did a good job of describing each place. Her descriptions really made me feel as though I was there.
3.) I loved all the characters. I especially loved the seniors, I adored all their quirks and personalities. Sam, was the total dream boy, perfect in every possible way. If only boys in reality could be like fictional Sam. Aubrey, was very annoying in the beginning, but towards the middle and end of the story, I actually really liked her and how she was being more mature.

All in all, a good read. I liked it! ( )

This was everything I want my young adult contemporary reads to be. It was adorable, sweet, and a quick read. I know a contemporary is perfect when I am truly smiling, in real life, for over half the book. The romance was super sweet, but not the focus the story. I loved the travel aspects. ( )