Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Set to be released on March 13th, 2012 Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard is a book every one should pick up and read!  As I was reading this book I realized something I've never realized before: Settings are what make a book for me!  I mean obviously the characters and story are extremely important too, but when it comes to the location and descriptions, that's something that has ultimately always made up my mind about a book.

For example, books I have always loved are ones that take place over the summer near the beach, and where someone doesn't live, but travels to for their vacation.
Examples of such books:
  • The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series by Ann Brashares: Lena travels to beautiful Greece.  The location sounds soooo incredible!
  • The Summer Boys Series by Hailey Abbott: three out of four books take place over the summer at this summer cabin/beach location.  It just made the story so much more fun!
  • Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen: My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE book by Sarah Dessen!  Takes place over the summer at the beach! :)
There are so many others I could mention (if I could think of them right now), but I think you get the idea (sort of?? :)).  Anyway, Wanderlove was one of those great books.



Eighteen year old Bria, just wanted escape for the summer from her ex-boyfriend, her fighting parents, and her future of the unknown.  She's seeking adventure, something entirely new, something that will help her break out of her shell.  But instead she finds herself on a tour guided trip through Central America, where everything is planned out for her, and the typical basic locations are seen.  In other words...the same life she lived back in Los Angeles before her world started crumbling in front of her...everything planned.

That's when she meets Starling, a philanthropist/backpacker, whose been traveling since she finished school.  Sometimes alone, sometimes with her almost twenty year old brother, a wanderer himself, whose been on his own since the age of eighteen, and has seen more than Bria could ever have dreamed of.

When Starling gives Bria the opportunity to go with them, on their journey through Central America, Bria finds herself quitting the tour, grabbing a backpack, throwing away all the useless stuff she will never need, and going on a journey she will never forget.

About two days into the journey, Starling finds out she has to leave, so Bria finds herself unexpectedly being left alone with Rowan, Starling's brother.  Rowan, a mysterious, backpacker, whose been traveling to escape his bad-boy past, is someone who Bria can't help feeling intrigued by, but also distant at first, as she tries to overcome her hurt from the past few months.

What I really enjoyed about this book, were the details.  Kirsten Hubbard, the author, left tiny sketches throughout the book, which were so detailed and just added to the overall feel of the book.  Bria, who once saw herself as an artist, but was so badly hurt, that she found herself giving up her one dream, finds herself picking up a pencil once again and recording memories.  Rowan, along the way, helps Bria rediscover herself, while also finding himself.  I love both the character of Bria and Rowan; because while Bria was more like any city-slicker girl, whose never truly traveled a day in her life, and is scared of the unimaginable, has Rowan whose skilled at finding his way around, with as little as possible, while also overcoming his fears, by doing, not stopping himself from doing what he fears.

This book truly has made me want to do a backpacking trip through Central America.  While I'm more like Bria, and scared of certain things, I found it intriguing to get into Bria's mind as she found herself doing things she never would have done a few days earlier.

Overall rating:


I definitely recommend reading this when it comes out in March.  I think it will be a hit, for many people! :)

Happy Sunday!
The Romance Bookie :)

Comments

  1. Great review! I love this book too. I agree with you, after reading Wanderlove I wanted to grab a backpack and GO! lol!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie! Definitely, the details were great in this book! :)

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