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A review by lellaphant
The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was so excited for this book, expecting an adorable romcom to go in my stack of summer reading!
In actuality I liked maybe 2 of the main characters, I spent the last 2/3 of the book desperately hoping Addie and Dylan wouldn’t get back together, and Dylan’s thoughts made me want to tear my hair out. By the time I had 50 pages left I was actively hate-reading because I was so annoyed with Dylan.
I am impressed with the way Beth O’Leary dealt with heavy topics so well and in such a realistic way, but I wish she would have either 1) set higher expectations for individual growth or 2) given Addie some self-respect.
Caveats to my feelings include: Dylan reminds me way too much of a friend’s boyfriend who treats her horribly and I strongly identify with Addie.
In actuality I liked maybe 2 of the main characters, I spent the last 2/3 of the book desperately hoping Addie and Dylan wouldn’t get back together, and Dylan’s thoughts made me want to tear my hair out. By the time I had 50 pages left I was actively hate-reading because I was so annoyed with Dylan.
I am impressed with the way Beth O’Leary dealt with heavy topics so well and in such a realistic way, but I wish she would have either 1) set higher expectations for individual growth or 2) given Addie some self-respect.
Caveats to my feelings include: Dylan reminds me way too much of a friend’s boyfriend who treats her horribly and I strongly identify with Addie.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Sexual assault