A review by stollhofen
Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston
3.0
I'm really glad that there are still YA authors willing to write religious fiction. It seems to be a bit of a taboo to include any religious affiliation so I'm happy that there's books available for people who want them. Unfortunately I am not one who really enjoys Christian books and found Roadside Assistance to be really preachy. I didn't like how everyone convinced Emily that the only way to cope with her mother's death was through trust in God rather than a school counselor or any other option.
I love reading about assertive, proactive, kickass female protagonists. While Emily was mostly shy and insecure, her fascination with cars was awesome! I know next to nothing about them so learning all about engines and whatnot was great. My feminist side adored Amy Clipston for making this such a big part of Emily's life. I also love narrators that appreciate and love their families, so while Emily didn't exactly fit into that category, a lot of emphasis was placed on the importance of family. It was great to read about a loving family rather than the oh-too-common alcoholic, distant, ignorant, or abusive ones in YA lit.
The most unrealistic thing were the coincidences. I know that a love interest has to be presented somehow but he the car-loving, Christian, next-door-neighbour who goes to the same high school seemed way too obvious. A few more things not in common would've been appreciated. I also thought it was highly unlikely that everyone Emily befriended or met had the same faith and went to the same church except for one girl at school. There should have been way more people of varying faiths and beliefs.
I love reading about assertive, proactive, kickass female protagonists. While Emily was mostly shy and insecure, her fascination with cars was awesome! I know next to nothing about them so learning all about engines and whatnot was great. My feminist side adored Amy Clipston for making this such a big part of Emily's life. I also love narrators that appreciate and love their families, so while Emily didn't exactly fit into that category, a lot of emphasis was placed on the importance of family. It was great to read about a loving family rather than the oh-too-common alcoholic, distant, ignorant, or abusive ones in YA lit.
The most unrealistic thing were the coincidences. I know that a love interest has to be presented somehow but he the car-loving, Christian, next-door-neighbour who goes to the same high school seemed way too obvious. A few more things not in common would've been appreciated. I also thought it was highly unlikely that everyone Emily befriended or met had the same faith and went to the same church except for one girl at school. There should have been way more people of varying faiths and beliefs.