Author: Jen Malone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 31, 2016
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Not all those who wander are lost, but Aubree Sadler most definitely is on this novel’s whirlwind trip through Europe. Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe. Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story. But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.
What I thought
Wanderlost is the kind of story that warms the heart and makes you squeal and want to grab your things and backpack across Europe, stat. In my book, those are all the qualities I want in a book about traveling through Europe, even under a false identity and as a tour guide of a bunch of adorable (if somewhat inappropriate) elder citizens.
This book opens up with a freshly graduated Aubree, insecure and set in her ways, only to have to help her older "perfect" sister along. Reluctantly, but also excited to be of help to her sister. I say this because start Aubree is so different to the Aubree in the end and to go along in her journey was my privilege. Her character development was simply stellar and so heartwarming and such a beautiful thing to watch. Watching her struggle, but also thriving in the face of adversity was so fun and I felt like a proud sister watching her go.
The supporting cast of characters is equally lovable and wonderful. Her group of senior citizens was so lovely and funny and sometimes inappropriate as only old people could be. Two best friends, one reluctant passenger, a perpetual honey-moon couple, a true gentleman and a very cute boy all made this journey all that much exciting. It was simply a wonderful ride, even among invented tour information and loss.
Another thing I loved was the sister relationship between Aubree and Elizabeth. I, myself, have a six year gap between us and while we love each other there are moments in which our six year gap is this big glaring in your face thing we can't get over no matter how hard we try. So, the fact that Aubree and Elizabeth felt the very same thing to me, was really awesome and significant.
The romance, too, was simply adorable and cute and just the right amount of angsty. Also, I'm entirely convinced there's nothing that can't be improved by the European background. It's like for us non-Europeans it holds this air of romance and magic that just can't be escaped. Also, Sam is just an absolute gem. I mean it, the guy is so cute and adorable and even kind of dorky, I just cannot with life. Their romance made me squeal more than once.
As you can probably tell by this review I loved this book. It was the perfect summer read, in my opinion. It was light-hearted, yet heartfelt and it was a journey of growth and finding confidence in yourself and others. The cute guy helped, but I was in it because Aubree.
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