By: Antony John
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: April 12, 2012
Genre/Age: YA Contemporary (Christian)
Pages: 336
Source: ARC from Around the World ARC Tours
One crazy road trip that’s a mix of rejection, redemption, and romance.
When sixteen-year-old Luke’s book, Hallelujah, becomes a national bestseller, his publishing house sends him on a cross-country book tour with his older brother, Matt, as a chauffeur. But when irresponsible Matt offers to drive Luke’s ex-soul mate, Fran, across the country too, things get a little crazy. On the trip, Luke must loosen up, discover what it truly means to have faith, and do what it takes to get the girl he loves.
Told with Antony John’s signature wit and authenticity, and featuring smart, singular characters who jump off the page and into your heart, this story is a spiritual awakening and rockin’ road trip in one.
I’m not really sure exactly how to review this one. I actually went back and forth about whether I should even write a review or not, but I decided to at least put some thoughts down.
It’s not that this was a bad book, by any means. It’s just that it wasn’t really for me, mainly because the story has much more of a Christian slant than I had realized. There were hints in the title and the blurb, but since I hadn’t seen it marketed as Christian fiction anywhere I just didn’t realize how large a role it would play. I generally tend to stay away from faith-based books, simply because they're not really my thing.
However, now that that’s said, the story itself is well-written and I did enjoy reading it. I love road trip books, and it was fun watching them explore Route 66, especially with Matt’s unexpected detours. The locations are wonderfully described and it definitely intensified my ever-present wanderlust. I felt like the growth of the characters throughout the novel was also done really well. Thou Shalt Not Road Trip has a very unique and colorful cast, and I was intrigued by their personal journeys even if I didn’t really personally identify with any of them.
If you enjoy books that have more of a religious slant to them, I’d definitely recommend Thou Shalt Not Road Trip. Overall it was just an okay read for me, but I don’t think I’m necessarily the intended audience for this kind of story to begin with.
Great review! I was really looking forward to this but I didn't realize it was a Christian related book. I have nothing against those books but they aren't really my thing as well. Maybe I'll still check it out one day though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read the book and post your review, Andie. I can tell you were ambivalent about reviewing it, in light of the Christian themes, but I think your review is extremely well-written and even-handed, and I'm very grateful to you for sharing your thoughts. Cheers!
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