Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul (review)

Correction

Jake is the privileged valedictorian bound for Columbia and life as a doctor; Hallie is the working class cancer survivor still grappling with an uncertain future. They meet one night when they end up in the same ride-share car, and the trip to the LA bus station soon turns into an unexpected journey to San Francisco, with a quirky but supportive driver along for the ride. The road to San Francisco ultimately offers time to explore their deepest hopes, fears, regrets, and life philosophies, and before a full day has passed, Jake and Hallie discover they might just be sharing the misadventure of a lifetime. The familiar trope of the road trip turned journey of self-discovery gets a ride-share update in this thoughtful, moving, and at time uproarious story of dissimilar teens finding comfort in unexpected friendship. While familiar elements are at play here, the novel makes these familiar facets feel authentic and fresh. Readers will find themselves quickly drawn into the equally compelling individual storylines, which only get stronger as they intertwine, and they will appreciate the certainly that the protagonists’ paths will converge again, even as the plot takes them apart. It’s a tender and heartfelt read with an ending both hopeful and sincere, and readers will happily share the ride.