Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Two teenagers: check. A car: check. Mom's credit card: check.
And last but not least, secrets, troubling pasts, and hidden incentives: check, check and check.
The ingredients of Amy Curry and Roger Sullivan's road trip might seem ordinary at first, but soon transforms into a journey of self discovery and growing up. Amy is moving from California to be with her mom in Connecticut, and Roger is summoned by his dad in Philadelphia to stay for the summer. The two childhood friends, reunited after many years, embark on the cross country journey together with hope to put their past behind them and focus on the road ahead. Amy deals with her dad's recent death - which may or may not be her fault. And Roger suffers from a painful break-up with his ex.
I enjoyed this book a lot, besides the ordinary facets that any good novel contains. Every chapter or few pages, Matson would include a look into Amy's scrapbook. She would put in real-life pictures of the actual places the pair visited, and also put in their playlists, which seem to document their journey. Although I think we're all past the picture book stage, these interesting features make everything seem all that more realistic, all the while containing humor and character development.
I also enjoyed the bildungsroman aspect. Amy, a troubled teen, truly finds herself and the reader witnesses her subtle but major growth into a healthier and happier person.
And although the plot was very fun and absorbing, it was very slow occasionally, and I grew bored several times.

Overall, however, I would definitely recommend this book. Not only does it provide a good read, but it really makes you stop and think about things. Those who enjoyed Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt or When It Happens by Susane Colasanti will especially like Amy and Roger's Epic Detour.