The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson

[description from amazon]

Destiny Faraday makes a point of keeping her distance from her classmates at Hedgebrook Academy. Her number-one rule: Don’t get attached. But one day, unexpectedly finding a car at their disposal, Destiny and three of her classmates embark on an unauthorized road trip.

They’re searching for one fair day—a day where the good guy wins and everything adds up to something just and right. Their destination: Langdon, a town that Destiny’s unsuspecting companions hope will hold simply a day of fun. But, as Destiny says, “Things are not always what they seem.” Only she knows that Langdon holds far more than that—a deep secret she has never shared with anyone.

The Miles Between explores the wonder and magic of a very real world where chance, mystery, and secrets abound.

Review:

Having read and loved The Adoration of Jenna Fox, also by Mary E. Pearson, I was insanely excited to read this one. However, I was a bit disappointed in this one. Perhaps it was because of my undying love for The Adoration of Jenna Fox, but whatever it was, I wasn't a HUGE fan of this one.

I loved the concept; I'm always up for road trip books, because they always bring plenty of fun and adventure. This book was no exception, as once the kids finally hit the road, there is a steady stream of events that keep things interesting. Even when the characters are talking about only themselves, it's not boring, because they all share personal, sometimes random, facts about themselves that develop their character more. That being said, the characters were so developed and distinct that it was easy to relate to. They all have odd pasts, but that does not stop them from being so relate-able.

What stopped me from loving this book was how coincidental it was. I know it was supposed to be because coincidences and fate are two of the main themes that pop up in the book, but it got to a point where it was unbelievable that any of the things that happened would ever happen. The events were fun, sure, but a little too out there. The ending almost made up for unbelievable events, because dude. The ending was awesome. I literally gasped when I read it, because I did not see it coming at all.

A good read, but a little too coincidental for my liking.

7/10

Links: Mary's website/blog/twitter

Henry Holt/Hardcover/$16.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders