“Recommended by…” is a monthly feature in which an awesome bookish person recommends a book that I just have to read. It’s posted in two parts. Part one is the intro to the recommender and the recommendation. Part two posts later in the month and recaps my thoughts on the book.
The Recommender:
February’s book is recommended by one of my “online friends” I most want to meet in person, Lisa from Lisa is Busy Nerding! I love that I can send her emails fangirling about pretty much anything and she doesn’t judge! Here’s more about Lisa in her own words:
I absolutely adore unabashed nerding. Consequently, I am an avid reader of books, defender of Hyrule, slayer of beasties, binge watcher of SportsCenter and unashamed wearer of sweatpants. I read anything that involves magic, swords, or dragons, but I have been known to read and fall in love with a solid contemporary YA from time to time (obviously). I’m happiest while in the midst of a dance party or laughing until I pee my pants. Simple pleasures, you know?
You can connect with her here:
The Recommendation:
It all begins with a stupid question:
Are you a Global Vagabond?
No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.
Bria’s a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan’s a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they’ve got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.
But Bria comes to realize she can’t run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry to this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.
It all begins with a stupid question:Are you a Global Vagabond?
No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.
Bria’s a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan’s a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they’ve got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.
But Bria comes to realize she can’t run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry to this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.
Why did Lisa recommend this one? Check it out!
Why I recommended this book to YOU, Heidi, my dear: Because I loved it, obviously! Bria is the most relateable character in the history of ever for me with her struggles to find self worth and forgiving herself and finding her place in this world. She’s not extreme in any sense (not super duper awkward, clumsy, hilarious, etc) but something about her is still so real and authentic that you just click with her immediately. This is one of those books where I put 300 sticky tabs in it because I wanted to remember all of the things! Kirsten Hubbard definitely has a way with words that will pierce your heart.
Why I think everyone should read this book: Because it’s one of those books that transcends the YA genre and speaks to anyone who ever felt like they lost their way somehow (so, basically EVERYONE). There’s a rockin’ friendship, a sweet romance, but the core of Wanderlove is about Bria loving herself and accepting herself and only then can she move forward and OH MY GOSH THE FEELS IT CAUSES IN ME. The traveling elements are also so vividly described and written about that you feel like you’re with her in Central America, so Wanderlove totally qualifies as an escapist read as well. I know, Wanderlove really does have it all!
So what do you think? Have you read it? It’s actually been on my TBR forever so I can’t wait to dive in!
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