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The Way Back to You
In this witty, heart-tugging novel, two teens take a spontaneous road trip across the Southwest to meet three strangers who received the life-saving organs of their late best friend—charting a journey of loss, hope, and love along the way.
Six months ago, Ashlyn Montiel died in a bike accident.
Her best friend Cloudy is keeping it together, at least on the outside. Cloudy’s insides are a different story: tangled, confused, heartbroken.
Kyle is falling apart, and everyone can tell. Ashlyn was his girlfriend, and when she died, a part of him went with her. Maybe the only part he cares about anymore.
As the two people who loved Ashlyn best, Cloudy and Kyle should be able to lean on each other. But after a terrible mistake last year, they're barely speaking. So when Cloudy discovers that Ashlyn’s organs were donated after her death and the Montiel family has been in touch with three of the recipients, she does something a little bit crazy and a lot of out character: she steals the letters and convinces Kyle to go on a winter break road trip with her, from Oregon to California to Arizona to Nevada. Maybe if they see the recipients—the people whose lives were saved by Ashlyn’s death—the world will open up again. Or maybe it will be a huge mistake.
With hundreds of miles in front of them, a stowaway kitten, and a list of people who are alive because of Ashlyn, Cloudy and Kyle just may find their way to back to her...and to each other.
Six months ago, Ashlyn Montiel died in a bike accident.
Her best friend Cloudy is keeping it together, at least on the outside. Cloudy’s insides are a different story: tangled, confused, heartbroken.
Kyle is falling apart, and everyone can tell. Ashlyn was his girlfriend, and when she died, a part of him went with her. Maybe the only part he cares about anymore.
As the two people who loved Ashlyn best, Cloudy and Kyle should be able to lean on each other. But after a terrible mistake last year, they're barely speaking. So when Cloudy discovers that Ashlyn’s organs were donated after her death and the Montiel family has been in touch with three of the recipients, she does something a little bit crazy and a lot of out character: she steals the letters and convinces Kyle to go on a winter break road trip with her, from Oregon to California to Arizona to Nevada. Maybe if they see the recipients—the people whose lives were saved by Ashlyn’s death—the world will open up again. Or maybe it will be a huge mistake.
With hundreds of miles in front of them, a stowaway kitten, and a list of people who are alive because of Ashlyn, Cloudy and Kyle just may find their way to back to her...and to each other.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2016
54 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Andreani
1Ìýbook128ÌýfollowersHi! I'm the co-author of THE WAY BACK TO YOU (my debut novel!) with Mindi Scott, out now from Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins. Also an occasional scatterbrain, milkshake devotee, and liker of love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
October 7, 2020
Have you ever had to assign yourself a book like homework just to get through it?
That should be my full review of this.
I hate to be "mean"...I prefer to say mean things under the guise of criticism and call it a day...but this book, to me, was charmless. Flat characters, forced romance, odd pacing.
It was a chore.
Bottom line: HOW DO YOU MAKE A ROAD TRIP PLOT LINE BORING?!
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pre-review
i feel like a goddamn superhero.
review to come / 1.5 stars
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hoping third time's the charm on me trying to get through this book
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try to find a book about a road trip i won't want to read. you can't
That should be my full review of this.
I hate to be "mean"...I prefer to say mean things under the guise of criticism and call it a day...but this book, to me, was charmless. Flat characters, forced romance, odd pacing.
It was a chore.
Bottom line: HOW DO YOU MAKE A ROAD TRIP PLOT LINE BORING?!
-----------
pre-review
i feel like a goddamn superhero.
review to come / 1.5 stars
-----------
hoping third time's the charm on me trying to get through this book
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try to find a book about a road trip i won't want to read. you can't
February 20, 2021
This was a fantastic read. I loved Cloudy's character and how she dealt with her grief. Kyle's character was pretty good too.
Cloudy has lost her best friend, Ashlyn, who happens to be Kyle's ex. Even though both Cloudy and Kyle have lost someone very close to them, they don't grieve together because they have a secret together.
Ashlyn donated her organs and there are a few different recipients. When Cloudy finds out that Ashlyn's mother has been keeping in touch with some of the receipients, Cloudy decides to visit them to get some closure. She also decides to get Kyle to drive her there but doesn't disclose the part about receipients until much later.
So Kyle and Cloudy start this road trip with a beautiful black cat that Kyle found in a church car park.
Together, they discover things about each other and themselves. They talk about that secret and their history before Kyle got together with Ashlyn.
I loved how this trip gives closure to Kyle not just about Ashlyn's death but also about his mother's abandonment. And Cloudy got the closure she needed for Ashlyn's death and her feelings for Kyle.
I loved the idea and the writing. I also loved the different pov's.
I do have to say that this is not an action-packed book, it is rather a slow journey but it is a journey to discover oneself and to deal with one's grief in their own way and in their own time. So, it may not be for everyone but I quite enjoyed this journey.
5 stars
Cloudy has lost her best friend, Ashlyn, who happens to be Kyle's ex. Even though both Cloudy and Kyle have lost someone very close to them, they don't grieve together because they have a secret together.
Ashlyn donated her organs and there are a few different recipients. When Cloudy finds out that Ashlyn's mother has been keeping in touch with some of the receipients, Cloudy decides to visit them to get some closure. She also decides to get Kyle to drive her there but doesn't disclose the part about receipients until much later.
So Kyle and Cloudy start this road trip with a beautiful black cat that Kyle found in a church car park.
Together, they discover things about each other and themselves. They talk about that secret and their history before Kyle got together with Ashlyn.
I loved how this trip gives closure to Kyle not just about Ashlyn's death but also about his mother's abandonment. And Cloudy got the closure she needed for Ashlyn's death and her feelings for Kyle.
I loved the idea and the writing. I also loved the different pov's.
I do have to say that this is not an action-packed book, it is rather a slow journey but it is a journey to discover oneself and to deal with one's grief in their own way and in their own time. So, it may not be for everyone but I quite enjoyed this journey.
5 stars
March 14, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a YA road-trip story, about a girl following her dead best friend’s transplanted organs.
The characters in this were okay, but I didn’t really love them. Claudia (cloudy) seemed to miss Ashlyn, but I didn’t really get anything from Kyle.
The storyline in this was about Claudia and Kyle going on a road-trip to visit three people who received transplants from Ashlyn. I didn’t really get the whole point of the trip though, especially as they weren’t even supposed to know who the transplant recipients were, and won’t supposed to contact them.
There was a bit of romance in this, but I didn’t really love it.
The ending to this was okay, but the book was just missing something for me.
6 out of 10
“We can go,� I say to Zoe. “We can go and find them.�
This was a YA road-trip story, about a girl following her dead best friend’s transplanted organs.
The characters in this were okay, but I didn’t really love them. Claudia (cloudy) seemed to miss Ashlyn, but I didn’t really get anything from Kyle.
The storyline in this was about Claudia and Kyle going on a road-trip to visit three people who received transplants from Ashlyn. I didn’t really get the whole point of the trip though, especially as they weren’t even supposed to know who the transplant recipients were, and won’t supposed to contact them.
There was a bit of romance in this, but I didn’t really love it.
The ending to this was okay, but the book was just missing something for me.
6 out of 10
May 24, 2016
!
Beware spoilers ahead!
I had heard about this book through GR. I was hesitant about read it. But when I read the sample I was sold. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
The book begins with Ashlyn's mother's note to the organ recipients. We are then taken to the first chapter which is in Cloudy's point of view. It's been four months since Ashlyn died in a bike accident. It's been pretty hard on Cloudy as she was Ashlyn's best friend. Today her school is having a cheer thing going on. Her little sister Zoe has successfully forced her way into Cloudy's life by becoming cheer captain. Before getting ready to perform Cloudy turns around to talk to Ashlyn. But then remembers that Ashlyn is dead. She escapes to get water.
She runs into Matty her ex-boyfriend and Kyle's cousin. The two talk for a bit then Kyle comes. Cloudy says hello to him and he replies then he leaves. Cloudy asks Matty how Kyle has been. Matty replies that Kyle has been alright and that he'll be making a speech for the baseball tryouts. Once the cheerleaders have done their thing the announcements begin. Much to Cloudy's surprise Kyle ditches the assembly and Matty makes the announcement.
We are then taken to Kyle's point of view. Today is Kyle and Ashlyn's one year anniversary. Had Ashlyn been alive she would've found some way to celebrate. But she's gone and Kyle's on his own. From all the movies that Kyle has watched the characters go to Church and find some great sign. So far the Church he's currently sitting in is the fourth Church. Thus far there haven't been any signs of sorts.
While listening to some music Kyle hears a commotion. Much to his surprise he finds Matty with one of the cheerleaders. Realizing that no such sign has come he, Matty, and the cheerleader leave. Outside they find a kitten in Kyle's car engine. Said kitten is known for curling up and sleeping in warm car engines. When Kyle gets a good look at the kitten he realizes that the kitten has the same eye color as Ashlyn. Kyle thinks that this the sign he is looking for and takes the kitten to his home.
Zoe and Cloudy's parents are cruising to Mexico. They were in dire need of a vacation so they decided to take it. For dinner Zoe and Cloudy are going over to Ashlyn's house where her parents will make them dinner. Cloudy is not looking forward to going. She doesn't think that she'll be able to bear it. The inevitable comes and they have dinner with Ashlyn's family. Ashlyn's mother mentions that she has been in contact with three of the organ recipients. She also mentions that one of them will be having a wedding but they won't be able to go.
Cloudy feels likes she's been suffocated. Ashlyn's mother mentions that she left something in her husbands office. Cloudy offers to get it wanting more than anything to escape this conversation. She gets the paper Ashlyn's mother wants. While picking up the paper her hand slips and the computer screen comes to life. The email with the wedding invitation is open. Cloudy decides to print all the emails hoping that they'll give her some closure.
Back home Cloudy decides to go over to Kyle's house and show him the emails. She's hoping that by reading them he'll be at peace and closer to closure. Zoe catches her and Cloudy explains that she printed the emails in hopes that Kyle would feel better. Zoe mentions that the recipients have probably met each other and that they don't live far. Cloudy decides to visit them with Kyle.
I honestly did not expect to enjoy it this much! I was predicating a 3 star rating. The book is divided into parts based on where Cloudy and Kyle road trip to. The point of view switches between Cloudy and Kyle and is written in first person.
Kyle has no idea what to do about the fact that Ashlyn's dead. He doesn't believe in God so he has a hard time believing people when they that Ashlyn is in a better place. It's pretty obvious that Kyle's a mess. At some point he decides to quit baseball because he doesn't see any point to it. His father and cousin are very supportive of him and do help whenever they can. Despite the support from his family there are times where he misses his mother who ditched him years ago. When he comes across the kitten whom he names Arm (after Ashlyn's initials) his life starts to improve. Throughout the whole book he starts to open up to Cloudy about Ashlyn. He starts to become more open about everything and is happy in his own skin.
Cloudy is managing to hold up. Only because she bottles up all the pain. Mostly to obtain a perfect reputation so that she can show others that she's moved on with her life. Anytime any mention of Ashlyn comes up she shuts other people out and switches the subject. When the road trip takes place Cloudy doesn't tell Kyle the real reason she's road tripping. She's quite secretive and she does lie a lot. Unlike Kyle, Cloudy is very guarded and won't really talk about herself. Throughout the book she grows quite a bit. At some point she decides to work on really moving on with her friends and family. She grows very attached to Arm. And her relationships with her sister Zoe and her friend Jade improve. She also has Matty in her life who is also very supportive.
The journey to see the organ recipients was well done! It was so interesting to read about the journey and the recipients. While they didn't really do any sight seeing I enjoyed reading about the road trip!
The pain all the characters felt was realistic. The characters were fun to read about and they were realistic. The character development and their relationships was beautiful to read about! I actually liked all the characters.
The romance is slow burn. Cloudy and Kyle do have a bit of history aside from Ashlyn. When they start taking their journey their is a lot of tension between the two of them. Which came from a misunderstanding. Throughout the book they become closer to each other. And do start developing feelings for each other. I liked how their feelings for each other doesn't happen right away but rather towards the end of the book.
I had only one problem with The Way Back to You. Towards the middle when Cloudy and Kyle took a break I felt that it started to drag a bit. I'm not saying that they shouldn't take a break but I did start to become bored. Luckily the book starts to pick up again.
Overall this was a really good book! I recommend it to contemporary fans.
Beware spoilers ahead!
I had heard about this book through GR. I was hesitant about read it. But when I read the sample I was sold. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
The book begins with Ashlyn's mother's note to the organ recipients. We are then taken to the first chapter which is in Cloudy's point of view. It's been four months since Ashlyn died in a bike accident. It's been pretty hard on Cloudy as she was Ashlyn's best friend. Today her school is having a cheer thing going on. Her little sister Zoe has successfully forced her way into Cloudy's life by becoming cheer captain. Before getting ready to perform Cloudy turns around to talk to Ashlyn. But then remembers that Ashlyn is dead. She escapes to get water.
She runs into Matty her ex-boyfriend and Kyle's cousin. The two talk for a bit then Kyle comes. Cloudy says hello to him and he replies then he leaves. Cloudy asks Matty how Kyle has been. Matty replies that Kyle has been alright and that he'll be making a speech for the baseball tryouts. Once the cheerleaders have done their thing the announcements begin. Much to Cloudy's surprise Kyle ditches the assembly and Matty makes the announcement.
We are then taken to Kyle's point of view. Today is Kyle and Ashlyn's one year anniversary. Had Ashlyn been alive she would've found some way to celebrate. But she's gone and Kyle's on his own. From all the movies that Kyle has watched the characters go to Church and find some great sign. So far the Church he's currently sitting in is the fourth Church. Thus far there haven't been any signs of sorts.
While listening to some music Kyle hears a commotion. Much to his surprise he finds Matty with one of the cheerleaders. Realizing that no such sign has come he, Matty, and the cheerleader leave. Outside they find a kitten in Kyle's car engine. Said kitten is known for curling up and sleeping in warm car engines. When Kyle gets a good look at the kitten he realizes that the kitten has the same eye color as Ashlyn. Kyle thinks that this the sign he is looking for and takes the kitten to his home.
Zoe and Cloudy's parents are cruising to Mexico. They were in dire need of a vacation so they decided to take it. For dinner Zoe and Cloudy are going over to Ashlyn's house where her parents will make them dinner. Cloudy is not looking forward to going. She doesn't think that she'll be able to bear it. The inevitable comes and they have dinner with Ashlyn's family. Ashlyn's mother mentions that she has been in contact with three of the organ recipients. She also mentions that one of them will be having a wedding but they won't be able to go.
Cloudy feels likes she's been suffocated. Ashlyn's mother mentions that she left something in her husbands office. Cloudy offers to get it wanting more than anything to escape this conversation. She gets the paper Ashlyn's mother wants. While picking up the paper her hand slips and the computer screen comes to life. The email with the wedding invitation is open. Cloudy decides to print all the emails hoping that they'll give her some closure.
Back home Cloudy decides to go over to Kyle's house and show him the emails. She's hoping that by reading them he'll be at peace and closer to closure. Zoe catches her and Cloudy explains that she printed the emails in hopes that Kyle would feel better. Zoe mentions that the recipients have probably met each other and that they don't live far. Cloudy decides to visit them with Kyle.
I honestly did not expect to enjoy it this much! I was predicating a 3 star rating. The book is divided into parts based on where Cloudy and Kyle road trip to. The point of view switches between Cloudy and Kyle and is written in first person.
Kyle has no idea what to do about the fact that Ashlyn's dead. He doesn't believe in God so he has a hard time believing people when they that Ashlyn is in a better place. It's pretty obvious that Kyle's a mess. At some point he decides to quit baseball because he doesn't see any point to it. His father and cousin are very supportive of him and do help whenever they can. Despite the support from his family there are times where he misses his mother who ditched him years ago. When he comes across the kitten whom he names Arm (after Ashlyn's initials) his life starts to improve. Throughout the whole book he starts to open up to Cloudy about Ashlyn. He starts to become more open about everything and is happy in his own skin.
Cloudy is managing to hold up. Only because she bottles up all the pain. Mostly to obtain a perfect reputation so that she can show others that she's moved on with her life. Anytime any mention of Ashlyn comes up she shuts other people out and switches the subject. When the road trip takes place Cloudy doesn't tell Kyle the real reason she's road tripping. She's quite secretive and she does lie a lot. Unlike Kyle, Cloudy is very guarded and won't really talk about herself. Throughout the book she grows quite a bit. At some point she decides to work on really moving on with her friends and family. She grows very attached to Arm. And her relationships with her sister Zoe and her friend Jade improve. She also has Matty in her life who is also very supportive.
The journey to see the organ recipients was well done! It was so interesting to read about the journey and the recipients. While they didn't really do any sight seeing I enjoyed reading about the road trip!
The pain all the characters felt was realistic. The characters were fun to read about and they were realistic. The character development and their relationships was beautiful to read about! I actually liked all the characters.
The romance is slow burn. Cloudy and Kyle do have a bit of history aside from Ashlyn. When they start taking their journey their is a lot of tension between the two of them. Which came from a misunderstanding. Throughout the book they become closer to each other. And do start developing feelings for each other. I liked how their feelings for each other doesn't happen right away but rather towards the end of the book.
I had only one problem with The Way Back to You. Towards the middle when Cloudy and Kyle took a break I felt that it started to drag a bit. I'm not saying that they shouldn't take a break but I did start to become bored. Luckily the book starts to pick up again.
Overall this was a really good book! I recommend it to contemporary fans.
January 20, 2016
This book is fierce. It looks all innocent from the cover, but it is a fierce love story.
Cloudy has lost her best friend. Her best friend was an organ donor. Cloudy goes on a road trip to see the organ recipients, to try to find glimpses of her best friend, a shadow of her vibrancy. Does your heart feel ripped out? Well, mine did. The brave act of organ donation in this book is eclipsed only by the love of those left behind.
This story explores the depths of grief and renewal, sorrow and healing. How we honor those we love and how we find strength in new kinds of love. Cloudy and Kyle (cute boy and beloved boy) embark on an impulsive journey together that brings peace for each of them at each stop. Well, you know…peace in some ways but epic trials in other ways.
Throughout every stop, Scott and Andreani pack the pages with hilarious dialogue and observations, as well as profound questions about love, loss and healing. This was a road trip I didn’t want to end.
Cloudy has lost her best friend. Her best friend was an organ donor. Cloudy goes on a road trip to see the organ recipients, to try to find glimpses of her best friend, a shadow of her vibrancy. Does your heart feel ripped out? Well, mine did. The brave act of organ donation in this book is eclipsed only by the love of those left behind.
This story explores the depths of grief and renewal, sorrow and healing. How we honor those we love and how we find strength in new kinds of love. Cloudy and Kyle (cute boy and beloved boy) embark on an impulsive journey together that brings peace for each of them at each stop. Well, you know…peace in some ways but epic trials in other ways.
Throughout every stop, Scott and Andreani pack the pages with hilarious dialogue and observations, as well as profound questions about love, loss and healing. This was a road trip I didn’t want to end.
November 27, 2016
Unas 5 horas me ha durado este libro en las manos. Me ha encantado. Cloudy y Kyle
Read
July 30, 2015Yeah, this is fabulous, no surprise. Loved the way dual POV was used and the way the road trip worked the way an actual road trip works (no geographic shenanigans). I also really liked the small thread from Kyle's POV about faith, or lack thereof--it was a little characterization element that made the story so much richer.
(Disclosure: Mindi is a good friend IRL, but I read her first book before we were friends.)
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I am so excited for another Mindi Scott book!
(Also, kind of doing a happy dance about being the first to add this to my to-read on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.)
(Disclosure: Mindi is a good friend IRL, but I read her first book before we were friends.)
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I am so excited for another Mindi Scott book!
(Also, kind of doing a happy dance about being the first to add this to my to-read on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.)
April 19, 2016
04/19/16
It could be that I just wasn't in the mood when I read this, but I ended up feeling nothing at all. It was a lovely story, though. Full review to come!
10/19/15 - I wrote an open letter to Michelle Andreani, one of the co-authors of The Way Back to You! You can check it out ! :)
It could be that I just wasn't in the mood when I read this, but I ended up feeling nothing at all. It was a lovely story, though. Full review to come!
10/19/15 - I wrote an open letter to Michelle Andreani, one of the co-authors of The Way Back to You! You can check it out ! :)
December 29, 2016
Hi everyone, today I'm honoured to be part of the USÌýblog tour for THE WAY BACK TO YOU by Michelle Andreani and Mindi Scott! I've got a review and giveaway for you - check it out, then visit some of the other tour stops for more fun on this cute contemporary!
Review: The Way Back to You
The Way Back to You by Michelle Andreani & Mindi Scott is a book about holding in your feelings. It's about what happens when you don't talk about the things that are hurting you, until the point that you have to do something drastic in order to deal with them.
For Claudia 'Cloudy' Marlowe, this started even before her best friend, Ashlyn was tragically killed in a cycling accident. Cloudy has always been a sunny, positive sport, but she was hiding her feelings for Kyle, Ashlyn's boyfriend, for a very long time. After Ashlyn's death, she does so even more, burying herself in her school and cheerleading to feel normal. Kyle, on the other hand, has also become adept at bottling up his feelings, becoming stoic and silent at school.
When Cloudy discovers that Ashlyn's mom has made contact with some of the recipients of Ashlyn's donor organs, Cloudy takes off from their hometown in Oregon, convincing Kyle that maybe the best way for them to get over Ashlyn's death is to see the people she's given life to.
On paper, The Way Back To You had everything going for it. I knew it was going to be an emotional read, I love road trip books, there was even a kitten and a cheerleader. But for some reason, I didn't quite connect to the characters the way I should have. I think they were so closed off and so accustomed to brushing off everything as fine that I just couldn't get a grasp on them.
For me, that characterization was tied to a feeling that the writing wasn't quite flowing like it should. The writing seemed to move haphazardly, where as soon as we would get to a moment, I would abruptly be pulled away - and not in a good way. Because of that, the characters also seemed inauthentic at times.
In fact, it was only just shy of the 200 page mark when I finally started to see them open up. I pushed through initially because I liked the premise,Ìýwhich, while far-fetched, kind of worked for me. I could also see glimmers of sassiness, especially in Cloudy.ÌýBut at a certain point, the barriers started to come down, and the VERY SLOW BURN romance finally got moving.
The thing is, for me, as the book went on, it became less and less about the romance and more and more about seeing these characters finally grow and change. The Way Back to You does not give you either easily. But there are pockets of wisdom and cuteness here, little tufts of moments that sit side-by-side, lightness and darkness that bloom just when you're getting frustrated. And that's what kept me going in the end.
Bonuses:
Cheerleading As Sport: What's that, you say? where I talk about how great it is to see cheerleading recognized as a sport in a book, and how hard cheerleaders work? H-E-L-L Y-E-S! Check out the video below if you don't believe me.
It's About Family: I didn't talk about it a lot in my review, but this book has a really strong representation of how much family can do for you while dealing with loss. It was especially refreshing to see some of the parents in this book acting, you know, like good parents.
Realistic Road Trip: My favorite part of this road trip is that it doesn't cover a ton of ground - because these are TEENAGERS, and they need lots of breaks to see people and stuff. Also, people keep checking in and they find out immediately that Cloudy and Kyle have taken off because, again, TEENAGERS. =)
What Sarah SaidÌýbyÌýDeath Cab for Cutie
This song is featured in this book, not only as a song that encapsulates what Cloudy and Kyle are holding onto, but also what they have to move on from.
Amongst the vending machines and year-old magazines
In a place where we only say goodbye
It stung like a violent wind that our memories depend
On a faulty camera in our minds
And I knew that you were a truth I would rather lose
Than to have never lain beside at all
The Way Back to You is a sweet, contemporary romance with a vein of tragedy in it. I couldn't get over the disconnect I had with the main characters in the front half of the book enough to say that I really liked it, but the back half has a lot of moments that made it worth a read. This isn't one I would buy for my own shelf, but if you're interested in the premise and you like road-trip novels, give it a borrow.
Ìý
THE WAY BACK TO YOU just came out yesterday, and / is generously offering three copies to US readers for giveaway! Go sign up, and don't forget to visit the rest of the tour stops!
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THE WAY BACK TO YOU Tour Schedule:
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April 28, 2016
I requested this on a whim. Normally, this wouldn't be my sort of story: the promise of angst and heartfail {no pun intended} is not my bag, baby.
I liked Cloudy and Kyle. They have a bit of a history and it was interesting to see how they worked through it on top of the situation. The plot was engaging and I absolutely loved the dual POV. There are some great secondary characters as well.
So why only 3 stars? I'm not sure...don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but I wasn't captivated. I set it down several times. It sort of feels like something was missing, but I'm not sure what could have been added. I will say that I would have liked to see more of an ending, but I get that it was mostly about the journey.
Overall, it was a good read and I know a lot of people will be loving it.
**Huge thanks to Katherine Tegen books and Edelweiss for providing th arc in exchange for an honest review**
I liked Cloudy and Kyle. They have a bit of a history and it was interesting to see how they worked through it on top of the situation. The plot was engaging and I absolutely loved the dual POV. There are some great secondary characters as well.
So why only 3 stars? I'm not sure...don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but I wasn't captivated. I set it down several times. It sort of feels like something was missing, but I'm not sure what could have been added. I will say that I would have liked to see more of an ending, but I get that it was mostly about the journey.
Overall, it was a good read and I know a lot of people will be loving it.
**Huge thanks to Katherine Tegen books and Edelweiss for providing th arc in exchange for an honest review**
December 30, 2015
Heart and humour so aptly describes this book. But it also packs a powerful punch. Have tissues on hand, but also be prepared to smile, giggle and full on belly laugh as Cloudy and Kyle work their way through grief, confusing feelings, and from the mountains, by the sea and on to the desert. All the best books are about road trips, and what an epic one this is, starting with awkward, tense silences, a touch of unrequited love, heartache and a kitten and winding up somewhere near moving forward, laughs, love and life, with a whole lot of hope and even a wedding thrown in for good measure. The Way Back To You is a book to treasure.
The death of Cloudy's best friend Ashlyn changed Cloudy's world. For Ashlyn's boyfriend Kyle, it changed everything. Now Cloudy struggles on with life, projecting an 'I'm fine!' façade, while Kyle is noticeably falling apart. When the opportunity to meet the recipients of Ashlyn's organ donation presents itself to Cloudy, she takes it and neatly ropes Kyle into joining her. Perhaps this trip will give them both some closure or hope for the future.
Told in alternating points of view, readers experience first Cloudy and then Kyle's methods of coping after Ashlyn's death. They make the most wonderful protagonists, honest, real and hurting. Cloudy has been burying her feelings, both for Kyle and grief for Ashlyn, for so long that she doesn't even know how not to any more. She's smart, sassy and the most un-stereotypical cheerleader I've ever read. And then there is Kyle. Grieving, lost and so sick of everyone crowding him, he can't stand the expectations to return to 'normal'. He feels everything so strongly and is desperately hoping for a sign that will let him know Ashlyn is okay or someplace, something to help him to move forward with his life. Cloudy's little road trip gives him that chance, along with the green-eyed, black cat who appears on his car hood and refuses to leave.
For a book written by two people living on opposite sides of a country, The Way Back To You is incredibly consistent. The tone of the book flows perfectly, and yet sometimes the storyline jumps forward, doubling back later to fill in details, just enough to keep you on your toes.
Cloudy and Kyle's journey towards reconciliation, friendship and the possibility of more is so enjoyable. I loved that it was only Cloudy who was hiding her feelings for Kyle while he genuinely loved and missed Ashlyn, slowly falling for Cloudy as they spend more time together. But even more than romance, this book is about friendship, family and losing someone so important to you. There are loveable secondary characters, great one liners, even better music (yay for Death Cab for Cutie), ghost towns, and incredible scenery. It is uplifting and finds that perfect balance between heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving readers with a tear-stained face and a huge grin. Books like this one are what make reading so very, very important and so much fun. I loved every word of this touching and beautiful book.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog
The death of Cloudy's best friend Ashlyn changed Cloudy's world. For Ashlyn's boyfriend Kyle, it changed everything. Now Cloudy struggles on with life, projecting an 'I'm fine!' façade, while Kyle is noticeably falling apart. When the opportunity to meet the recipients of Ashlyn's organ donation presents itself to Cloudy, she takes it and neatly ropes Kyle into joining her. Perhaps this trip will give them both some closure or hope for the future.
Told in alternating points of view, readers experience first Cloudy and then Kyle's methods of coping after Ashlyn's death. They make the most wonderful protagonists, honest, real and hurting. Cloudy has been burying her feelings, both for Kyle and grief for Ashlyn, for so long that she doesn't even know how not to any more. She's smart, sassy and the most un-stereotypical cheerleader I've ever read. And then there is Kyle. Grieving, lost and so sick of everyone crowding him, he can't stand the expectations to return to 'normal'. He feels everything so strongly and is desperately hoping for a sign that will let him know Ashlyn is okay or someplace, something to help him to move forward with his life. Cloudy's little road trip gives him that chance, along with the green-eyed, black cat who appears on his car hood and refuses to leave.
For a book written by two people living on opposite sides of a country, The Way Back To You is incredibly consistent. The tone of the book flows perfectly, and yet sometimes the storyline jumps forward, doubling back later to fill in details, just enough to keep you on your toes.
Cloudy and Kyle's journey towards reconciliation, friendship and the possibility of more is so enjoyable. I loved that it was only Cloudy who was hiding her feelings for Kyle while he genuinely loved and missed Ashlyn, slowly falling for Cloudy as they spend more time together. But even more than romance, this book is about friendship, family and losing someone so important to you. There are loveable secondary characters, great one liners, even better music (yay for Death Cab for Cutie), ghost towns, and incredible scenery. It is uplifting and finds that perfect balance between heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving readers with a tear-stained face and a huge grin. Books like this one are what make reading so very, very important and so much fun. I loved every word of this touching and beautiful book.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog
March 22, 2016
I have to say that I loved this story. It is such a heartwarming story that takes you on a journey of love, life, and friendship.
Cloudy and Kyle have one thing in common and that is Ashlyn. But when they lose her to an accident they are devastated. Cloudy has lost a piece of herself. She no longer has a best friend a sister a person who she can go to with anything. Kyle has totally died inside. He can't keep it together and everyone sees it.
Then Cloudy finds out that Ashlyn's parents donated her organs to other people and she gets it in her head to find out who they are and what part of her best friend Ashlyn they received. So she gets the list of names and goes to Kyle and tells him about the organ donation and how they should take a road trip and meet them. At first Kyle isn't sure he wants to do it because he and cloudy are not friends but soon she convinces him and he goes for the road trip.
Once on the trip Cloudy and Kyle will discover many things about themselves as well as others.
Cloudy and Kyle have one thing in common and that is Ashlyn. But when they lose her to an accident they are devastated. Cloudy has lost a piece of herself. She no longer has a best friend a sister a person who she can go to with anything. Kyle has totally died inside. He can't keep it together and everyone sees it.
Then Cloudy finds out that Ashlyn's parents donated her organs to other people and she gets it in her head to find out who they are and what part of her best friend Ashlyn they received. So she gets the list of names and goes to Kyle and tells him about the organ donation and how they should take a road trip and meet them. At first Kyle isn't sure he wants to do it because he and cloudy are not friends but soon she convinces him and he goes for the road trip.
Once on the trip Cloudy and Kyle will discover many things about themselves as well as others.
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January 2, 2016Guys, this book has a Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves reference in it.
Having discussed our mutual obsession with this movie as teenagers with the author Mindi Scott (full disclosure: Mindi and I are friends and I read an early draft of this) during the course of this novel's writing, I like to think that I am somewhat responsible for this.
And even if you are not a fan of the early 90s awesomeness that was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (What's wrong with you?!) , this book is still well worth your time.
Having discussed our mutual obsession with this movie as teenagers with the author Mindi Scott (full disclosure: Mindi and I are friends and I read an early draft of this) during the course of this novel's writing, I like to think that I am somewhat responsible for this.
And even if you are not a fan of the early 90s awesomeness that was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (What's wrong with you?!) , this book is still well worth your time.
January 2, 2016
The Way Back to You is so much more than the story of two friends taking a spontaneous road trip. It’s an emotional journey for Cloudy and Kyle, who are both struggling to get over the loss of someone they loved. The writing in this book is a perfect mixture of humor and poignancy. So many times I was laughing through my tears. I loved the dual POV, plus the supporting cast, especially Matty and Kyle's dad. I can’t wait to read the authors� next collaboration!
February 7, 2017
"Un poco de ti" es un libro narrado desde dos perspectivas, conectadas por la muerte de una chica llamada Ashlyn: la de Cloudy, su mejor amiga y la de Kyle, su novio.
Tanto Kyle, como Cloudy están lidiando con el dolor de haber perdido a una persona importante en su vida y aunque la relación entre ellos dos no es la mejor, deciden emprender un viaje juntos que representa la oportunidad de poder huir de todos esos recuerdos dolorosos, asà como la de poder honrar el recuerdo de su mejor amiga.
El motivo del viaje es bastante inusual: intentarán contactar a las personas que recibieron los órganos de Ashlyn, guardando la esperanza de volver a ver a su amiga reflejada en ellos.
Conforme la historia avanza, la relación entre Cloudy y Kyle va evolucionando. Se dan cuenta de lo poco que se conocen y comparten sus recuerdos sobre Ashlyn. El duelo por haber perdido a Ashlyn, la culpa, la amistad y el amor se manifestarán en las páginas de esta historia.
Este tipo de libros no suelen ser los que yo elijo, sin embargo, en esta ocasión, la editorial me hizo llegar una copia a cambio de una reseña honesta del ejemplar. Fue por eso que lo leÃ.
Al principio estaba un poco desesperada porque los personajes me parecÃan bastante planos y superficiales. Cloudy es la tÃpica porrista popular y guapa, mientras que Kyle es el jugador estrella del equipo de béisbol. Lo cierto es que yo prefiero a esos personajes que son como los "underdogs", introvertidos y de bajo perfil, por lo que leer sobre este par me costó trabajo.
Sin embargo, conforme fue avanzando la trama, cada vez me fueron cayendo mejor y me interesaba ver cómo se iba transformando la relación entre ellos. Del mismo modo, debo destacar que el estilo de escritura es tan fluido y sencillo que el libro se lee rapidÃsimo.
Este es uno de esos "feel good books", que a pesar de tratar temas intensos como la muerte y el duelo, la verdad es que lo hace con unos lentes rosa pastel. No digo que eso sea malo, al contrario, quizá sea uno de los aprendizajes de la historia. Sin embargo, eso no resonó conmigo. Del mismo modo, aunque la lÃnea argumental sobre romance es entretenida, siento que le resta importancia al tema central de la historia (o quizá solo estoy amargada).
En conclusión, este es un libro para aquellas personas que busquen una lectura entretenida, romántica, ligera, para fans de John Greene (hay muerte como en TFIOS y un roadtrip como en Paper Towns) y para aquellos que tengan un bloqueo lector.
Tanto Kyle, como Cloudy están lidiando con el dolor de haber perdido a una persona importante en su vida y aunque la relación entre ellos dos no es la mejor, deciden emprender un viaje juntos que representa la oportunidad de poder huir de todos esos recuerdos dolorosos, asà como la de poder honrar el recuerdo de su mejor amiga.
El motivo del viaje es bastante inusual: intentarán contactar a las personas que recibieron los órganos de Ashlyn, guardando la esperanza de volver a ver a su amiga reflejada en ellos.
Conforme la historia avanza, la relación entre Cloudy y Kyle va evolucionando. Se dan cuenta de lo poco que se conocen y comparten sus recuerdos sobre Ashlyn. El duelo por haber perdido a Ashlyn, la culpa, la amistad y el amor se manifestarán en las páginas de esta historia.
Este tipo de libros no suelen ser los que yo elijo, sin embargo, en esta ocasión, la editorial me hizo llegar una copia a cambio de una reseña honesta del ejemplar. Fue por eso que lo leÃ.
Al principio estaba un poco desesperada porque los personajes me parecÃan bastante planos y superficiales. Cloudy es la tÃpica porrista popular y guapa, mientras que Kyle es el jugador estrella del equipo de béisbol. Lo cierto es que yo prefiero a esos personajes que son como los "underdogs", introvertidos y de bajo perfil, por lo que leer sobre este par me costó trabajo.
Sin embargo, conforme fue avanzando la trama, cada vez me fueron cayendo mejor y me interesaba ver cómo se iba transformando la relación entre ellos. Del mismo modo, debo destacar que el estilo de escritura es tan fluido y sencillo que el libro se lee rapidÃsimo.
Este es uno de esos "feel good books", que a pesar de tratar temas intensos como la muerte y el duelo, la verdad es que lo hace con unos lentes rosa pastel. No digo que eso sea malo, al contrario, quizá sea uno de los aprendizajes de la historia. Sin embargo, eso no resonó conmigo. Del mismo modo, aunque la lÃnea argumental sobre romance es entretenida, siento que le resta importancia al tema central de la historia (o quizá solo estoy amargada).
En conclusión, este es un libro para aquellas personas que busquen una lectura entretenida, romántica, ligera, para fans de John Greene (hay muerte como en TFIOS y un roadtrip como en Paper Towns) y para aquellos que tengan un bloqueo lector.
February 1, 2016
This book was SUPER swoony!! It was heartfelt and emotional and so well done! All the exclamation points for this book. <3 (If I were more tech savvy, I'd insert a gif with heart eyes!!)
It has everything I love in a story - characters with a complicated history, a ROAD TRIP (how I LOVE road trip books!), an adorable animal (SO ADORABLE!), swoon, VEGAS!
I absolutely fell in love with Kyle and Cloudy and Zoe and Matty and Arm. Such fantastic characters. And the dialogue was so great. This is a perfect read for fans of Stephanie Perkins or Morgan Matson!
I received an ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review but I can't wait to buy a copy of my very own!
It has everything I love in a story - characters with a complicated history, a ROAD TRIP (how I LOVE road trip books!), an adorable animal (SO ADORABLE!), swoon, VEGAS!
I absolutely fell in love with Kyle and Cloudy and Zoe and Matty and Arm. Such fantastic characters. And the dialogue was so great. This is a perfect read for fans of Stephanie Perkins or Morgan Matson!
I received an ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review but I can't wait to buy a copy of my very own!
June 14, 2016
I picked this up for two reasons; road trip and it reminded me a bit of Things We Know by Heart(which I LOVE). I'm so glad I did. This book was soooo good. Cloudy and Kyle haven't been able to accept the sudden death of Ashlyn, even a year on they're not sure to how to go on without forgetting her. The Way Back to You touches on romance but really it's a look at how we all deal with grief differently and what it takes to accept that grief is going to be part of the day to day life but you can still be happy without your best friend. The Way Back to You is just a great adventure about two lost friends healing their hearts together.
April 5, 2016
It's been six months since Cloudy's best friend, Ashlyn, died in a bicycle accident. Cloudy's been putting on a brave face for the outside world but inside, she's struggling. Kyle, Ashlyn's boyfriend, is lost and feels like he's falling apart without her. As Ashlyn's boyfriend and best friend, they should be able to lean on each other but after a mistake the year before, they've barely spoken. When Cloudy finds out that Ashlyn's organs had been donated, and her parents have been in touch with a few of the recipients, she does something completely out of character. She takes the letters from the Montiels house and convinces Kyle to go on a road trip during winter break to meet the people who are alive because of Ashlyn. The trip could give them a chance to heal, or it could all be a huge mistake.
I was set to experience a lot of emotions going into this book, just based off the synopsis. There were definitely some tears(okay, more than some), a lot of laughter, plenty of smiles, and a great reading experience. I enjoyed the overall concept but the highlight, for me, was the character interactions and the way everything came together.
The book was told in the dual POVs of Cloudy and Kyle. It was interesting to see both their relationships with Ashlyn through their eyes and we were given a good sense of how much she meant to both of them. They were both compelling characters with very different personalities so it was easy to know which POV I was in at all times. Cloudy was the normally responsible girl, always reliable, but taking off on a spontaneous road trip was something she just had to do. Kyle was a jock struggling with everyone wanting him to return to 'normal' so a road trip out of town seemed like a good idea. The relationship between these two started off as a bit uncomfortable since there was so much history and so much connecting them without them really having talked to each other in a long time, but it slowly became something sweet and important to them both.
I absolutely loved the minor characters in the book just as much as the mains. Cloudy's little sister Zoe and Kyle's cousin Matty were such a huge highlight. Both so concerned for their family members who were obviously hurting and wanting to help but not knowing how. Another huge highlight was the kitten Kyle found in a church parking lot and not only adopted, but brought along on the road trip. The kitten, named Arm for Ashlyn's initials, was adorable and made me want to go track down my own cats for a cuddle. All the characters added something to the story and I loved seeing them get their own little quirks, even if they were only in the book for a couple of scenes.
This book really delivered on all it promised to be. The plot stayed focused on the characters and their journey through the road trip and healing from Ashlyn's death. It was wonderfully written, so many great quotes from this, and the pacing was really well done. There wasn't a time I felt like things had gotten a little too repetitive because they'd stayed in the same place for too long, or that they were moving too quickly and I hadn't gotten a good sense of the people they'd just left.
Definitely a book I want on my bookshelf when it comes out in physical form.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was set to experience a lot of emotions going into this book, just based off the synopsis. There were definitely some tears(okay, more than some), a lot of laughter, plenty of smiles, and a great reading experience. I enjoyed the overall concept but the highlight, for me, was the character interactions and the way everything came together.
The book was told in the dual POVs of Cloudy and Kyle. It was interesting to see both their relationships with Ashlyn through their eyes and we were given a good sense of how much she meant to both of them. They were both compelling characters with very different personalities so it was easy to know which POV I was in at all times. Cloudy was the normally responsible girl, always reliable, but taking off on a spontaneous road trip was something she just had to do. Kyle was a jock struggling with everyone wanting him to return to 'normal' so a road trip out of town seemed like a good idea. The relationship between these two started off as a bit uncomfortable since there was so much history and so much connecting them without them really having talked to each other in a long time, but it slowly became something sweet and important to them both.
I absolutely loved the minor characters in the book just as much as the mains. Cloudy's little sister Zoe and Kyle's cousin Matty were such a huge highlight. Both so concerned for their family members who were obviously hurting and wanting to help but not knowing how. Another huge highlight was the kitten Kyle found in a church parking lot and not only adopted, but brought along on the road trip. The kitten, named Arm for Ashlyn's initials, was adorable and made me want to go track down my own cats for a cuddle. All the characters added something to the story and I loved seeing them get their own little quirks, even if they were only in the book for a couple of scenes.
This book really delivered on all it promised to be. The plot stayed focused on the characters and their journey through the road trip and healing from Ashlyn's death. It was wonderfully written, so many great quotes from this, and the pacing was really well done. There wasn't a time I felt like things had gotten a little too repetitive because they'd stayed in the same place for too long, or that they were moving too quickly and I hadn't gotten a good sense of the people they'd just left.
Definitely a book I want on my bookshelf when it comes out in physical form.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2016
Cute contemporary with some really good dialogue and a much stronger back half. There are moments of honesty and understanding that made the concept work and the whole thing a worthwhile read, but the uneven writing and a strange disconnect with the characters left me a bit disappointed.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
June 8, 2016
Check out this and other reviews on my young adult book blog,
I've found myself drawn to contemporary novels lately - I've been reading a lot of them. So with all the buzz surrounding this one, there was obviously no way I was going to pass up on reading it.
The awesome folks over at HarperTeen gave me a copy of this book on Edelweiss, and after spending some time staring at that pretty cover, I finally started reading it, and I found myself surprised by how beautiful of a story it was.
Cloudy's best friend Ashlyn died a few months ago, and for Cloudy, moving on just doesn't seem like an option. She misses her best friend and still longs to see her everywhere - at cheerleading practice, hanging out with their boyfriends, at school, etc. Although Cloudy knows that she can't ever be with Ashlyn again, she can't quite get over the loss and try to get on with her life.
Ashlyn's boyfriend Kyle absolutely adored her, so her death destroyed him. He tries to hold things together, but he's slipping - he doesn't care as much for spending time with friends, for going to games with his team...instead he finds himself spending more and more time alone, in his room, missing her. When he finds a cat that reminds him of Ashlyn, he wastes no time adopting her and taking her home with him.
It's this event that brings Kyle and Cloudy back together - a chance meeting at the supermarket while Cloudy is shopping for supplies for cheerleading and Kyle is looking for cat food and toys for his new pet. While they don't have much to say to each other, they both can tell that the other is still broken from the loss of Ashlyn, not to mention a secret that they've kept to themselves for a long time.
When Cloudy discovers that Ashlyn's mother has been in contact with some of the people who received some of Ashlyn's organs after her death since she was an organ donor, and that they are close by, she comes up with the idea to take a road trip to see those people. She figures that maybe, by observing them, she might be able to see that parts of Ashlyn are still going on...hoping that this will bring her some closure. However, she isn't sure how she could possibly make the trip by herself...so she asks the only person she can think of who would go with her without asking too many questions.
When Kyle gets the phone call about taking a road trip with Cloudy, he doesn't know for sure what he's getting into, but he's willing to go with her. When it turns out that she wants to see the people who have received Ashlyn's organs, Kyle realizes that maybe, just maybe, this might be the closure he needs, too.
So Cloudy and Kyle (and Kyle's cat!) set off to drive across several states with a hope that maybe they'll be able to accept their loss and move on. Even though they aren't really friendly with each other anymore, will they be able to put their differences (and secrets) behind them and focus on the common bond of losing someone they both loved?
The Way Back to You is full of emotions from the very first chapter to the last page (which left me crying for a bit, I'm not going to lie), and it's an absolutely beautiful story. Not only is it a story of friendship, but it's a story about overcoming a loss that feels so deep - like it might take over your entire world. If you've felt a loss like that, this book feels really easy to connect to.
The chapters are told in alternating viewpoints: Cloudy and Kyle. Both characters are complex and have completely different personalities, so you won't be getting mixed up and have to go back and see which character the chapter is being narrated by (I've had to do this for a lot of books because the characters sound so similar). Aside from character development (which there is tons of, by the way), this is one of my favorite things about books with dual points of view.
I think one of the cooler aspects of this book was how Kyle brought his cat (which he named ARM...Ashlyn's initials) along for the trip. I'm a huge cat person, so this book got some extra "awes" out of me because of it.
Cloudy and Kyle really do go through a lot together during the course of this book, and it brings them closer as friends because of it. At first I thought that maybe the whole premise for the book (going to observe people who are organ donation recipients from your best friend) a little morbid, but it's touching and I think it will do a lot to help people who have suffered similar losses to cope and realize that they aren't alone. So in the end, I would say that it might actually be quite a comforting read for some. Like I said, it's full of emotions, and you might need to keep some tissues handy.
Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I've found myself drawn to contemporary novels lately - I've been reading a lot of them. So with all the buzz surrounding this one, there was obviously no way I was going to pass up on reading it.
The awesome folks over at HarperTeen gave me a copy of this book on Edelweiss, and after spending some time staring at that pretty cover, I finally started reading it, and I found myself surprised by how beautiful of a story it was.
"Grief doesn't seem to need much space at all; it's more like it tightens and squeezes until there's no more of you left."
Cloudy's best friend Ashlyn died a few months ago, and for Cloudy, moving on just doesn't seem like an option. She misses her best friend and still longs to see her everywhere - at cheerleading practice, hanging out with their boyfriends, at school, etc. Although Cloudy knows that she can't ever be with Ashlyn again, she can't quite get over the loss and try to get on with her life.
Ashlyn's boyfriend Kyle absolutely adored her, so her death destroyed him. He tries to hold things together, but he's slipping - he doesn't care as much for spending time with friends, for going to games with his team...instead he finds himself spending more and more time alone, in his room, missing her. When he finds a cat that reminds him of Ashlyn, he wastes no time adopting her and taking her home with him.
It's this event that brings Kyle and Cloudy back together - a chance meeting at the supermarket while Cloudy is shopping for supplies for cheerleading and Kyle is looking for cat food and toys for his new pet. While they don't have much to say to each other, they both can tell that the other is still broken from the loss of Ashlyn, not to mention a secret that they've kept to themselves for a long time.
When Cloudy discovers that Ashlyn's mother has been in contact with some of the people who received some of Ashlyn's organs after her death since she was an organ donor, and that they are close by, she comes up with the idea to take a road trip to see those people. She figures that maybe, by observing them, she might be able to see that parts of Ashlyn are still going on...hoping that this will bring her some closure. However, she isn't sure how she could possibly make the trip by herself...so she asks the only person she can think of who would go with her without asking too many questions.
When Kyle gets the phone call about taking a road trip with Cloudy, he doesn't know for sure what he's getting into, but he's willing to go with her. When it turns out that she wants to see the people who have received Ashlyn's organs, Kyle realizes that maybe, just maybe, this might be the closure he needs, too.
So Cloudy and Kyle (and Kyle's cat!) set off to drive across several states with a hope that maybe they'll be able to accept their loss and move on. Even though they aren't really friendly with each other anymore, will they be able to put their differences (and secrets) behind them and focus on the common bond of losing someone they both loved?
The Way Back to You is full of emotions from the very first chapter to the last page (which left me crying for a bit, I'm not going to lie), and it's an absolutely beautiful story. Not only is it a story of friendship, but it's a story about overcoming a loss that feels so deep - like it might take over your entire world. If you've felt a loss like that, this book feels really easy to connect to.
The chapters are told in alternating viewpoints: Cloudy and Kyle. Both characters are complex and have completely different personalities, so you won't be getting mixed up and have to go back and see which character the chapter is being narrated by (I've had to do this for a lot of books because the characters sound so similar). Aside from character development (which there is tons of, by the way), this is one of my favorite things about books with dual points of view.
I think one of the cooler aspects of this book was how Kyle brought his cat (which he named ARM...Ashlyn's initials) along for the trip. I'm a huge cat person, so this book got some extra "awes" out of me because of it.
Cloudy and Kyle really do go through a lot together during the course of this book, and it brings them closer as friends because of it. At first I thought that maybe the whole premise for the book (going to observe people who are organ donation recipients from your best friend) a little morbid, but it's touching and I think it will do a lot to help people who have suffered similar losses to cope and realize that they aren't alone. So in the end, I would say that it might actually be quite a comforting read for some. Like I said, it's full of emotions, and you might need to keep some tissues handy.
Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2017
This was cute and it made me cry
April 28, 2016
Kyle and Cloudy are trying to survive after having Ìýtheir ex-girlfriend/best friend die in an accident six months ago. Cloudy appears to be handling everything very well but she isn't. Kyle doesn't know how to deal with this death and it shows. When Cloudy finds out that Ashlyn's organs were donated, she sets out to visit theÌýthe people that received the organsÌýand drags Kyle alone with her without telling him what the road-trip is about until they reach their first destination.
I swear something's wrong with me. This book had it all to be amazing and all the raving reviews on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ prove it but I couldn't love it. I know it wasn't my mood because I was super excited for it but I didn't click with it. I was so close to DNF'ing this book but if you know me, then you know it's hard for me to DNF a book so I pushed through. For the first 65% or 70%, the book was sloooow.
Seriously, I couldn't deal. My excitement for this book died very early on in the story because not much was really happening. That's saying a lot because this book has a road-trip and I love road-trips!! But this one was so boring. It started off slow, giving us a background on Cloudy and Kyle. To me, theÌýbackground didn't add much to the story. It did at the beginning but then it was dragged on for nothing because it didn't really add anything. It didn't make me feel sympathetic at all and I was just over it all, but I kept reading because I was excited for the road-trip.
Well, nothing happened.ÌýOnce again, the road-trip didn't add much in my opinion. Even through the death of a friend these two teens experienced, I couldn't feel sorry for them. The book took on a very somber feel to it and it got really difficult for me to want to finish this book. The romance felt so forced!ÌýEven when they previously had feelings for each other, I couldn't believe it at all.
Overall, this book didn't impress me at all and it bums me because this was one of my 2016 anticipated releases.
I received an eARC for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2016
Oh, this is the year of YA Contemporary, 2016, I can feel it!
I absolutely adored this book in every way, shape, and form. I might be biased. As regular readers of my blog might have noticed over recent months, I've made mention that I've been sort of dealing with grief for the first time in my life despite having lost several family members over the years, so any book about death and loss is bound to touch me. This was certainly no exception.
And you know what? I want to just leave it at that. This book is beautifully written. I really don't think there is anything more that needs to be said, but I'll do it anyway since this is a review and the book has more than earned the praise.
I loved the characters. I loved the raw honesty of their grief and how that grief only made sense between themselves because that is how it is when you lose someone and you feel as though no one else understands it except those going through it too.
I love how lost Cloudy and Kyle are, but how they find bits of themselves in one another by remembering their beautiful lost friend, Ashlyn.
I love the journey they go on together, where they go and how they decide to get there. The road trip was beyond brilliant in literal and figurative ways. And I love that it allowed the characters enough space to grow and feel and mature.
Really, my hat's off to you lovely ladies, Michelle and Mindi, if you ever read this. I found your story utterly moving and a fantastic example of Young Adult Contemporary at its finest. Job well done! And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go cry my eyes out over how lovely this book was because reasons.
I absolutely adored this book in every way, shape, and form. I might be biased. As regular readers of my blog might have noticed over recent months, I've made mention that I've been sort of dealing with grief for the first time in my life despite having lost several family members over the years, so any book about death and loss is bound to touch me. This was certainly no exception.
And you know what? I want to just leave it at that. This book is beautifully written. I really don't think there is anything more that needs to be said, but I'll do it anyway since this is a review and the book has more than earned the praise.
I loved the characters. I loved the raw honesty of their grief and how that grief only made sense between themselves because that is how it is when you lose someone and you feel as though no one else understands it except those going through it too.
I love how lost Cloudy and Kyle are, but how they find bits of themselves in one another by remembering their beautiful lost friend, Ashlyn.
I love the journey they go on together, where they go and how they decide to get there. The road trip was beyond brilliant in literal and figurative ways. And I love that it allowed the characters enough space to grow and feel and mature.
Really, my hat's off to you lovely ladies, Michelle and Mindi, if you ever read this. I found your story utterly moving and a fantastic example of Young Adult Contemporary at its finest. Job well done! And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go cry my eyes out over how lovely this book was because reasons.
January 21, 2016
THE WAY BACK TO YOU is a beautifully written book exploring grief and changing relationships as life moves on after tragedy. I don't know how Michelle Andreani and Mindi Scott did it, but the (co-written) work is seamless. My favorite part--and it was hard to choose--is the dialogue. The lines sparkle with wit and humor, and make Cloudy and Kyle characters with whom I'd like to converse long after the book is over.
THE WAY BACK TO YOU looks at romance, friendship, family, and falling apart and getting put back together. It hits all the buttons--and then adds a kitten.
THE WAY BACK TO YOU looks at romance, friendship, family, and falling apart and getting put back together. It hits all the buttons--and then adds a kitten.
January 24, 2016
This is a great book about love and loss. Cloudy and Kyle are both dealing with the loss of Ashlyn, and when they decide to head out on a road trip, I knew good things were to come. I loved all the description, and how the story played out. I loved the little bits of romance too. This book is hitting stands in May!
August 31, 2016
A really heartfelt story, with some true emotion behind it. Mostly about moving past the death of someone that means the world to you and the grief/happiness of life without them. There is also a bittersweet romance between the boyfriend and best friend left behind. A cute kitten, a road trip and some soul searching = a great read.
August 21, 2016
Ha estado guay, es un road trip chulo y una historia bonita, pero le ha faltado algo... No sé exactamente el qué...
Aun asà ha sido una buena lectura, la primera en meses y eso ya es todo un mérito, asà que no me quejo más xD
Aun asà ha sido una buena lectura, la primera en meses y eso ya es todo un mérito, asà que no me quejo más xD
December 2, 2016
My Thoughts
This book was cute. I liked the story, but I didn't love it. It was an all around okay book for me. There's a bit of a slow beginning but the writing is wonderfully crafted. I loved the dual POV between Cloudy and Kyle.
I really loved the whole Organ Donation from Ashlyn. It was an interesting idea and one that hits close to home. One of my husband's cousins died a couple years ago in a car accident and his organs were donated.
What I wanted more from this book was more of the road trip vibe. It didn't really feel like a road trip at the beginning. But that could have just been me. What I couldn't get enough of was the stowaway kitten who played a huge chunk in this story.
Even though I felt there was something missing within this novel it is a great story and I recommend you read it. It's heartfelt and it really reminds you of how much a person can impact you.
Michelle Andreani is the co-author of THE WAY BACK TO YOU (my debut novel!) with Mindi Scott, forthcoming from Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins. Also an occasional scatterbrain, milkshake devotee, and liker of love stories.
Mindi Scott lives near Seattle, Washington, USA with her drummer husband in a house with a non-sound-proof basement. Freefall, her first novel, was published byÌýSimon Pulse in 2010. Her second novel, Live Through This, was published (also by Simon Pulse) in 2012. She contributed a chapter to Violent Ends, a collaborative novel written by 17 young adult a
uthors (out in 2015), and co-wrote, along with Michelle Andreani, the 2016 novel The Way Back to You. She is represented by Jim McCarthy of Dystel & Goderich.
Michelle LINKS: | |
Mindi LINKS: | |
3 Finished Copies of THE WAY BACK TO YOU (US Only)
Week 1:
5/2:Ìý
5/3:Ìý
5/4:Ìý
5/5:Ìý
5/6:Ìý
Ìý
Week 2:
5/9:Ìý
5/10:Ìý
5/11:Ìý
5/12:Ìý
5/13:Ìý
September 14, 2019
this was a very heartwarming and sometimes bittersweet book. i really liked both cloudy and kyle’s characters, although i never quite connected with them in the way i wanted to.
i enjoyed reading it and can’t remember a point where i was bored with it, but i also wasn’t as invested as i probably should’ve been. i did really like the dynamic between the different characters, sometimes things that meant to stir up a certain emotion just fell flat for me.
that said, it was still a solid read and i love arm.
3.5 stars
i enjoyed reading it and can’t remember a point where i was bored with it, but i also wasn’t as invested as i probably should’ve been. i did really like the dynamic between the different characters, sometimes things that meant to stir up a certain emotion just fell flat for me.
that said, it was still a solid read and i love arm.
3.5 stars
June 25, 2016
*ARC kindly provided by Harper Collins and Katherine Tegen Books thru Edelweiss for review*
Where to start? Where to start? I finished this book at exactly 1:47am and it’s quite hard to gush about it in silence. I wanted to squeal so loud but I can’t because it’s almost 2 in the morning and my parents are asleep next room. Lol.
I have always been in love with road trip stories.So it was actually no surprise that I’m eager to pick this book up. However, The Way Back To You is not just about the road-trip. It’s a heartwarming story about life, love, friendship, family, acceptance and healing.“Grief doesn’t need much space at all. It’s more like it tightens and squeezes until there’s no more of you left.�
The Best friend. The Boyfriend.
Cloudy and Kyle lose Ashlyn to an accident that left them both very devastated.
Ashlyn is the kind of person who deeply cared. She loves animals, athletic � member of the cheer team, outgoing, opinionated and loves helping people. It was her choice to register as an organ donor. She always thought that though she might have lost her life but still she might save others.
Knowing this � Aslyn being and organ donor � leads Cloudy and Kyle to a road trip on the Southwest to meet the people who have received Ashlyn’s organ. Maybe it might help them both deal with the grief and loss. And maybe find something more. With each other.
Cloudy is the ideal best friend to have. She’s kind, nice and loyal. Losing Ashlyn is not just losing her best friend. She lost a sister who she grows up with and does almost everything with.
Kyle is the ideal boyfriend to have. He’s a gentleman, cool, respectful and loyal. Losing Ashlyn is not just losing his girlfriend. He lost a half of his own because he did loved her.
The set of characters that this book has are all so awesome. From Cloudy to Kyle � to awesome Matty and adorable Zoe and of course let’s not forget the cuddly ARM. *meow* I loved them all! They all became a huge part of the story.“My eyes move to him and the sign, the cars zooming by on the street behind him, the palm trees fanning out above us. And I’m so present. Grounded on this sidewalk, with Kyle, on a trip that Ashlyn is leading us on.�
Along the way on their journey, there are awkward silences, awkward playlists, gummy worms, mints, old friends, red rocks, cliff jumping. It’s a very healing journey for both Kyle and Cloudy who’s really having a hard time dealing with the loss and grief.
The plot line was simple yet very well written. It was heartfelt and emotionally straight to the feels. The road-trip part was a bit short but it did serve its purpose for both Cloudy and Kyle. In addition to it, I love the element added that though Ashlyn was already dead, she still did play a huge part in the story. I love how flashbacks of her come in snippets in each chapter from Cloudy and Kyle’s point of views. I really like how despite her being dead, her memory still lives on.
Meeting the organ recipients � Ethan, Fredie and Sonia - made a huge impact to Cloudy and Kyle. It gave them a peace of mind that though they have lost Ashlyn, there are still parts of her that is still above earth.“Eventually, the happier will come easier than the suckiness. It has too.�
In all, The Way Back To You is one heart-tugging story that left me happy and fulfilled. I get to know the characters so well and the journey they have all be through. I loved how everything wrapped up nicely with a pretty bow on the top. Kudos to the awesome authors. Thank you so much for sharing this story.
PS. I need a printed copy now please. I’m so excited for May to come. *SQUEE*
*For more reviews, please feel free to visit *
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