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Synopsis from publisher:
After Ali’s father passes away, he leaves his one and only prized possession—a 1968 Firebird convertible—to his daughter. But Ali doesn’t plan on keeping it. Not when it reminds her too much of all her father’s unfulfilled promises. So when she finds a buyer 300 miles up the Pacific coast willing to pay enough money for the car to save her childhood home, Ali can’t wait to get going. Except Ali has no idea how to drive a stick shift. But guess who does?
Ali’s ex-boyfriend, Nico. And Nico has other plans.
He persuades Ali that instead of selling the car, they should “trade up” the items they collect on their trip to eventually reach the monetary amount Ali needs. Agreeing with Nico’s crazy plan, Ali sets off on an adventure that is unlike anything she ever could have expected.
And it’s through Ali’s travels, through the strangers she meets and the things that they value—and why they value them—that Ali eventually comes to understand her father and how his life may not have been as easy and carefree as she previously thought. Because, just like the seemingly insignificant objects Ali collects, not everything is exactly as it appears.
My Review:
4.5/5 stars. The Geography of Lost Things is a great book! I loved the fun concept, the relationship between Ali and Nico, the amazing character growth, and the theme of forgiveness. It’s so close to being 5 stars, but a couple of plot points annoyed me, which lowered the rating.
I’ll start with all the positives. First of all, I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed the author’s prose until I finished the book. It’s poetic and has lots of well-written, deep quotes. At the same time, it’s also very readable, which makes it easy to get through. The novel also plays with format in fun ways, having an “inventory” and occasional multiple-choice questions.
The whole concept, with them “trading up” to get the money they need, is so fun. A lot of unique minor characters are introduced as Ali and Nico make the trades. I got so invested I couldn’t wait to see what the next item would be.
I loved the romance. Nico is so sweet and nerdy, and he and Ali have such good chemistry and banter. It’s clear throughout the book that they are great together, so you root for them.
The Geography of Lost Things uses a lot of flashbacks, but it’s done in a way that makes you invested. The author does a great job of only gradually revealing little bits about what happened in the past. It’s just enough to make you intrigued early on, but it’s not so vague that you are frustrated by all the unanswered questions.
The ending is beautiful. Ali has such great character growth over the course of the novel. One major theme is learning to forgive people. Another is how complex humans are.
Finally, some plot points prevent me giving this 5 stars. It kind of includes the “only one bed” trope, which I hate. It’s subverted a little bit in The Geography of Lost Things, but it doesn’t really change the effect. It’s still used as unrealistic, forced tension.
Rated: Moderate. Moderate language is used occasionally, including euphemisms for strong profanity; references to making out, sex, and prostitution are present, with some emotionally detailed and mildly physical descriptions of kissing and touching; sexual assault is mentioned; a minor character is a lesbian, and a shop owner casually mentions making “gender fluid” statues; one character is visibly drunk in a flashback, another is implied to be on or in need of drugs, and there is a scene involving drunk driving; a character also struggles with a severe gambling addiction.
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