Synopses & Reviews
Destiny takes a detour in this heartbreakingly hilarious novel with five starred reviews, from the acclaimed author of Winger, which Kirkus Reviews called "smart" and "wickedly funny."
Finn Easton sees the world through miles instead of minutes. It's how he makes sense of the world, and how he tries to convince himself that he's a real boy and not just a character in his father's bestselling cult-classic book. Finn has two things going for him: his best friend, the possibly-insane-but-definitely-excellent Cade Hernandez, and Julia Bishop, the first girl he's ever loved.
Then Julia moves away, and Finn is heartbroken. Feeling restless and trapped in the book, Finn embarks on a road trip with Cade to visit their college of choice in Oklahoma. When an unexpected accident happens and the boys become unlikely heroes, they take an eye-opening detour away from everything they thought they had planned — and learn how to write their own destiny.
NYTBR Notable Children's Book of the Year
NPR Best Book of the Year
NYPL's Best Book of the Year for Teens
Chicago Public Library Best Teen Fiction of the Year
A Texas Taysha's Top Ten Selection
Review
"A wickedly witty and offbeat novel...a breathtaking read." Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Review
"John Green fans will enjoy Smith's newest novel."
VOYA
Review
"I'm not sure I've ever laughed with, cried with, and rooted harder for a character than Finn Easton. His voice is so strong, so real, that his triumphs and failures felt like they were my own. I seriously loved this book."
Len Vlahos, author of The Scar Boys
Review
"An unusual and memorable novel."
Horn Book
Review
"This unpredictable story of love and friendship is close to perfect."
Booklist, starred review
Review
"A mosaic of recurring motifs, subtle symbolism, wonderfully funny bits, and the best birthday present ever make this a book that repays close attention; the current of genuine warmth that runs through it ensures multiple revisits and enthusiastic sharing." BCCB, starred review
About the Author
Andrew Smith is a Printz Honor–winning author of several award-winning novels for young adults. He lives in a very remote area in the mountains of Southern California with his family, two horses, two dogs and three cats. He doesn't watch television and occupies himself by writing, bumping into things outdoors, and taking ten-mile runs on snowy trails. He maintains a blog and website about his strange writing life at GhostMedicine.blogspot.com.