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The Avid Reader
, May 26, 2024
(view all comments by The Avid Reader)
I have mixed feelings about The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche. The beginning drew me in, but then I found my attention flagging. I believe part of the problem was adjusting to the multiple points of view and the three timelines. The pacing was on the slow side (it reminded me of when I was a child and a car ride felt like it is going on forever especially since I had to share the backseat with my sister). The characters were developed and multifaceted. I liked that there was a diverse cast. My favorite character was Benny. I liked her spirit and attitude. Benny was determined to get to Hollywood to be an actress (she was not taking no for an answer). I loved the descriptions of the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air (a beautiful car). We get to travel down the iconic Route 66 and see it from three points of view. I enjoyed the retired couple, Sandy and Tim from Ohio (my favorite state) that Benny, Jade, and Bridger met while traveling. Sandy and Tim were friendly, helpful, and hopeful. The story addresses several sensitive and weighty topics (parental kidnapping, PTSD, sexual harassment, PTSD, and racism—I might have missed one or two). I did feel that the author tried to put too much into one book. Faith was a minute part of the story. I appreciated the hopeful ending. While I liked some parts of The Road Before Us, I skimmed through others. I had to laugh, though, at the advice Benny offered to Ronald Regan when she met him at the wrap party after her first film.
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