In the past I’ve read a few Kasie West books and enjoyed them. I’m definitely a contemporary reader, so I was really curious about Places We’ve Never Been. This book came out in May of 2022, so I’m a bit late reading it, but I’m glad I finally gave it a go. Keep on reading to find out more about this book and what I thought!
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read and reveiw.
A sweet and swoony contemporary Young Adult novel about a cross-country family road trip that puts one girl and her childhood best friend on an unexpected road to romance!
Norah hasn’t seen her childhood best friend, Skyler, in years. When he first moved away, they’d talk all the time, but lately their relationship has been reduced to liking each other’s Instagram posts. That’s why Norah can’t wait for the joint RV road trip their families have planned for the summer.
But when Skyler finally arrives, he seems…like he’d rather be anywhere else. Hurt and confused, Norah reacts in kind. Suddenly, her oldest friendship is on the rocks.
An unexpected summer spent driving across the country leads both Norah and Skyler down new roads and to new discoveries. Before long, they are, once again, seeing each other in a different light. Can their friendship-turned-rivalry turn into something more?
Review
“Maybe we were our truest selves as children, before we let the expectations of everyone else dictate who we should be.”
When Norah’s mother announces a road trip with family friends she’s excited to finally see her childhood best friend she hasn’t seen for years. I loved the idea of the two best friends and their families going on a road trip together. Catching up with friends can be an amazing adventure, especially when you explore new places as well.
Norah and Skyler’s relationship seems a bit complicated. Norah is expecting to pick right up where they left off, but that doesn’t go as planned. Skyler isn’t excited about this trip and they become more enemies than friends. Places We’ve Never Been is told through Norah’s POV and I think would’ve loved it just a little more with a dual POV. While Skyler stays mysterious, I would’ve loved to have known more about his thoughts.
It was interesting to see them grow closer as the trip went on and start talking about memories and their lives now. Besides the romance that starts to develop there is also focus on things going on in their families and friendships. There’s one reveal that kind of bugged me, because I saw it coming, but all in all this was a great story. It had me smiling, but also hit me in all the feels at times. And I can’t forget to mention that stunning cover!
Places We’ve Never Been is definitely a book I would say is a good summer read. Kasie West is definitely an author I need to read more from. If you could take a road trip, where would you go? Let met know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!
