Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F Hub
Genres
Collection
Publication
New York : Delacorte Press, 2012.
Description
Romance. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML: Are you a Global Vagabond? No, but 18-year-old Bria wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a tour of Central America--the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. So when Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspoken sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path. Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel through Mayan villages and remote Belizean islands, they discover they're both seeking to leave behind the old versions of themselves. The secret to escaping the past, Rowan's found, is to keep moving forward. But Bria realizes she can't run forever. At some point, you have to look back..… (more)
Original publication date
2012-03-13
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User reviews
LibraryThing member IAmChrysanthemum
Sadly, Wanderlove ended up being a disappointment for me. It seemed like a perfect combination: Central American jungles Caribbean Sea Mayan ruins romance = great book, right? For the most part, each of these elements was individually great and they meshed well to create a nice traveler
Superficially, it seems like Bria should be amiable and relatable. She’s smart and kind but not in a superlative way; this girl, like everyone, has her flaws. Most of hers stem from a failed high school relationship that not only broke her heart but also stole her zest for life, particularly her passion for art. I was so ready to jump into Bria’s shoes, throw her backpack over my shoulders, and follow her adventurous tale of self-discovery…but then she just got really really annoying. Since Wanderlove is written in first person, we become privy to every single foolish thought and anxiety of our protagonist. I like damaged characters with fears and imperfections, but it becomes tiresome to read a never-ending log of low self-esteem and paranoia of outside judgment. If Bria had been presented as brimming with self-confidence, it wouldn’t have been true to her character, but I wish Hubbard could have presented Bria’s insecurities in a less pathetic way.
Another problem with Bria and some of the novel’s other characters was their manufactured drama. I am so sick of unrealistic conflict that could be solved with a few words or a small dose of common sense. Much of Wanderlove ‘s plot revolves around the fledgling and troubled relationship of Bria and Rowan, her seasoned backpacker companion with a mysterious past. I disliked the plot’s focus on the relationship drama, mostly because I didn’t understand why any of the drama existed. For example, at one point Bria becomes angry at Rowan after he confesses to lying about the ability of lighting to strike boats in order to make her less scared during an ocean thunderstorm. I scoffed at Bria’s anger over this white lie since in no way did it harm her. If anything, Bria should be touched that Rowan cares so much to make her feel comfortable. It shouldn’t be an issue but non-sensical arguments over circumstances like this form the basis of their relationship, and consequently, the entire book. Bria repeatedly mentions how awkward their relationship is, but I didn’t feel it at all. Sure, they were still getting to know each other, but it wasn’t so bad! Most of the time they were joking, talking, and learning about each other. Their relationship is one of the more realistic ones in YA, but there was too much bogus drama.
If you ignore the overblown interpersonal conflicts and Bria’s incessantly discussed insecurities, though, Wanderlove is good book. It explores issues often neglected in YA, like what to do if your boyfriend is a jerkface (many YA heroines see this as a good attribute), how to overcome past personal struggles, and how to determine who you want to be as you straddle childhood and adulthood. Hubbard has a much better handle on realistic teenage situations than many authors. Her characters swear, drink, do drugs, and have sex, just like normal teens. She found the perfect balance between over the top badassery and ludicrous conservatism. I think I most appreciated Wanderlove for the many fantasies it provided. The novel’s central theme is encapsulated in this Georgia O’Keefe quote that served as a chapter epigraph: “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” Like Bria and Georgia O’Keefe, I’d be scared to pack up for a solitary adventure in Central America. But after reading Wanderlove I really just want to go there and go other places, unpackage and travel the world like it’s a gift. I want to live in the moment.
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coming-of-age tale. What bothered me about Wanderlove was the voice of Bria, our 18 year old protagonist. Superficially, it seems like Bria should be amiable and relatable. She’s smart and kind but not in a superlative way; this girl, like everyone, has her flaws. Most of hers stem from a failed high school relationship that not only broke her heart but also stole her zest for life, particularly her passion for art. I was so ready to jump into Bria’s shoes, throw her backpack over my shoulders, and follow her adventurous tale of self-discovery…but then she just got really really annoying. Since Wanderlove is written in first person, we become privy to every single foolish thought and anxiety of our protagonist. I like damaged characters with fears and imperfections, but it becomes tiresome to read a never-ending log of low self-esteem and paranoia of outside judgment. If Bria had been presented as brimming with self-confidence, it wouldn’t have been true to her character, but I wish Hubbard could have presented Bria’s insecurities in a less pathetic way.
Another problem with Bria and some of the novel’s other characters was their manufactured drama. I am so sick of unrealistic conflict that could be solved with a few words or a small dose of common sense. Much of Wanderlove ‘s plot revolves around the fledgling and troubled relationship of Bria and Rowan, her seasoned backpacker companion with a mysterious past. I disliked the plot’s focus on the relationship drama, mostly because I didn’t understand why any of the drama existed. For example, at one point Bria becomes angry at Rowan after he confesses to lying about the ability of lighting to strike boats in order to make her less scared during an ocean thunderstorm. I scoffed at Bria’s anger over this white lie since in no way did it harm her. If anything, Bria should be touched that Rowan cares so much to make her feel comfortable. It shouldn’t be an issue but non-sensical arguments over circumstances like this form the basis of their relationship, and consequently, the entire book. Bria repeatedly mentions how awkward their relationship is, but I didn’t feel it at all. Sure, they were still getting to know each other, but it wasn’t so bad! Most of the time they were joking, talking, and learning about each other. Their relationship is one of the more realistic ones in YA, but there was too much bogus drama.
If you ignore the overblown interpersonal conflicts and Bria’s incessantly discussed insecurities, though, Wanderlove is good book. It explores issues often neglected in YA, like what to do if your boyfriend is a jerkface (many YA heroines see this as a good attribute), how to overcome past personal struggles, and how to determine who you want to be as you straddle childhood and adulthood. Hubbard has a much better handle on realistic teenage situations than many authors. Her characters swear, drink, do drugs, and have sex, just like normal teens. She found the perfect balance between over the top badassery and ludicrous conservatism. I think I most appreciated Wanderlove for the many fantasies it provided. The novel’s central theme is encapsulated in this Georgia O’Keefe quote that served as a chapter epigraph: “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” Like Bria and Georgia O’Keefe, I’d be scared to pack up for a solitary adventure in Central America. But after reading Wanderlove I really just want to go there and go other places, unpackage and travel the world like it’s a gift. I want to live in the moment.
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LibraryThing member ashelynnhetland
Last year, I was one of the first people to receive a Like Mandarin ARC, Kirsten’s debut. I fell for that book hard. Maybe because it was set near my town of Wyoming or that it was strictly about friendship—something I had been craving at that time.
So when I heard that Kirsten’s sophomore
According to Rowan, Starling, and Bria, I’m inflicted with Wanderlove. And I couldn’t be happier, even if the farthest I’ve traveled is to Baja, California. (I will go farther, I swear, I will!)
I love Kirsten Hubbard’s writing so much that I was never scared to begin Wanderlove and find out I didn’t like. I trusted Kirsten so much that I completely forgot that Wanderlove was in a different boat than Like Mandarin. All I could think about was: “Wanderlove’s on NetGalley and it’s read now omg omg omg. iPad, where are you?!”
Because, y’know, I’m always losing the iPad.
Bria Sandoval is someone I connect to—not the rotten relationship part, but the art part. The longing to get far away. The fact that she has Hispanic heritage (high five!) That she doesn’t know a lot of Spanish. It was so easy for me to read about her journey.
And Rowan? Omg, swoon. I freaking loved him. I believe I was thinking “Kiss him” after they met. Because kissing is awesome. And he’s cute, but a jerk; he has flaws, so he’s not perfect.
I really liked all the characters. Hubbard does an amazing job with making her characters 3D, and after finishing her books, I want to read it again because I miss the characters so bad.
AND THERE ARE DRAWINGS! drawings are awesome.
Wanderlove is recommended. Everybody should read this. But a warning: you might be inflicted with wanderlove afterwards—I was! Still am. I want to go backpacking around central America.
So when I heard that Kirsten’s sophomore
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novel was about traveling, I was ecstatic. Ask any of my friends and family, and they’ll tell you that I want to travel. That I want to visit every historical place on this world, go to Antarctica (Madeleine L’Engle’s Troubling A Star is one of my favorite books) to dine with penguins, to go to Central America and speak their language (My Spanish? No bueno.), to go to Europe and backpack around every country I can. According to Rowan, Starling, and Bria, I’m inflicted with Wanderlove. And I couldn’t be happier, even if the farthest I’ve traveled is to Baja, California. (I will go farther, I swear, I will!)
I love Kirsten Hubbard’s writing so much that I was never scared to begin Wanderlove and find out I didn’t like. I trusted Kirsten so much that I completely forgot that Wanderlove was in a different boat than Like Mandarin. All I could think about was: “Wanderlove’s on NetGalley and it’s read now omg omg omg. iPad, where are you?!”
Because, y’know, I’m always losing the iPad.
Bria Sandoval is someone I connect to—not the rotten relationship part, but the art part. The longing to get far away. The fact that she has Hispanic heritage (high five!) That she doesn’t know a lot of Spanish. It was so easy for me to read about her journey.
And Rowan? Omg, swoon. I freaking loved him. I believe I was thinking “Kiss him” after they met. Because kissing is awesome. And he’s cute, but a jerk; he has flaws, so he’s not perfect.
I really liked all the characters. Hubbard does an amazing job with making her characters 3D, and after finishing her books, I want to read it again because I miss the characters so bad.
AND THERE ARE DRAWINGS! drawings are awesome.
Wanderlove is recommended. Everybody should read this. But a warning: you might be inflicted with wanderlove afterwards—I was! Still am. I want to go backpacking around central America.
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LibraryThing member BookSpot
It’s been a little while since I’ve read a book that I’ve loved so much I want to take it around everywhere with me, hold it in everyone’s face and say, “Read this!” (Whether they’re interested or not.)
Wanderlove is one of those books.
Bria’s trip all began with one simple question:
Bria Sandoval (and is that not a name you’d love to have for prospective Global Vagabond’ing? It’s perfect?) signs herself up for a guided tour of Central America – hoping to find some find some independence, maybe some cute boys for a no-strings hookup or two. The spur-of-the-moment decision comes after Bria’s break-up and its effect on her art and admission to art school.
Only, she’s signed up for the wrong tour. Instead of the group full of spontaneous, young backpacker type travelers, Bria finds herself stuck with a bunch of middle-aged fanny pack wearers. Going from Point A to Point B in a van, never noticing the scenery around them, is not what Bria had in mind. So, when she meets backpacker and dive instructor, Rowan and his sister Starling she grabs the chance to leave her group behind and explore with them.
While Bria’s trying to prove to herself she doesn’t have to follow all the rules, Rowan’s trying to get back into following them and Starling, well, she seems to make some of her own. Together they’ll travel across remote villages and islands, discover the beauty of the Caribbean Bria would not otherwise have seen, and come across creatures she might rather not have. All the while, Bria and Rowan will discover they have a lot more in common than they might think – or want to admit.
And Bria, will realize she can’t just run away from everything forever.
The fact that Kirsten Hubbard has also written some travel books and travelled so extensively may, at least partially, why Wanderlove is so absolutely brilliant. I can easily see Hubbard being like an Ernest Hemingway for young adults - or just for the present day. Her novels bring us so brilliantly to the locales they’re set (Belize, especially, and Guatemala in the case of Wanderlove) that not only are you fully there, as a reader, with the characters but it makes you want to see them in person. If you’ve already been to any of the places, reading Wanderlove feels like going back – and makes you want to plan an actual trip back ASAP.
Yet without great characters, the setting wouldn’t have meant anything. Bria (aside from her perfect traveling name) fits the book so well. I love that she’s not a fearless, jump-into-everything traveler who just goes for everything right off. It makes the story easier to relate to in some way. While Rowan and Starling do know how to do everything, Bria is just discovering it with readers (well most). It’s incredibly enjoyable to come along for the ride – or rides, walks, hikes, etc as the case may be here – as she discovers not only how to do things in terms of traveling but also discovers so much more about herself, too.
The artwork that is part of the book, Bria’s in the novel but Kirsten Hubbard’s in reality, is beautiful and such a great accompaniment to the story. Bria’s art is so much a part of the story that it’s fantastic to be able to see it as well as read about it. (And it’s great, great art, too.)
As previously stated I love, love Wanderlove and can’t say that enough. I really hope you will buy it, get it from your library (and realize how much you love it and need to buy it), borrow it from a friend, read it!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital galley.
Wanderlove is one of those books.
Bria’s trip all began with one simple question:
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Are you a Global Vagabond? She’s not but she’d like to be.Bria Sandoval (and is that not a name you’d love to have for prospective Global Vagabond’ing? It’s perfect?) signs herself up for a guided tour of Central America – hoping to find some find some independence, maybe some cute boys for a no-strings hookup or two. The spur-of-the-moment decision comes after Bria’s break-up and its effect on her art and admission to art school.
Only, she’s signed up for the wrong tour. Instead of the group full of spontaneous, young backpacker type travelers, Bria finds herself stuck with a bunch of middle-aged fanny pack wearers. Going from Point A to Point B in a van, never noticing the scenery around them, is not what Bria had in mind. So, when she meets backpacker and dive instructor, Rowan and his sister Starling she grabs the chance to leave her group behind and explore with them.
While Bria’s trying to prove to herself she doesn’t have to follow all the rules, Rowan’s trying to get back into following them and Starling, well, she seems to make some of her own. Together they’ll travel across remote villages and islands, discover the beauty of the Caribbean Bria would not otherwise have seen, and come across creatures she might rather not have. All the while, Bria and Rowan will discover they have a lot more in common than they might think – or want to admit.
And Bria, will realize she can’t just run away from everything forever.
The fact that Kirsten Hubbard has also written some travel books and travelled so extensively may, at least partially, why Wanderlove is so absolutely brilliant. I can easily see Hubbard being like an Ernest Hemingway for young adults - or just for the present day. Her novels bring us so brilliantly to the locales they’re set (Belize, especially, and Guatemala in the case of Wanderlove) that not only are you fully there, as a reader, with the characters but it makes you want to see them in person. If you’ve already been to any of the places, reading Wanderlove feels like going back – and makes you want to plan an actual trip back ASAP.
Yet without great characters, the setting wouldn’t have meant anything. Bria (aside from her perfect traveling name) fits the book so well. I love that she’s not a fearless, jump-into-everything traveler who just goes for everything right off. It makes the story easier to relate to in some way. While Rowan and Starling do know how to do everything, Bria is just discovering it with readers (well most). It’s incredibly enjoyable to come along for the ride – or rides, walks, hikes, etc as the case may be here – as she discovers not only how to do things in terms of traveling but also discovers so much more about herself, too.
The artwork that is part of the book, Bria’s in the novel but Kirsten Hubbard’s in reality, is beautiful and such a great accompaniment to the story. Bria’s art is so much a part of the story that it’s fantastic to be able to see it as well as read about it. (And it’s great, great art, too.)
As previously stated I love, love Wanderlove and can’t say that enough. I really hope you will buy it, get it from your library (and realize how much you love it and need to buy it), borrow it from a friend, read it!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital galley.
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LibraryThing member myheartheartsbooks
Wanderlove is one of those books that you hear about, and immediately love the idea and can’t wait until it is published. Then you read it, and it beyond what you hope for and imagined. Bria wants a change from her old life, after a bad breakup, so she signs up for a trip with a tour group.
Besides the writing, I think the best part of this novel is the drawings that Hubbard has included. It really helps aids readers in the watching the process of Bria’s transformation. I simply adored this novel. There aren’t any dull moments, and the page start turning on its own.
You can see Bria’s transformation. It’s truly inspiring. It also presents a lesson, it doesn’t matter what your age is, you can make a change in your life, you just have to want it, then make it happen. Bria is so insightful, and presents a different way at looking at things. You can’t help but want to befriend the transformed Bria.
Another of favorite aspect of this novel, is the tension between Bria and Rowan is palpable throughout the entire novel, and the intensity quietly but surely builds. Their relationship is so…sexy, not just physically, but it’s like a dance, that neither of them know that they are dancing, until the are in the middle. Their attraction is electric. Watching develop is the most fun part of the book hands down.
This is a great read. Definitely check it out. The pages will fly past and before you know it you’re done (and probably want to read it again). I can’t wait to see what’s next for Hubbard, if Wanderlove is any indication of her writing abilities. This book was just great from start to finish.
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It’s not what she expected. How change she change, when the tour guides are afraid of drinking the local water? Bria’s life really begins to change, and it starts with an invitation from this mysterious boy. Before Bria knows it, she’s backpacking through Central America and seeing the world in a way she has never seen it before. Besides the writing, I think the best part of this novel is the drawings that Hubbard has included. It really helps aids readers in the watching the process of Bria’s transformation. I simply adored this novel. There aren’t any dull moments, and the page start turning on its own.
You can see Bria’s transformation. It’s truly inspiring. It also presents a lesson, it doesn’t matter what your age is, you can make a change in your life, you just have to want it, then make it happen. Bria is so insightful, and presents a different way at looking at things. You can’t help but want to befriend the transformed Bria.
Another of favorite aspect of this novel, is the tension between Bria and Rowan is palpable throughout the entire novel, and the intensity quietly but surely builds. Their relationship is so…sexy, not just physically, but it’s like a dance, that neither of them know that they are dancing, until the are in the middle. Their attraction is electric. Watching develop is the most fun part of the book hands down.
This is a great read. Definitely check it out. The pages will fly past and before you know it you’re done (and probably want to read it again). I can’t wait to see what’s next for Hubbard, if Wanderlove is any indication of her writing abilities. This book was just great from start to finish.
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LibraryThing member ilikethesebooks
Choosing this novel as my Standalone Spotlight for March should tell you right off the bat how much I loved this book. I tore through it in a day and a half, loving each new colorful and descriptive scene and accompanying beautiful drawings, each new revelation and all of the fluctuations in
Something really unique to this novel is that scattered throughout the pages are little drawings done by Kirsten Hubbard herself. Not only were they beautiful, but they really helped to set the scene. What was interesting (and happy making) was that Hubbard's drawings of her characters were almost exactly how I pictured them. She really does a great job at describing the characters she dreamed up, as well as the very real places she borrowed for her story.
If you like travel, or romance, or coming of age, or adventure stories, you should really read Wanderlove. If you like none of those things, I suggest you try to broaden your horizons :)
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relationships. What I loved most about Wanderlove is how it made me feel. I felt utterly restless, like I would just get up and jet off to Central America in that moment (but alas, being a minor and a lack of funds stilted that plan). This is a great vacation read, because it will make the reader long to be somewhere new, to explore, and to live by the flow just to see where life takes you.Something really unique to this novel is that scattered throughout the pages are little drawings done by Kirsten Hubbard herself. Not only were they beautiful, but they really helped to set the scene. What was interesting (and happy making) was that Hubbard's drawings of her characters were almost exactly how I pictured them. She really does a great job at describing the characters she dreamed up, as well as the very real places she borrowed for her story.
If you like travel, or romance, or coming of age, or adventure stories, you should really read Wanderlove. If you like none of those things, I suggest you try to broaden your horizons :)
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LibraryThing member breakingdownslowly
I think I'm in the minority when it comes to Wanderlove. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I didn't LOVE it.
Bria as a character doesn't stand out much to me. I loved that she was an artist and her background definitely added a level to the story, but to me it kind of felt like those two things defined
I did enjoy Wanderlove. The descriptions of all the countries were so well written and it worked together really well. There were lots of little things and characters who made it all flow and it was gorgeous. It was different and wonderful watching Bria grow into herself in this environment. Kirsten Hubbard obviously knew what she was writing about and it showed. Wanderlove was fun but also deeper than I imagined it would be and I really enjoyed it.
As for the romance? I...wasn't crazy about it. I liked Rowan and everything, really. And there was some good tension between them. But I didn't fully see what they had in common or why they would fall in love beyond having good tension and being together.
Wanderlove was a really good story, but I just don't think it was the right one for me. Maybe it's because I just couldn't understand any of the characters most of the time. But I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority for this, so check it out for yourself!
Bria as a character doesn't stand out much to me. I loved that she was an artist and her background definitely added a level to the story, but to me it kind of felt like those two things defined
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her. Maybe that was the point, but I wanted a character, not an experience and a talent. Bria changed and developed and became more like a person, but I never fully connected with her.I did enjoy Wanderlove. The descriptions of all the countries were so well written and it worked together really well. There were lots of little things and characters who made it all flow and it was gorgeous. It was different and wonderful watching Bria grow into herself in this environment. Kirsten Hubbard obviously knew what she was writing about and it showed. Wanderlove was fun but also deeper than I imagined it would be and I really enjoyed it.
As for the romance? I...wasn't crazy about it. I liked Rowan and everything, really. And there was some good tension between them. But I didn't fully see what they had in common or why they would fall in love beyond having good tension and being together.
Wanderlove was a really good story, but I just don't think it was the right one for me. Maybe it's because I just couldn't understand any of the characters most of the time. But I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority for this, so check it out for yourself!
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LibraryThing member summerskris
Wanderlove: a title as beautiful as its story and the action for which it was named. The story follows Bria on a journey to heal from a bitter breakup, a chance encounter with a couple of backpackers, and her subsequent decisions to change herself for the better. The various locations that Bria
Both Bria and Rowan are running from their past. While they may grow to enjoy each other's company, Bria and Rowan also share a mutual discomfort about their past and with sharing their innermost thoughts with others. At first, they talk about nothing of importance and merely accept each other as travel companions forced upon each other by Rowan's half-sister Starling. As time passes, they grow more comfortable around each other, and they develop feelings that they didn't think were possible.
Some may see this as another book about summer romance, but it is more to me. Wanderlove is about finding yourself and accepting yourself no matter what anyone else says about you. It is about breaking free from the past and living for the present, with expectations and hopes for the future. Bria's problems are ones that pretty much all teens face: she is angry and resentful; she lacks confidence in herself; she wants to prove her independence. Her thoughts and feelings are entirely understandable, and it is easy to relate to Bria.
Kirsten Hubbard is an amazing writer, artist, and vagabond backpacker. I enjoyed reading about Bria's traveling experiences. I am insanely jealous of her and Kirsten. In fact, I'm tempted to take off for Central America this summer and bring along my copy of Wanderlove with me as a guidebook. Too bad Bria already found Rowan, or I would be looking for him during my stay. He is sweet and gorgeous. Think maybe I'll run into them? I could use some weathered backpacking friends, especially ones like them!
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visits on her backpacking journey seem to follow Rowan's plans; however, she learns something new about herself at each stop. Both Bria and Rowan are running from their past. While they may grow to enjoy each other's company, Bria and Rowan also share a mutual discomfort about their past and with sharing their innermost thoughts with others. At first, they talk about nothing of importance and merely accept each other as travel companions forced upon each other by Rowan's half-sister Starling. As time passes, they grow more comfortable around each other, and they develop feelings that they didn't think were possible.
Some may see this as another book about summer romance, but it is more to me. Wanderlove is about finding yourself and accepting yourself no matter what anyone else says about you. It is about breaking free from the past and living for the present, with expectations and hopes for the future. Bria's problems are ones that pretty much all teens face: she is angry and resentful; she lacks confidence in herself; she wants to prove her independence. Her thoughts and feelings are entirely understandable, and it is easy to relate to Bria.
Kirsten Hubbard is an amazing writer, artist, and vagabond backpacker. I enjoyed reading about Bria's traveling experiences. I am insanely jealous of her and Kirsten. In fact, I'm tempted to take off for Central America this summer and bring along my copy of Wanderlove with me as a guidebook. Too bad Bria already found Rowan, or I would be looking for him during my stay. He is sweet and gorgeous. Think maybe I'll run into them? I could use some weathered backpacking friends, especially ones like them!
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LibraryThing member jacindahinten
vag·a·bond
Verb: Wander about as or like a vagabond.
Noun: A person who wanders from place to place without a home or job.
Wanderlove’s essence revolves around this word…vagabond. Vagabond is my new favorite word. This word keeps popping into my head. This book makes me want to jump on a plane,
Bria decides to travel Central America and visit Mayan ruins…this brought me back to when I visited ruins on my trip to Mexico. I wanted to go back and visit again. Wanderlove gave me a bit of a traveling bug. I felt like I was sitting next to her for the entire trip. Kirsten Hubbard describes the scenery and places Bria visits beautifully! Her writing style did remind me of her debut novel Like Mandarin, but I ended up loving Wanderlove more.
Of course on this trip, Bria meets a boy and that boy is Rowan…a backpacker. They both have feelings and prior situations they need to overcome and get past.
Some of my favorite parts of Wanderlove were the journal entries, traveling lists, and drawings. I forgot to mention Bria is an artist. This is something I’m starting to crave in young adult books. Many readers are fans of music in novels, but I’m a fan of art in any form. It is a topic I’m more familiar with so it is easier for me to connect with the story.
If you’re a traveler or always love the idea/thought of traveling this book is for you. If you’re an artist or love reading stories involving art this book is for you. Or if you just love a bit of romance, this story is for you. I felt so good while reading this story! I have an inkling that if you’re in a reading slump, Wanderlove is the perfect book to pull you out of it!
Verb: Wander about as or like a vagabond.
Noun: A person who wanders from place to place without a home or job.
Wanderlove’s essence revolves around this word…vagabond. Vagabond is my new favorite word. This word keeps popping into my head. This book makes me want to jump on a plane,
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bus, or train and just travel the world without knowing where I want to go.Bria decides to travel Central America and visit Mayan ruins…this brought me back to when I visited ruins on my trip to Mexico. I wanted to go back and visit again. Wanderlove gave me a bit of a traveling bug. I felt like I was sitting next to her for the entire trip. Kirsten Hubbard describes the scenery and places Bria visits beautifully! Her writing style did remind me of her debut novel Like Mandarin, but I ended up loving Wanderlove more.
Of course on this trip, Bria meets a boy and that boy is Rowan…a backpacker. They both have feelings and prior situations they need to overcome and get past.
Some of my favorite parts of Wanderlove were the journal entries, traveling lists, and drawings. I forgot to mention Bria is an artist. This is something I’m starting to crave in young adult books. Many readers are fans of music in novels, but I’m a fan of art in any form. It is a topic I’m more familiar with so it is easier for me to connect with the story.
If you’re a traveler or always love the idea/thought of traveling this book is for you. If you’re an artist or love reading stories involving art this book is for you. Or if you just love a bit of romance, this story is for you. I felt so good while reading this story! I have an inkling that if you’re in a reading slump, Wanderlove is the perfect book to pull you out of it!
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LibraryThing member booktwirps
How much do I love Kirsten Hubbard’s writing? When I read Like Mandarin I knew I was going to be a long-time fan. She completely captured me with her vivid writing and realistic characters. Wanderlove was no different.
As a reader, I instantly connected with Bria as she set out on a trip to
When Bria gets to Central America, she quickly realizes that this trip may not be as exciting as the brochure made it out to be. Everyone in her tour group is older and the tours seem to drag. Aching for a real adventure, Bria sets out on her own and meets Rowan, a former bad boy hoping to put his past behind him.
I really loved the dynamic between Bria & Rowan and how well they complimented one another. I also liked the fact that though Rowan helps Bria on her journey of self-discovery, he isn’t the main reason behind her change. Bria definitely grows throughout the book, and it was refreshing to see her do so in a realistic way.
As expected, Ms. Hubbard’s writing is flawless. She writes with so much love and compassion for her characters and settings they practically come alive right in the room as you read. Her attention to detail and her fluid, descriptive prose pull you in and don’t let go until the last page.
I could go on and on for hours about this book, but I don’t want to spoil any of it for you. I highly recommend checking this one out, and if you’ve not read Like Mandarin, you really should. Kirsten Hubbard is one of my favorite authors and I think she should be one of yours, too!
(Review based on an Advanced Reader’s Copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley)
As a reader, I instantly connected with Bria as she set out on a trip to
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Central America – alone. Bria has just finished high school and recently ended a very toxic relationship. She and two of her closest friends decide to take a trip abroad as a final hurrah and as an attempt to help Bria heal, but when her friends bail on her, Bria decides she’s going to go anyway.When Bria gets to Central America, she quickly realizes that this trip may not be as exciting as the brochure made it out to be. Everyone in her tour group is older and the tours seem to drag. Aching for a real adventure, Bria sets out on her own and meets Rowan, a former bad boy hoping to put his past behind him.
I really loved the dynamic between Bria & Rowan and how well they complimented one another. I also liked the fact that though Rowan helps Bria on her journey of self-discovery, he isn’t the main reason behind her change. Bria definitely grows throughout the book, and it was refreshing to see her do so in a realistic way.
As expected, Ms. Hubbard’s writing is flawless. She writes with so much love and compassion for her characters and settings they practically come alive right in the room as you read. Her attention to detail and her fluid, descriptive prose pull you in and don’t let go until the last page.
I could go on and on for hours about this book, but I don’t want to spoil any of it for you. I highly recommend checking this one out, and if you’ve not read Like Mandarin, you really should. Kirsten Hubbard is one of my favorite authors and I think she should be one of yours, too!
(Review based on an Advanced Reader’s Copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley)
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LibraryThing member theepicrat
At first cover glance, wanderlove appears to be a feel-good book. Peaceful, hopeful, wishful… but what the cover does not say is that readers will be taking a trip into Central America and fall in love with not only the scenery but also the characters. Which is a travesty because wanderlove was
THE GOOD BITS
{Bria} I think our shoes have got to be the same size because I swear we travel the same wavelength! Her artistic nature resonate so close to home with me. It is hard when one’s talents gets crushed by someone else, and I admire Bria as she struggles to figure out if art is worth giving up over a stupid boy. I adored the sketches scattered throughout the story – and I think that anyone with creative juices can easily sympathize with Bria.
{A journey worth a thousand steps and a few scrapes} I think Bria had the most perfect travel experience – not because she had booked an official tour, but because she had the balls to throw away the travel guide and truly embrace the backpacking lifestyle. I have never been anywhere nearly exciting, but I know several people who have – and seriously I can picture Bria, Rowan, and Starling quite easily. I would probably be in the same “uncool and untried” state as Bria, and I hope to be just as fortunate to meet the “cool travel kids” to take me under their wings.
{Sweet bud of a romance} Delicious, delicious tension – and I totally LOVED how Kirsten Hubbard handles Bria and Rowan’s relationship! I am all for the friends-first philosophy, and watching Bria and Rowan get stuck together against both their better judgments is totally worth the wait! The combination of Rowan’s mysterious past and Bria’s love-gone-wrong one created an impressive wall that they each had to break down. My favorite scenes involve them sitting in a hammock and simply talking.
THE BAD BITS
{The “no strings attached” storyline} I braced myself for Bria to be a wild child, especially at the very beginning since I did not know what to expect from wanderlove. I can understand why Bria might choose to use Central America as a way to nurse a broken heart – but, given how much Bria and I are like mind-twins, I simply cannot fathom meaningless hookups for her. While I am glad that this storyline did not take that direction, I do not quite understand why it entered into Bria’s travel itinerary.
THE OVERALL
I left wanderlove with a big, goofy grin on my face – and perhaps a few more dreamy-eyed thoughts about when I would follow Bria’s footsteps into the world. wanderlove makes the allure of traveling all the more tangible for anyone who dares to make it happen, and it also reminds us that sometimes the best travel plans are those left to where the wind blows or the heart desires.
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absolutely perfect for anyone with that itch to travel!THE GOOD BITS
{Bria} I think our shoes have got to be the same size because I swear we travel the same wavelength! Her artistic nature resonate so close to home with me. It is hard when one’s talents gets crushed by someone else, and I admire Bria as she struggles to figure out if art is worth giving up over a stupid boy. I adored the sketches scattered throughout the story – and I think that anyone with creative juices can easily sympathize with Bria.
{A journey worth a thousand steps and a few scrapes} I think Bria had the most perfect travel experience – not because she had booked an official tour, but because she had the balls to throw away the travel guide and truly embrace the backpacking lifestyle. I have never been anywhere nearly exciting, but I know several people who have – and seriously I can picture Bria, Rowan, and Starling quite easily. I would probably be in the same “uncool and untried” state as Bria, and I hope to be just as fortunate to meet the “cool travel kids” to take me under their wings.
{Sweet bud of a romance} Delicious, delicious tension – and I totally LOVED how Kirsten Hubbard handles Bria and Rowan’s relationship! I am all for the friends-first philosophy, and watching Bria and Rowan get stuck together against both their better judgments is totally worth the wait! The combination of Rowan’s mysterious past and Bria’s love-gone-wrong one created an impressive wall that they each had to break down. My favorite scenes involve them sitting in a hammock and simply talking.
THE BAD BITS
{The “no strings attached” storyline} I braced myself for Bria to be a wild child, especially at the very beginning since I did not know what to expect from wanderlove. I can understand why Bria might choose to use Central America as a way to nurse a broken heart – but, given how much Bria and I are like mind-twins, I simply cannot fathom meaningless hookups for her. While I am glad that this storyline did not take that direction, I do not quite understand why it entered into Bria’s travel itinerary.
THE OVERALL
I left wanderlove with a big, goofy grin on my face – and perhaps a few more dreamy-eyed thoughts about when I would follow Bria’s footsteps into the world. wanderlove makes the allure of traveling all the more tangible for anyone who dares to make it happen, and it also reminds us that sometimes the best travel plans are those left to where the wind blows or the heart desires.
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
When Bria Sandoval sets off for Central America after her high school graduation, she only wants to escape her life: her emotionally manipulative boyfriend has just broken up with her, and she fears that she has lost her love of art forever. Along the way, she meets Rowan, an alluring, experienced
Drawing on her own experiences as a backpacker, Kirsten Hubbard pens a story that is not only rich in exotic descriptions but also in a pair of damaged yet wonderful lovers.
The main issue that I had with Hubbard’s first novel, Like Mandarin, was in my lack of connection with the underdeveloped characters. Fortunately, I didn’t have that problem with Bria or Rowan. Oh, I’ll be honest: they are two so very private, very introspective individuals that at the beginning I was worried it would be yet another story with pretty descriptions and bland characters. But even if I didn’t immediately love the characters, I certainly admired them: Bria may be in a rough place in her life, but she still maintains an irrepressible spark of wit and gumption in her narration, and Rowan’s aloofness hides a sweet and utterly real young man. Their attraction to one another (yeah, okay, we’re not going to lie and say we didn’t see it coming, so this is not a spoiler) develops gradually, which initially threw me off, because I’ve become (sadly) accustomed to insta-romances in YA, but which, by the end, I wholeheartedly appreciated.
WANDERLOVE’s setting in the culturally and environmentally colorful world of Central America certainly adds uniqueness to the story, but ultimately this is a romance—a sweet and subtle and absolutely wonderful one that I can think back on with a smile. For those who are constantly on the lookout for a good YA romance, WANDERLOVE should be on your radar.
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backpacker with a past that he seems to want to move on from. Can these two young adults find what they need in the gorgeous landscape of Central America—and one another?Drawing on her own experiences as a backpacker, Kirsten Hubbard pens a story that is not only rich in exotic descriptions but also in a pair of damaged yet wonderful lovers.
The main issue that I had with Hubbard’s first novel, Like Mandarin, was in my lack of connection with the underdeveloped characters. Fortunately, I didn’t have that problem with Bria or Rowan. Oh, I’ll be honest: they are two so very private, very introspective individuals that at the beginning I was worried it would be yet another story with pretty descriptions and bland characters. But even if I didn’t immediately love the characters, I certainly admired them: Bria may be in a rough place in her life, but she still maintains an irrepressible spark of wit and gumption in her narration, and Rowan’s aloofness hides a sweet and utterly real young man. Their attraction to one another (yeah, okay, we’re not going to lie and say we didn’t see it coming, so this is not a spoiler) develops gradually, which initially threw me off, because I’ve become (sadly) accustomed to insta-romances in YA, but which, by the end, I wholeheartedly appreciated.
WANDERLOVE’s setting in the culturally and environmentally colorful world of Central America certainly adds uniqueness to the story, but ultimately this is a romance—a sweet and subtle and absolutely wonderful one that I can think back on with a smile. For those who are constantly on the lookout for a good YA romance, WANDERLOVE should be on your radar.
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LibraryThing member TheBookLife
Everything about this story makes me want to embrace life and have some adventure. All of the places that Bria and Rowan travel to are described with such beautiful detail that I imagined I was right there with them. The characters are nowhere near perfect and a lot of their past mistakes define
give us extra insight into her. We don't get to see into Rowan's mind like that, but we learn plenty about him through his interactions with Bria.
This book takes place in some beautiful settings and places of great history, but the story is truly about the characters and their journey. There is a lot of emotion wrapped up in this pages and Kirsten Hubbard wrote it beautifully. I felt for them and experienced the emotions they were going through at any given time. In the end Bria is just a girl who is trying to let go of the things holding her back and becoming the girl she always thought she would be. And Rowan is just a guy running from his past, because he's too afraid to stop long enough to deal with it. I loved these characters and I loved their stories. Definitely one to read and re-read.
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who they are when we come into the story, even though they are trying their best to run away and pretend the past doesn't matter. The book takes place over just a few weeks, but the relationship that forms between Brian and Rowan doesn't seem forced or unrealistic. They start out completely unsure of eachother and it takes a lot of time and conversation for them to even start to begin to trust each other. I loved that we got to see some of the memories that shaped the Bria we meet in the beginning of the book. They are worked in so well and they give us extra insight into her. We don't get to see into Rowan's mind like that, but we learn plenty about him through his interactions with Bria.
This book takes place in some beautiful settings and places of great history, but the story is truly about the characters and their journey. There is a lot of emotion wrapped up in this pages and Kirsten Hubbard wrote it beautifully. I felt for them and experienced the emotions they were going through at any given time. In the end Bria is just a girl who is trying to let go of the things holding her back and becoming the girl she always thought she would be. And Rowan is just a guy running from his past, because he's too afraid to stop long enough to deal with it. I loved these characters and I loved their stories. Definitely one to read and re-read.
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LibraryThing member Dukiebri
Wanderlove, simply put, was breathtaking. This book tugged at my heart and just really resonated with me. It made me want to wander, and it made me want to love. I was captivated from the very beginning, and I have wholly fallen in love with this book.
Wanderlove tells the story of an 18-year-old
Hubbard has written an astonishingly beautiful story in Wanderlove. This book is so much more than a girl who finds love abroad, or a girl who matures and achieves self-actualization through her travels. Bria’s story made me feel so much, and there were honestly moments where I thought I was feeling too many feelings. The end of the story almost had me in tears!
As the main character, Bria was amazing. I understood her need to get away from the impasse at home and reclaim her love for art. I liked how when someone told her she could not do something, she was determined to prove to them, and even to herself, that she could. She is stubborn, and even a little snarky at times, but that is just who she is. It is almost scary how well I connected to her character. Her moments of wondering what the future holds for her resembled mine from a few years back. I had similar doubts and concerns, enabling me to connect and relate with her, and I got really invested in her story. Rowan was also perfect in his own way. Looking to escape a past chocked full of wrongdoings, he lives by his self-made policy of wanderlove: live in the present, look to the future, and never look back or dwell on what has already come to pass. He is adventurous, confident, and just downright swoon-worthy. While his demeanor says he’s uncaring, he is actually extraordinarily kind, and he is always there for those he cares for. I feel like nothing I say does him justice! I just loved, loved, loved him.
The chemistry between Bria and Rowan was excellent! Their relationship starts out rather rocky, with Rowan being a rather unwilling tour guide and Bria being standoffish. It takes a while for them to start opening up to one another, and very slowly, their relationship builds into friendship and then something more. I really liked how their relationship progressed slowly, for it made their feelings for one another seem real. They both have trust issues resulting from past relationships, and it takes them some time to feel comfortable around each other. They are also a great balance for one another. Rowan helps Bria become more audacious and adventurous while Bria shows Rowan the benefits of trusting someone and never running from the past. They really complement one another, and I loved watching their relationship develop.
It would be wrong of me to not talk about Hubbard’s prose and extensive details. This book is packed full of beautiful descriptions, more than I have ever come across in any book, and it provided a nice touch to the story. An artist pays attention to the little things, such as people, clothing, and even lighting effects, and these details just helped define Bria’s character and her love for art. The descriptions were breathtaking, and they made me feel like I was in Central America myself, experiencing and seeing everything as Bria did. Hubbard definitely has a way with words, and I think she is an exceptional writer.
Hubbard is also an extraordinary artist. There were a few of her drawings intermittently placed in the story, and each picture correlated to what Bria was drawing and/or feeling. These drawings added a nice touch to the story, and also helped bring out Bria’s love for art. I do not know much about art, but I thought the pictures Hubbard drew were AMAZING! I read the eBook on my computer, which was not the optimal way to view them, so I am looking forward to seeing how these pictures look in the ‘real.’
Overall, this book was one the best books I have read in 2012. It is a beautifully written story, set in some alluring areas in Central America, and you should not miss out on it. I have to say, this book really made we want to travel. I have never been backpacking before, nor really even cared to try, but I am rethinking that decision now. I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to see what Hubbard has in store for us next!
Wanderlove tells the story of an 18-year-old
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named Bria Sandoval, who is desperately looking to escape her life in California. She has always loved art, but after a disaster of a relationship with her jealous boyfriend comes to an end, Bria finds herself unable to do the one thing that brought her joy. In attempt to reclaim her art and find some independence, she spontaneously plans a trip to Central America with the Global Vagabonds. Unbeknownst to her, these Global Vagabonds are not the rugged, seasoned backpacking adventurers she thought they would be, but rather a group of older tourists sporting suitcases and sunscreen-white noses. When she comes across siblings Rowan and Starling, who just so happen to be backpacking veterans, she decides to live on the edge, ditch the group and her suitcase, and travel with them. Throughout their explorations and travels in the Central America, Bria learns more about herself, rediscovers her art, and finds love.Hubbard has written an astonishingly beautiful story in Wanderlove. This book is so much more than a girl who finds love abroad, or a girl who matures and achieves self-actualization through her travels. Bria’s story made me feel so much, and there were honestly moments where I thought I was feeling too many feelings. The end of the story almost had me in tears!
As the main character, Bria was amazing. I understood her need to get away from the impasse at home and reclaim her love for art. I liked how when someone told her she could not do something, she was determined to prove to them, and even to herself, that she could. She is stubborn, and even a little snarky at times, but that is just who she is. It is almost scary how well I connected to her character. Her moments of wondering what the future holds for her resembled mine from a few years back. I had similar doubts and concerns, enabling me to connect and relate with her, and I got really invested in her story. Rowan was also perfect in his own way. Looking to escape a past chocked full of wrongdoings, he lives by his self-made policy of wanderlove: live in the present, look to the future, and never look back or dwell on what has already come to pass. He is adventurous, confident, and just downright swoon-worthy. While his demeanor says he’s uncaring, he is actually extraordinarily kind, and he is always there for those he cares for. I feel like nothing I say does him justice! I just loved, loved, loved him.
The chemistry between Bria and Rowan was excellent! Their relationship starts out rather rocky, with Rowan being a rather unwilling tour guide and Bria being standoffish. It takes a while for them to start opening up to one another, and very slowly, their relationship builds into friendship and then something more. I really liked how their relationship progressed slowly, for it made their feelings for one another seem real. They both have trust issues resulting from past relationships, and it takes them some time to feel comfortable around each other. They are also a great balance for one another. Rowan helps Bria become more audacious and adventurous while Bria shows Rowan the benefits of trusting someone and never running from the past. They really complement one another, and I loved watching their relationship develop.
It would be wrong of me to not talk about Hubbard’s prose and extensive details. This book is packed full of beautiful descriptions, more than I have ever come across in any book, and it provided a nice touch to the story. An artist pays attention to the little things, such as people, clothing, and even lighting effects, and these details just helped define Bria’s character and her love for art. The descriptions were breathtaking, and they made me feel like I was in Central America myself, experiencing and seeing everything as Bria did. Hubbard definitely has a way with words, and I think she is an exceptional writer.
Hubbard is also an extraordinary artist. There were a few of her drawings intermittently placed in the story, and each picture correlated to what Bria was drawing and/or feeling. These drawings added a nice touch to the story, and also helped bring out Bria’s love for art. I do not know much about art, but I thought the pictures Hubbard drew were AMAZING! I read the eBook on my computer, which was not the optimal way to view them, so I am looking forward to seeing how these pictures look in the ‘real.’
Overall, this book was one the best books I have read in 2012. It is a beautifully written story, set in some alluring areas in Central America, and you should not miss out on it. I have to say, this book really made we want to travel. I have never been backpacking before, nor really even cared to try, but I am rethinking that decision now. I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to see what Hubbard has in store for us next!
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LibraryThing member TheHeathers
Bria Sandoval is lost. The future she had planned with her boyfriend, Toby, is tarnished after he breaks up with her. Her college plans are ruined. The one form of happiness that had always been there for her - her art - is now just too painful to even consider.
We've all been there. That's what
Things I enjoyed about Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard: The descriptions of the sites Bria visits in Guatemala and Belize. The wonderfully dark but gentle character of Rowan. The transformation Bria undergoes as she learns who she really is and what she really wants.
Things I didn't enjoy so much: The character of Starling, with her contradictions and overall attitude. How serious Bria took her personal problems, while also realizing how many more people live in worse situations as she observes on her travels. Sometimes Bria's inner-monologue felt overly indulgent.
A quick read with fantastic themes!
We've all been there. That's what
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makes this story so relatable. What isn't so relatable is how Bria runs off to Central America to escape her problems. While this may not be a choice the average person would make, lost or not, it leads to a lovely story about travel, love and finding yourself.Things I enjoyed about Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard: The descriptions of the sites Bria visits in Guatemala and Belize. The wonderfully dark but gentle character of Rowan. The transformation Bria undergoes as she learns who she really is and what she really wants.
Things I didn't enjoy so much: The character of Starling, with her contradictions and overall attitude. How serious Bria took her personal problems, while also realizing how many more people live in worse situations as she observes on her travels. Sometimes Bria's inner-monologue felt overly indulgent.
A quick read with fantastic themes!
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LibraryThing member nicola26
Wanderlove is the first book by Kirsten Hubbard that I have read and it certainly did not disappointment! Even the cover of this book is hard to resist and the novel itself has the same breezy feel to it. Wanderlove is a gorgeous novel that had me captivated from the very first page and I couldn't
I loved all the characters in this book and found them fascinating to read about. I could completely identify with Bria and how she was feeling about the world. She decides she needs something new in her life so she signs up for a trip to Central America. Sadly, it doesn't end up being at all what she had thought it would be and ends up on a tour with people she has nothing in common with! Bria bumps into some 'real' backpackers and decides to take the plunge and head off with them, because she's ready for some adventure in her life.
I absolutely adored reading this book. Rowan was a really interesting guy to get to know bit by bit and Starling was just plain awesome! I loved that all the characters actually grow and change as the book goes on. The characters are certainly developed well and very believable. This whole book had a very light feeling to it yet at the same time, it dealt with some darker issues, too. And not to forget the descriptions! I felt like I was right there in places I've never even seen pictures of. It was awesome.
Overall, a really great story that I'm sure lots of people will adore and one I'm sure I will re-read.
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handle the thought of setting it down! The premise of the book is fun, different and very inviting!I loved all the characters in this book and found them fascinating to read about. I could completely identify with Bria and how she was feeling about the world. She decides she needs something new in her life so she signs up for a trip to Central America. Sadly, it doesn't end up being at all what she had thought it would be and ends up on a tour with people she has nothing in common with! Bria bumps into some 'real' backpackers and decides to take the plunge and head off with them, because she's ready for some adventure in her life.
I absolutely adored reading this book. Rowan was a really interesting guy to get to know bit by bit and Starling was just plain awesome! I loved that all the characters actually grow and change as the book goes on. The characters are certainly developed well and very believable. This whole book had a very light feeling to it yet at the same time, it dealt with some darker issues, too. And not to forget the descriptions! I felt like I was right there in places I've never even seen pictures of. It was awesome.
Overall, a really great story that I'm sure lots of people will adore and one I'm sure I will re-read.
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LibraryThing member Ceilidhann
I'll write a longer review when I'm not so exhausted but I'll simply say for now that Wanderlove is a wonderful, extremely readable book about discovery, the uncertainties of life and the realisation that it's okay not to have everything sorted out right away. Packed full of deftly developed
(I promise I'll write a better review soon!)
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characters and an extremely relatable heroine with depths and complexities, one who makes mistakes, realises this and grows accordingly, this book is wonderfully refreshing and realistic in ways too many YA novels these days aren't. While there were some pacing issues, that didn't turn me off and I found Wanderlove to be so warm and inviting, full of the love and wonder for its characters and world in many of the same ways a travel guide describes its chosen places. (I promise I'll write a better review soon!)
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LibraryThing member jacquiemak
This book really resonated with me, as it took me back to a time in my life when I backpacked for 7 weeks as an 18-year-old. The details were slightly different, but the essence of what it is like to be a young nonconformist and off-the-beaten-path wanderer was really well-captured. Loved this
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quote from the book: "You got to find your own places. The places you get, girl, the ones that stick in your heart. And if you're lucky, you find people to share them with." If you love traveling, you'll appreciate this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard is the story of Bria, an 18 year old, newly graduated high school student as she travels to the countries of Guatemala and Belize. As she takes the plunge and leaves the safety of her tour group to take up back packing with brother and sister, Rowan and Starling, why
Although I am far from the target audience for this book, it is a well told story about getting past the curves that life throws at you and about learning to move forward. By jumping off into the unknown, Bria also learns that her feelings of self-worth are not dependant on others, but rather on herself. By healing and absorbing these life lessons, she is also able to guide Rowan forward and they are able to make plans together for the future.
If I had read this book at a young age, I am sure I would have grabbed a backpack and hit the road. The descriptions of Mayan ruins, beautiful Caribbean beaches, and local markets are exotic, Her tales of the back packing life has an authentic ring. Wanderlust was a pleasant surprise with the added bonus of being illustrated by some of the author’s own drawings.
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she is traveling alone, her pain about the break-up with her boyfriend, and the reason she has given up her art are slowly revealed. Although I am far from the target audience for this book, it is a well told story about getting past the curves that life throws at you and about learning to move forward. By jumping off into the unknown, Bria also learns that her feelings of self-worth are not dependant on others, but rather on herself. By healing and absorbing these life lessons, she is also able to guide Rowan forward and they are able to make plans together for the future.
If I had read this book at a young age, I am sure I would have grabbed a backpack and hit the road. The descriptions of Mayan ruins, beautiful Caribbean beaches, and local markets are exotic, Her tales of the back packing life has an authentic ring. Wanderlust was a pleasant surprise with the added bonus of being illustrated by some of the author’s own drawings.
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LibraryThing member Emma_Manolis
This book! I can't even begin to explain how much I love this book. This hardly ever happens to me. I'm typically the pickiest reader and can find numerous things I don't like about a book, but not with this one. I feel like I just went on my own vacation, the vacation of a lifetime and met these
This has to be the best book I've read this year. I'm completely sucked into their universe and all I really want to do is sit here and daydream about all the places I want to go.
READ THIS!
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amazing new friends. I literally want to email Bria right now and talk about all these adventures we went on. This has to be the best book I've read this year. I'm completely sucked into their universe and all I really want to do is sit here and daydream about all the places I want to go.
READ THIS!
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LibraryThing member _Lily_
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.
It all begins with a stupid question:
Are you a Global Vagabond?
No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of
Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.
But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry into this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)
I wanted to love this book, I really did. After Hubbard's debut Like Mandarin in March, (which I loved) I was excited to see this title on Netgalley. Sadly, for me Wanderlove fell flat. I found myself skimming the book more then reading it. I didn't like Bria's character very much so I really didn't care what happened to her. I found her to be kind of whinny and annoying.
It could be because I didn't find the places she was traveling to be interesting. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more, if she would have traveled someplace else, I can't really say.
For me the neatest part of this novel and the thing I enjoyed the most was the illustrations, Hubbard did all of the illustrations herself and they added a lot to the novel and bumped it up to 2 1/2 stars from 1 1/2 for me.
By not liking this title very much at all I am in the minority. Most other reviewers really enjoyed it. It is very different form Like Mandarin. But please don't let my opinion be the reason you decide not to read this one, read some more favorable reviews and if your interested pick it up it might just be what you are looking for, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
* Hardcover: 352 pages
* Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 13, 2012)
* ISBN-10: 0385739370
* Author: Kirsten Hubbard
* Cover art: I like it.
* Overall rating: **1/2 out of 5 stars
* Obtained: From the publisher via Netgalley thank you.
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.
It all begins with a stupid question:
Are you a Global Vagabond?
No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of
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Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.
But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry into this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)
I wanted to love this book, I really did. After Hubbard's debut Like Mandarin in March, (which I loved) I was excited to see this title on Netgalley. Sadly, for me Wanderlove fell flat. I found myself skimming the book more then reading it. I didn't like Bria's character very much so I really didn't care what happened to her. I found her to be kind of whinny and annoying.
It could be because I didn't find the places she was traveling to be interesting. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more, if she would have traveled someplace else, I can't really say.
For me the neatest part of this novel and the thing I enjoyed the most was the illustrations, Hubbard did all of the illustrations herself and they added a lot to the novel and bumped it up to 2 1/2 stars from 1 1/2 for me.
By not liking this title very much at all I am in the minority. Most other reviewers really enjoyed it. It is very different form Like Mandarin. But please don't let my opinion be the reason you decide not to read this one, read some more favorable reviews and if your interested pick it up it might just be what you are looking for, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
* Hardcover: 352 pages
* Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 13, 2012)
* ISBN-10: 0385739370
* Author: Kirsten Hubbard
* Cover art: I like it.
* Overall rating: **1/2 out of 5 stars
* Obtained: From the publisher via Netgalley thank you.
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LibraryThing member Narshkite
I spent 2 years as a traveler between college and law school, and so much of this brought me back to that wonderful and magical, and terrible time, the time at which I started to really become me. The writing could have been better, and the other backpackers a little more human, but it was lovely
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LibraryThing member skaohee
Wanderlove is the story of a girl, Bria, and how, in the summer between high school and college, she comes to her own beautiful self-discovery in South America with the help of a bad-boy who is desperately trying to be good.
No doubt about it, this is a coming of age story. Bria is trying to shed
I don’t know – I enjoyed this read and I can definitely see how some people would LOVE it, but it was just okay for me. I don’t have wanderlust (I travel enough already as it is and so the thought of planes isn’t one that makes me squee with excitement) but I can totally see how people who love to travel or want to travel would love it. It’s fresh and I liked Bria’s voice (even if at times, she sounded whiny). My goodreads says 3.5 out of 5 stars and that’s good for me. Also, it was my mistake for reading this contemporary when I was really craving a high fantasy. Readers, trust (and go with) your mood! It can affect your current read.
Overall, a solid sophomore novel from Ms. Hubbard and I will definitely be picking up Like Mandarin. Fans of Looking for Alaska and Saving Francesca will enjoy this one.
PS- I do not encourage going off with some stranger backpackers in a foreign country. Highly dangerous, so please remember this is a fictional book.
No doubt about it, this is a coming of age story. Bria is trying to shed
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her old self behind and she’s determined to show everyone that she’s not who they think she is; she wants to be someome wild and daring – something she isn’t. But the question is, why? I mean, I get it – most 18 year olds want to change something about themselves but at times Bria just seems rather childish in her wishes to be this “daring Bria” who is intent on showing her ex-boyfriend just how awesome she is (and he’s not even there on the trip).I don’t know – I enjoyed this read and I can definitely see how some people would LOVE it, but it was just okay for me. I don’t have wanderlust (I travel enough already as it is and so the thought of planes isn’t one that makes me squee with excitement) but I can totally see how people who love to travel or want to travel would love it. It’s fresh and I liked Bria’s voice (even if at times, she sounded whiny). My goodreads says 3.5 out of 5 stars and that’s good for me. Also, it was my mistake for reading this contemporary when I was really craving a high fantasy. Readers, trust (and go with) your mood! It can affect your current read.
Overall, a solid sophomore novel from Ms. Hubbard and I will definitely be picking up Like Mandarin. Fans of Looking for Alaska and Saving Francesca will enjoy this one.
PS- I do not encourage going off with some stranger backpackers in a foreign country. Highly dangerous, so please remember this is a fictional book.
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LibraryThing member SJGirl
A great alternative if you’re feeling a bit burnt out by beach house and lake house novels yet still crave summer vibes in your reading.
Setting plays a fantastic role in this one, from marketplaces to beaches and vistas, stops for food and accommodations, the author very much takes you there.
Really the only part of this I didn’t enjoy as much as the rest was Lobsterfest. I guess attending some big blowout party didn’t really fit with my idea of who Bria and Rowan were by that point in the story, and their behavior that night/early morning, it’s the only time when something in this novel felt kind of forced. I liked the aftermath of it, the direction it sent Bria in, how it tests her, I guess I just felt like maybe there could have been another way to get her to that test that seemed a little truer to their characters.
Aside from the feeling of vicarious travel, what I most loved here was that the romance wasn’t at the forefront. I liked them together, the chemistry is evident from the beginning, I enjoyed their shared scenes but I appreciated that Bria does most of her growing apart from Rowan, in particular where her character and this book truly hooked me was in Bria’s journey to reclaim her art, that was almost entirely explored on her own, in private, and as someone interested in creative pursuits and processes and who very much identified with Bria’s fragility surrounding her art, those moments had me invested and eager to turn the pages, to see if she’d get that important side of herself back on track. I really do like it when the girl has bigger things at stake than just getting the boy.
Setting plays a fantastic role in this one, from marketplaces to beaches and vistas, stops for food and accommodations, the author very much takes you there.
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Really the only part of this I didn’t enjoy as much as the rest was Lobsterfest. I guess attending some big blowout party didn’t really fit with my idea of who Bria and Rowan were by that point in the story, and their behavior that night/early morning, it’s the only time when something in this novel felt kind of forced. I liked the aftermath of it, the direction it sent Bria in, how it tests her, I guess I just felt like maybe there could have been another way to get her to that test that seemed a little truer to their characters.
Aside from the feeling of vicarious travel, what I most loved here was that the romance wasn’t at the forefront. I liked them together, the chemistry is evident from the beginning, I enjoyed their shared scenes but I appreciated that Bria does most of her growing apart from Rowan, in particular where her character and this book truly hooked me was in Bria’s journey to reclaim her art, that was almost entirely explored on her own, in private, and as someone interested in creative pursuits and processes and who very much identified with Bria’s fragility surrounding her art, those moments had me invested and eager to turn the pages, to see if she’d get that important side of herself back on track. I really do like it when the girl has bigger things at stake than just getting the boy.
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