Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard + Giveaway
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Title & Author:
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Publisher:
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:
March 13, 2012
Pages:
352
Source:
NetGalleyIt 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 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 to 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. – Goodreads
It’s very hard for me to express my awe and appreciation for Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard. I studied abroad in London, I’ve been to Scotland and France, but I’ve only ever dreamed of backpacking like Bria did in Wanderlove. But after reading Wanderlove, and Kirsten Hubbard’s acknowledgements and bio – I’m going to make it a reality.
And in terms of Wanderlove itself – it really is fantastic, amazing, adventurous, moving, motivating, and so many other awesome adjectives.
Bria Sandoval is the teen we all know and relate to – messed up over that boy in high school, let down by her friends and family, unsure of where her future lies…but rather than just mope, she decides to go to Guatemala. And it ends up totally different than she was planning on, but it changed her life. And that’s how travel should be.
Even without reading her biography, Kirsten Hubbard’s passion for travel and adventure really comes through on every page. And even if you’ve never really had the desire to go somewhere new, I think Wanderlove is sure to inspire you because there’s so much of Kirsten Hubbard’s intimate connection with the countries she’s describing. I was just kind of in awe when I finished reading Wanderlove.
And there is certainly no instalove in Wanderlove. The relationship between Bria and Rowan is slow-going, but amazing and deep and they have such a connection. And Starling. Can I please read a whole book dedicated to Starling, Kirsten Hubbard? Starling had so much depth and character.
How have I not mentioned the drawings? Kirsten Hubbard actually included sketches she drew of the stuff that Bria was drawing and it added such an awesome element to Wanderlove. I would totally frame the sketches too – especially the one of Rowan! Loved this aspect of Wanderlove so much.
Overall, I just truly, utterly, 100% loved Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard. The story was inspiring and passionate, the drawings added so much the story, and best of all, it is so evident that Kirsten Hubbard truly loved what she was writing. Now, pease excuse me while I grab my passport and a backpack.
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Rather Be Reading The Reading Housewives Chick Loves Lit |
Giveaway
I actually may have bought three copies of Wanderlove. I know, totally throws my book buying ban down the toilet. But I don’t care! It was worth it! (I’m still going along with it from here on out.) Anyway, so I’m giving a copy away!
1) US only – so sorry guys!
2) Must be 13 years or older, etc.
3) Winner has 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before I send another.
While you’re here, you can 
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This was a great review! I’ve read several reviews on Wanderlove already but yours is the first to mention the drawings that Hubbard included! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity:)
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I was uber lucky enough to read an e-arc of this. It’s bloody amazing!!!!! Loved it. I now must get myself a physical copy. Her illustrations were perfect.
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I’ve been wanting to read this for quite a bit.
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This sounds wonderful, I’ve heard great things about this one and your review is making me want to read it even more.
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So glad you enjoyed this one, it was truly amazing! And I agree, it would definitely rock to read a book about Starling. :)
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I just got this through NetGalley and can’t wait to read it, but of course, I’d love to have a finished copy. I’ve read so many great things about this one, including your review. Thanks!
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Wow, I agree with an earlier poster that said that although I have read several reviews on Wanderlove, yours is the first to mention drawings included! For me, that is a major plus added to the book. I love little surprises like that. Great review!
Darlene @ Leather Bound and Lovely
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Sounds like such an awesome book. Thanks for the giveaway!
~Paige @ Comfort Books
http://paigebradish1996.blogspot.com/
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Thank you for the opportunity to win!
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Okay, darn it, you’re the fifth person to talk about how amazing this book is. I shall not hold off any longer. I love the feel of this one. It’s giving me good vibes ;)
— Asher
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I love going on road trips in fiction novels! Add a slow-burn romance and I’ll definitely want to read it!
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The book looks fantastic, thanks for the great giveaway!! I entered!
I also wanted to let you know that I tagged you in a meme. It’s a book tagging meme that lets book bloggers get to know one another better and make connections. I hope you’ll join in! Here’s the link to my book tagging meme post:
http://aturnofpage.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-tagged.html
Have a lovely week!
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I have this one waiting for me and it is one of the contemps that I’m actually really excited about. It reminds me of the movie The Art of Travel, which is one of my top five favorite movies of ALL TIME. So I’m sure that I’ll love it. And I noticed it was on a certain list of contemporary recommendations that came in the mail today. So yeah, I’m thrilled that I have this one from NetGalley and thrilled to be reading it soon, hoepfully.
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Thanks for the giveaway! I haven’t read a bad thing about this book yet!
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Just heard about this book recently, sounds really good:) Thanks for the giveaway!
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I am OBSESSED with this book. I love it so hard.
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I’ve seen a lot of talk about this book over the last few weeks. It’s definitely gotten my attention. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy, so far all my other attempts to get my hands on it have been unsuccessful :(
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I really want to read this one! Great review and interview posts, thanks for the chance :)
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This was a really good review, Tara :) I really want to read this book as well!
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I read and loved this recently. I’d love to have my own copy to read again and again.
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I really want to read this book even more after reading your awesome review!
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I’ve heard such wonderful things about this book! Thanks for this opportunity. :)
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Thanks so much for the giveaway. And I love your new blog design! It’s so pretty!!
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Thanks for the awesome giveaway! This book sounds fantastic! :))
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Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :D
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Everyone has just been absolutely raving about this one! I definitely need to get my hands on a copy. Great review :]
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I’ve been wanting to read this book for so long now! Thanks so much for this giveaway!! :)
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I read the e-Galley and I’m so in love with this book. So in love.
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This book sounds awesome and I can’t wait to read it. Tore923@aol.com
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I hope i win, this book sounds really good!
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Great review! I hadn’t heard of this one until I read your post, and it sounds really good!
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I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! It is such a great story! :)
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Would love to have a copy! :D
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I loved her first novel and I can’t wait to get my hand on a copy of this!
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I love following Kirsten’s Blog! She travels to so many amazing places!
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