Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West is a sweet story revolving around a summer RV trip between two families. Featuring childhood best friends who reconnect, a relatable main character, and family secrets, this book is a recipe for a heartwarming read. Fans of Kasie West will not be disappointed in her latest novel, and for the uninitiated, this is the perfect road trip book for those looking for a cute summer contemporary.
Title: Places We've Never BeenAuthor: Kasie West
Also by this author: P.S. I Like You
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 31, 2022
Rating:
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?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West
After Norah’s childhood best friend moved away, the connection between the two weakened, so when their moms plan a summer RV trip between both families, she is excited to reunite with him. However, when Skyler finally arrives, Norah is shocked to learn that he is nothing like his old self and goes out of his way to ignore her. Their relationship may be rocky, but as Skyler and Norah are forced to spend time together in an RV, they become more comfortable with each other and realize that there is potential for them to be friends again, and even something more.
❀ Likeable Main Character
Norah is a likeable main character, and I enjoyed accompanying her on this road trip. I really felt for her as she feels the need to be the filtered version of herself around the one person she used to be so open with, and I was glad to see her slowly start to rekindle that friendship. What I especially enjoy about Norah–and all of Kasie West’s characters–is how realistic she is. She’s an artist and a gamer preparing for a university interview, and she has the perfect amount of awkwardness. I always appreciate when YA characters actually act their age and make mistakes, so I was happy to see Norah still learning so much about herself.
❀ Focus on Family and Friendship
One of my favourite aspects of this book is the focus on family and friendship. Beyond Norah rebuilding her relationship with Skyler, the story also emphasizes the friendship between their moms and the closeness between both families. Kasie West has done an excellent job capturing the fun and the teasing energy within this group, especially between siblings. While the family secrets and the real reason behind the trip were a little predictable for me, I also enjoyed this bit of intrigue.
❀ A Sweet Contemporary
Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West is a sweet contemporary about a cross-country road trip. I loved the concept of an RV trip between two families, and the main character is realistic. The story’s emphasis on family and friendship is especially touching, making this a great read for those looking for an uplifting summer read.
About Kasie West
I write YA. I eat Junior Mints. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. My novels are: PIVOT POINT and its sequel SPLIT SECOND. And my contemporary novels: THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, ON THE FENCE, THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND, PS I LIKE YOU, and BY YOUR SIDE. My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.
Great review! We just started this book on Wednesday and we really like it so far.
It’s so much fun! I hope that you love it, too! 🙂
The road trip aspect of the story sounds so fun!
Road trip books are the best! 🙂
The family focus is always so good in all West’s books, and it was a standout element in this book as well. I loved traveling during this story too. It was a great road trip.
It sure was! 🙂
Love this review! It was such a fun read.
Thanks! I totally agree! 🙂
This seems such an heartwarming feel good book!
It sure is! 🙂
Great review, Olivia! This sounds just a really cute read. I’ve only ever read one book by Kasie West but I remember I loved it so much.
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Can’t-Wait Wednesday: Sparrows in the Wind by Gail Carson Levine
She writes such great contemporaries! 🙂
I agree! This was a cute book with totally relatable and real characters. I really enjoyed the road trip aspect and how each stop revealed something about our two main characters. Nice review!
Thanks! It was such a fun story! 🙂
Sounds like a sweet read!
Lovely cover. Great title.
thanks for your review. I do like that this book focus’s on family. I like that there is a reconnection and that it is a sweet read