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Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is a touching story about friendship, family, and finding yourself. There is a mix of heavy and lighthearted topics that reflect the rollercoaster of emotions that Terry goes through in this road trip book. It is one that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary fiction.
Title: Rules of the Road Author: Ciara Geraghty
Publisher: Park Row
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
Rating:
In this emotional, life-affirming novel, two women embark on an extraordinary road trip and discover the transformative power of female friendship.
The simple fact of the matter is that Iris loves life. Maybe she’s forgotten that. Sometimes that happens, doesn’t it? To the best of us? All I have to do is remind her of that one simple fact.
When Iris Armstrong goes missing, her best friend Terry—wife, mother and all-around worrier—is convinced something bad has happened. And when she finds her glamorous, feisty friend, she’s right: Iris is setting out on a bucket-list journey that she plans to make her last. She tells Terry there’s no changing her mind, but Terry is determined to show her that life is still worth living.
The only way for Terry to stop Iris is to join her—on a road trip that will take them on a life-changing adventure. Along the way, somehow what should be the worst six days of Terry’s life turn into the best. Told in an irresistible voice and bursting with heart, Rules of the Road is a powerful testament to the importance of human connection and a moving celebration of life in all its unexpected twists and turns.
❃ 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: Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty
This book really took me by surprise and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It starts off a bit slow and the main character, Terry, seemed quite tiresome at first. However, once the story starts rolling and the road trip begins, we see a side of Terry that has been hiding. It is really enjoyable to read about her self discovery and the many laugh out loud situations she gets herself into.
❀ An Expedition Across Europe
When Terry discovers that her best friend has gone missing, she sets off on a mad journey to find her. Her accomplice is her elderly father who has dementia, as his nursing home is closed for the week. The two embark on an expedition across Europe where Terry reflects on her past, her future, and her beliefs. When they catch up with Iris, Terry must struggle to understand the choices her friend has made.
❀ An Interesting Look into Multiple Sclerosis
This is the first book that I have read about a character living with multiple sclerosis. While I do know a little bit about the condition, Iris’ character really opened my eyes to how someone living with MS might cope emotionally. She is in the early stages of the disease and is worried about her future. It is an interesting look into a condition that affects so many in our society. I am not able to speak on the accuracy of the author’s depictions, but they are compelling.
❀ Will Bring Out All of Your Emotions
Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is one to try if you are in the mood for a book that will bring out all of your emotions. It has a good mix of humour and seriousness. Perfect for a fall TBR.
About Ciara Geraghty
Ciara Geraghty is an Irish bestselling author. She lives in Dublin with one husband and three children.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I wasn’t thinking I would want to read this one because it sounded like a tough read from the blurb, but the MS thing caught my eye in your review. It has me curious. The blurb makes it sound like the character thinks MS is a death sentence? That makes me so sad. My mom has been living with it since the late 90’s and we know several other people who are living with it. I still don’t know if I can read this one. I have read a couple other books that have MCs with MS in it, if you’re curious about how other authors have written it, So Much More by Kim Holden and You and Everything After by Ginger Scott.
It might be a tough go for you despite the humour in it. I wondered as I was reading this one about how someone living with MS might feel about it. I am definitely curious about these titles that you have suggested. I will add them to my list. <3
It might depend on their case of MS. My mom has only had one attack since she was diagnosed almost 20 years ago. Our family friend has had many that were horrible. But I do remember freaking out when my mom was first diagnosed.
Awww! I am glad to hear that your mom has had only one attack. It would definitely have me freaked out as well. There didn’t seem to be too much discussion about the character’s symptoms. It was mostly about the fact that Iris wanted to avoid experiencing the worst case scenario.
I get that. I probably will skip it.
I love books who bring out all kind of emotions!
Same, Sophie! I have to be in the right mood for it, though. 😉
This sounds like it would make me sob!
Yes! There is some fun in there too, though! 😉
Great post – thanks for sharing!
The cover looks so pretty! this sounds great
This sounds like a wonderful book.
Sounds like a good read.
I really enjoyed this one!
I enjoy stories with surprises and emotion. This sounds good!
It sounds like my kind of book! I love books that bring out emotions.
Rules of the Road sounds like a great book, thanks for sharing your review and have an awesome day!