The book starts out with a character who is entirely dependent on her boyfriend for self-worth. It's frustrating, but not as much as in the Twilight series, because it's not presented as the model to live by. Through a summer dealing with her messed-up aunt and cousins, protagonist Robin grows, which isn't a surprise but isn't cheesily done. (It's also refreshing in light of Twilight.) ( )

Robin sees how her aunt's family is falling apart after Allen's sudden accidental death and on the road trip she becomes the buffer and support for all of them. Personalities depicted expertly and realistically; you really feel the animosity of the kids. The evolving of the relationships and family dynamics is smoothly done. My only hangup with this novel is that the sexual relationship between Robin and Chris seemed forced, added on.

Robin is looking forward to spending an entire summer with her boyfriend Chris, their last together before he heads off to college. However, at his graduation party, Chris breaks the news to Robin that he'll be spending his summer in Rome, Italy, not Iowa City, Iowa with her. Robin is devastated, and to get her out of the house Robin's Aunt Dory suggests she come along on a long road trip with her young cousins (who Robin doesn't get along with). Robin has little interest because she only wants to see Chris-- but agrees to go because there is a chance she might get to stop in Arizona to see her father, his new wife, and her new baby brother. The trip through the American West is a zigzag journey that opens Robins eyes to the wider world as she discovers a world of strength within herself. ( )

Robin is a only child of a teen mother, she barely knows her father Jerry who has remarried to Allison, moved to Phoenix and has now has a two year old son David. Robin's mom's sister, Dory has two kids Iris 13 and Marshall 10. Their father has just been killed as a pedestrian in an accident. Robin agrees to help her aunt out on a road trip across the West, which causes her to get to know her cousins, their pain and problems. It all comes to a close in Santa Fe just short of meeting up with her dad when her Aunt runs off the road while in an arguement with Iris. ( )

Seventeen year old Robin's life seems over when her boyfried Chris leaves for summer school in Rome after their high school graduation. Robin decides to travel across country with her grieving Aunt Dory and two troubled cousins, 13-yr-old Iris & 10 year old Marshall. Robin discovers there's more to life beyond Chris while helping her cousins heal. ( )