What do you think?
Rate this book
On the Road to Find Out
A funny, uplifting debut about running, romance—and dealing with college rejection and other hurdles
On New Year’s Day, Alice Davis goes for a run. Her first ever. It’s painful and embarrassing, but so was getting denied by the only college she cares about. Alice knows she has to stop sitting around and complaining to her best friend, Jenni, and her pet rat, Walter, about what a loser she is. But what doesn’t know is that by taking those first steps out the door, she is setting off down a road filled with new challenges—including vicious side stitches, chafing in unmentionable places, and race-paced first love—and strengthening herself to endure when the going suddenly gets tougher than she ever imagined.
On New Year’s Day, Alice Davis goes for a run. Her first ever. It’s painful and embarrassing, but so was getting denied by the only college she cares about. Alice knows she has to stop sitting around and complaining to her best friend, Jenni, and her pet rat, Walter, about what a loser she is. But what doesn’t know is that by taking those first steps out the door, she is setting off down a road filled with new challenges—including vicious side stitches, chafing in unmentionable places, and race-paced first love—and strengthening herself to endure when the going suddenly gets tougher than she ever imagined.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2014
13 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
May 15, 2014
Overall, I liked On The Road To Find Out... at least by the end of it. Throughout most of the book I found Alice to be fairly annoying with her negativity and anti-socialness, and her relationship with her rat, Walter, was really uncomfortable, but in the end I felt like Alice redeemed herself for the most part.
It's good to see a character work through a difficult time, in this case that she didn't get into Yale when that was all she'd ever wanted in life, which she does through discovering running. It's also good to se a character wake up and realize what a complete ass they've been to their family and friends throughout that difficult time, which Alice does through a few events in the book. It's just weird, though, that she would have been so completely focused on Yale but wouldn't have done anything throughout high school to realize she needed more than good grades to get in. It left me wondering about her parents, her teachers, and her firends... and also why her best friend, Jenni, would have stuck by her.
It's good to see a character work through a difficult time, in this case that she didn't get into Yale when that was all she'd ever wanted in life, which she does through discovering running. It's also good to se a character wake up and realize what a complete ass they've been to their family and friends throughout that difficult time, which Alice does through a few events in the book. It's just weird, though, that she would have been so completely focused on Yale but wouldn't have done anything throughout high school to realize she needed more than good grades to get in. It left me wondering about her parents, her teachers, and her firends... and also why her best friend, Jenni, would have stuck by her.
March 11, 2014
2.5 stars. I got pulled into this book because I run. I subsequently learned that I am not actually a "runner," as a "runner" is someone who runs 13 or more miles every day and is snobbishly disdainful of anyone who runs casually and is not obsessed with how fast they go or is not sufficiently prideful of their bloody toenails. I am sad to say that the only likable character in this book is Joan, someone who has experienced personal tragedy, has still learned how to make running pleasurable for herself, and brings a community of runners together through her running store and the races she organizes. This same community routinely talks trash behind her back because she messed up her Olympic trial run 20 years prior, and looks down upon her for not treating her running seriously anymore.
Anyway, this concludes my rant about the overall theme of superiority that runs rampant through this book. Actually I'm not done, since I haven't mentioned Alice, the main character, who is a sad slice of humanity- criticizing everyone around her, harsh and caustic to everyone she loves, and completely clueless about her effect on people and her place in the world. Her outlook and prospects improve over the course of the book, but I can't say I was really cheering for her at that point. In many ways, things came too easy to her- parents and friends willing to tolerate her vile attitude, able to run with elite runners after just a few weeks (is couch to 20K a normal ability for teenagers?), gets a nice normal boyfriend who doesn't seem to mind her insecurities, awkwardness, or lack of personality, and so on. Just not believable enough. Still, there were some witty lines and good philosophical digressions, so this book had enough going for it that it wasn't hard for me to finish.
Anyway, this concludes my rant about the overall theme of superiority that runs rampant through this book. Actually I'm not done, since I haven't mentioned Alice, the main character, who is a sad slice of humanity- criticizing everyone around her, harsh and caustic to everyone she loves, and completely clueless about her effect on people and her place in the world. Her outlook and prospects improve over the course of the book, but I can't say I was really cheering for her at that point. In many ways, things came too easy to her- parents and friends willing to tolerate her vile attitude, able to run with elite runners after just a few weeks (is couch to 20K a normal ability for teenagers?), gets a nice normal boyfriend who doesn't seem to mind her insecurities, awkwardness, or lack of personality, and so on. Just not believable enough. Still, there were some witty lines and good philosophical digressions, so this book had enough going for it that it wasn't hard for me to finish.
January 30, 2020
Ugh. I wanted to like this book, I really did. The premise is fairly unique (at least — not something I’ve seen done very often): that of a girl learning how to run in order to cope with life’s difficulties. Sounds like me, especially with her desire to want to like running although she finds it boring/difficult at the beginning.
But.
BUT.
Alice is insufferable. She’s rich and privileged, and so freakin’ whiny. Boo hoo, she didn’t get accepted to Yale, her life has ended, cue Suicide jokes (and then she gets upset when her mom is worried about leaving her alone/unsupervised???!).
Also.
If I wanted to read a rat keeper’s handbook, I would’ve gotten one. I’m all for loving animals and integrating that love into books. Yes PLEASE. But spare us the preachiness of why rats are better than any other rodent (it’s fine if that’s the character’s opinion but DON’T PREACH). As a mom of four guinea pigs, being told that “they’re stupid, sorry not sorry” does not endear me to you as a narrator, and also doesn’t do jack to convince me of how amazing rats are. (Side note, I almost adopted rats instead of guinea pigs. But each rodent has their positives and negatives. Just gonna leave it at that.)
And spare us all of the scientific facts. It’s somewhat telling that this author also wrote the book “Misunderstood: Why the Humble Rat May Be Your Best Pet Ever”; it feels like she copy-pasted sections of that book into this one. NGL.
AND.
Don’t use “big words” and then include their definitions in the middle of your paragraphs. It’s awkward. Example:
“They parry (“to wave off a weapon or blow”) compliments the way that Captain Jack Sparrow brandishes (“to wave or shake”) a sword.” (p. 40)
I had to read that three times to actually be able to parse the sentence correctly. SO UNNECESSARILY CLUNKY.
Not to mention, I know all the words used — it’s not like “pristine,” “parry,” “juxtapose,” and “delineate” are THAT impressive. It clutters up the narrative and makes me feel like I’m reading an SAT handbook instead of a novel. Please just stop.
Ughhhhhhhh.
But.
BUT.
Alice is insufferable. She’s rich and privileged, and so freakin’ whiny. Boo hoo, she didn’t get accepted to Yale, her life has ended, cue Suicide jokes (and then she gets upset when her mom is worried about leaving her alone/unsupervised???!).
Also.
If I wanted to read a rat keeper’s handbook, I would’ve gotten one. I’m all for loving animals and integrating that love into books. Yes PLEASE. But spare us the preachiness of why rats are better than any other rodent (it’s fine if that’s the character’s opinion but DON’T PREACH). As a mom of four guinea pigs, being told that “they’re stupid, sorry not sorry” does not endear me to you as a narrator, and also doesn’t do jack to convince me of how amazing rats are. (Side note, I almost adopted rats instead of guinea pigs. But each rodent has their positives and negatives. Just gonna leave it at that.)
And spare us all of the scientific facts. It’s somewhat telling that this author also wrote the book “Misunderstood: Why the Humble Rat May Be Your Best Pet Ever”; it feels like she copy-pasted sections of that book into this one. NGL.
AND.
Don’t use “big words” and then include their definitions in the middle of your paragraphs. It’s awkward. Example:
“They parry (“to wave off a weapon or blow”) compliments the way that Captain Jack Sparrow brandishes (“to wave or shake”) a sword.” (p. 40)
I had to read that three times to actually be able to parse the sentence correctly. SO UNNECESSARILY CLUNKY.
Not to mention, I know all the words used — it’s not like “pristine,” “parry,” “juxtapose,” and “delineate” are THAT impressive. It clutters up the narrative and makes me feel like I’m reading an SAT handbook instead of a novel. Please just stop.
Ughhhhhhhh.
December 13, 2017
On The Road To Find Out is about Alice Davis, a senior in high school that just got rejected from her dream college YALE and believes her world is over. Alice spends most of her time now being Debby-downer calling herself a failure, shutting out the ones that mean the most to her, also loosing a loved one, but overcomes her negativity by running. Jenni, Alices best friend suggests she finds a new hobby that focuses her mind on something she likes and stays positive in. At fist not knowing what she was getting herself into Alice meets lots of new people from running and learns new tips for running, along with learning herself and what running really means to her. I suggest this book to someone that is going through a hard time thinking nothing is ever going to turn out right for them, and finding a new way to make your mind positive and find new ways to succeed.
couldn-t-finish
July 15, 2014DNF
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 and as much as I want to say I want to eventually give it another chance I just don’t think it’s going to happen. The first chapter starts out with the main character running, but then running seemed to take a backseat. The main character is devastated because she didn’t get in to Yale, but from what I learned in the 15-20% I read, I wasn’t clear why she even expected to get into Yale in the first place. Most of what I read, in chapters that read more like short vignettes, was about a spoiled, bratty main character bragging about how rich her family is, how much her mother loves Botox, and how badly she treats her best friend. Oh and how much she loves her pet rat. I’ll admit that rats aren’t really my animal, but her obsession with her rat was insanely creepy. My anticipation makes me want to revisit this one, but common sense tells me it’s probably better not to torture myself any further.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I tried to finish it, but sadly it didn't happen. All opinions are (obviously) my own.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 and as much as I want to say I want to eventually give it another chance I just don’t think it’s going to happen. The first chapter starts out with the main character running, but then running seemed to take a backseat. The main character is devastated because she didn’t get in to Yale, but from what I learned in the 15-20% I read, I wasn’t clear why she even expected to get into Yale in the first place. Most of what I read, in chapters that read more like short vignettes, was about a spoiled, bratty main character bragging about how rich her family is, how much her mother loves Botox, and how badly she treats her best friend. Oh and how much she loves her pet rat. I’ll admit that rats aren’t really my animal, but her obsession with her rat was insanely creepy. My anticipation makes me want to revisit this one, but common sense tells me it’s probably better not to torture myself any further.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I tried to finish it, but sadly it didn't happen. All opinions are (obviously) my own.
October 7, 2014
Read this after hearing Rachel Toor on Another Mother Runner podcast and about her again through a favorite company of mine, Skirt Sports. She sounded like a cool lady and I wanted to read her book.
I enjoyed her writing about the experience of learning how to run. I found some of the exposition about running tedious but that's because I've been running for a dozen years, non-runners would need to exposition, I think.
The information about Walter the Rat was both interesting and strange. I understand how it contributed to the story of Alice but I still found it a bit irritating. Must be my anti-rat bias!
The lessons about learning to be wrong and choosing a college wisely are good lessons as is the one about paying more attention to the people you love although delivered in a somewhat heavy handed manner.
Overall it was enjoyable but not spectacular. I might share it with my friend's daughter who recently started to run cross country in high school.
I enjoyed her writing about the experience of learning how to run. I found some of the exposition about running tedious but that's because I've been running for a dozen years, non-runners would need to exposition, I think.
The information about Walter the Rat was both interesting and strange. I understand how it contributed to the story of Alice but I still found it a bit irritating. Must be my anti-rat bias!
The lessons about learning to be wrong and choosing a college wisely are good lessons as is the one about paying more attention to the people you love although delivered in a somewhat heavy handed manner.
Overall it was enjoyable but not spectacular. I might share it with my friend's daughter who recently started to run cross country in high school.
April 6, 2014
Uber competitive academically, but highly introverted, Alice stews over being rejected at her first college of choice, Yale. Her closest confidantes are her best friend, Jenni, and her pet rat, Walter. It is upon Jenni's advice that she take up running as a New Year's resolution. Alice finds she really likes the sport, and soon lands a job in Joan's running store. As Alice discovers a kindered spirit in Miles, homeschool student and fellow runner, something happens that upsets Alice's world. Her family and friends, most notably Joan, who once tried out for the Olympics, help Alice eventually realize that she may be focusing on the wrong things and to think about what really matters in life. Found this book to be introspective; not a heavy-handed romance per se but Alice's relationship with Miles was very charming.
September 11, 2016
This book frustrated me to no end. The main character was insufferable and had no redeeming qualities. She was a bad friend and daughter, and while she improved a little bit at the end, it didn't feel like the natural character development she so badly needed. She felt like a caricature of a bland, overachieving student who finds out that there are a million others like her. She's over dramatic, a know it all and she looks down on the people in her life. The SAT word definitions throughout the book irked me, as did the general narrative voice. I knew from the start that this book would have to do a lot to redeem itself, but aside from a good supporting cast, this falls into the category of books I love to hate.
November 29, 2014
This book is so different from other YA titles. It's part coming of age, reacting to loss, and love story. The narrator Alice attempts to bounce back after being rejected by Yale... Oh, and she tries to become a runner.
As someone who also randomly decided to become a runner, I could relate to Alice's frustrations and successes in her journey. There's also a powerful message in this story about how we bounce back from rejection and the pressures that our society puts on college admissions.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I'm so grateful that it was recommended to me by a fabulous librarian!
As someone who also randomly decided to become a runner, I could relate to Alice's frustrations and successes in her journey. There's also a powerful message in this story about how we bounce back from rejection and the pressures that our society puts on college admissions.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I'm so grateful that it was recommended to me by a fabulous librarian!
August 31, 2014
The story is about a high school student focused on attending Yale and how her life is turned upside down by her rejected application. The book is about finding yourself and finding what makes you happy. Helped me relate to the main character that she was happy spending time with her pet, reading books, and running. I read this book too fast. It is an easy read and before I knew it I had read 245 pages. While it is written as a YA book, that is only because of the age of the main character. The themes of loss and self-discovery can be applied no matter what your age.
July 24, 2016
DNF 24%
I couldn't get into this book at all. Alice is insufferable, irritating, and whiny. She's nasty at times to her bestfriend Jenni, and yet it's more like she just can't seem to control her jealousy (which I get, and I think it's a neat angle). I want to give the story more of a chance, but I am struggling to deal with Alice and her holier than thou attitide. Those are the type of girls I cannot stand, so for now, I'm putting this down.
I couldn't get into this book at all. Alice is insufferable, irritating, and whiny. She's nasty at times to her bestfriend Jenni, and yet it's more like she just can't seem to control her jealousy (which I get, and I think it's a neat angle). I want to give the story more of a chance, but I am struggling to deal with Alice and her holier than thou attitide. Those are the type of girls I cannot stand, so for now, I'm putting this down.
September 21, 2014
I didn't even want to rate or give any attention to this, but then I saw I had already added it to GoodReads when it arrived from the library. I want to be clear about it so none of my friends will waste time on it or think I'm recommending it in any. Not too much terrible content (though there's a bit of that, for example, talking about how great it is vets can euthanize a pet in pain, but isn't it terrible we can't do that to humans---aargh). But just ... not great.
November 5, 2014
It's a pretty good book overall, only if you enjoy running! ;)
April 9, 2018
When Alice Davis discovers that she’s been rejected from Yale – the only college she wanted to attend – she feels lost. She’s never failed at anything before in her life and she’s wallowing in self-pity like a champion. She’s basically inconsolable until she makes a New Year’s resolution to start running (exercise is definitely NOT her thing), and slowly begins to pull out of her downward spiral as she gets more and more into her new hobby. Running introduces her to a whole new group of people (Miles, in particular) and teaches her things about herself that she didn’t know. She also discovers things about the people in her life – her family, her best friend Jenni, that she’d been oblivious to before. This is a lovely story about self-discovery, friendship, and pet rats. If you don’t want to at least meet a pet rat by the time you finish reading this, you are dead inside!
Excerpt (and spoiler alert):
Even so, I realized it’s not the worst thing to fall.
I want to throw myself into the world and at new things. That means I will fail at some and succeed at others.
I will fall, I will fail, I will move on.
I want to know great devotions and great enthusiasms.
I have already experienced great love. I was in love with someone who weighed less than a pint of milk and who couldn’t be bothered to keep his own tail clean. Regardless of species or tail hygiene, I loved my rat, Walter. And when he died, I learned – I’m learning – that I will survive the loss, even if it means the world will never look the same again.
I may be a reject. But I am not a failure. At least, not as long as I keep trying. (p. 300)
Excerpt (and spoiler alert):
Even so, I realized it’s not the worst thing to fall.
I want to throw myself into the world and at new things. That means I will fail at some and succeed at others.
I will fall, I will fail, I will move on.
I want to know great devotions and great enthusiasms.
I have already experienced great love. I was in love with someone who weighed less than a pint of milk and who couldn’t be bothered to keep his own tail clean. Regardless of species or tail hygiene, I loved my rat, Walter. And when he died, I learned – I’m learning – that I will survive the loss, even if it means the world will never look the same again.
I may be a reject. But I am not a failure. At least, not as long as I keep trying. (p. 300)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
2.5
Alice Davis goes on a run on January 1st. Her very first fun. It's terrible and embarrassing, but so was the fact that the one college she cares about rejected her application. Alice is aware that she has to stop moaning about how useless she is to her best friend Jenni and her pet mouse Walter. She doesn't realize, however, that by taking those first steps outside, she is beginning a journey full of new difficulties, such as painful side stitches, chafing in inappropriate places, and a fast-paced first love, and fortifying herself to endure when the going suddenly becomes harder than she could have ever imagined.
Although I admire the book's goal, I'm not a great fan. It did a great job of handling loss, rejection, and denial. Thus, this book begins with Alice being turned down by Yale, her top dream school. She owned a rodent by the name of Walter. Walter has been there for Alice through good times and bad. It is certainly not a good combination to get denied from your dream school while yearning for academic praise. We lack optimism, light, enthusiasm, and hope.
Despite the fact that Alice had just recently begun running, we watched her progress with it, and she showed signs of development, she wasn't the runner others had made her out to be. The characters didn't seem to be as likeable to me. except for Joan, that is. I cherished Joan. Alice was very conceited and unappreciative. And for some reason, I don't like Miles. Their romance was not it and was lacking chemistry.
Alice Davis goes on a run on January 1st. Her very first fun. It's terrible and embarrassing, but so was the fact that the one college she cares about rejected her application. Alice is aware that she has to stop moaning about how useless she is to her best friend Jenni and her pet mouse Walter. She doesn't realize, however, that by taking those first steps outside, she is beginning a journey full of new difficulties, such as painful side stitches, chafing in inappropriate places, and a fast-paced first love, and fortifying herself to endure when the going suddenly becomes harder than she could have ever imagined.
Although I admire the book's goal, I'm not a great fan. It did a great job of handling loss, rejection, and denial. Thus, this book begins with Alice being turned down by Yale, her top dream school. She owned a rodent by the name of Walter. Walter has been there for Alice through good times and bad. It is certainly not a good combination to get denied from your dream school while yearning for academic praise. We lack optimism, light, enthusiasm, and hope.
Despite the fact that Alice had just recently begun running, we watched her progress with it, and she showed signs of development, she wasn't the runner others had made her out to be. The characters didn't seem to be as likeable to me. except for Joan, that is. I cherished Joan. Alice was very conceited and unappreciative. And for some reason, I don't like Miles. Their romance was not it and was lacking chemistry.
May 11, 2017
"On the Road to Find Out" by Rachel Toor is a marvelous book., I can totally relate to Alice (the main character). This book basically is about her senior year of high school, family & friends, a cute boy, pet, the thought of the future, and many other things. Basically it's about life and how the ups and downs affect her. So it starts off with her talking about her first run ever because her New Year's resolution was to start running. I myself am a runner and it's a marvelous sport, the author does a great job with how she involves the sport as a stress reliever, describes the challenges of the sport and much more! So we have Alice a teenage girl on a mission, but also you can say she is somewhat a little self-centered. Not going to lie, I also at times get caught up with my own problems I forget that it's not just about me. Alice faces a lot of issues, issues that really bring her down and make her have doubts of herself along with the future she wants. She meets new people, all runners, she forms a new family. She trains, runs, and towards the end she finally finds herself. But we can't forget about Miles! Miles is the cute boy she falls for, basically it's the second boy she ever gets in contact with. But trust me, this a marvelous book if you're into some good motivational, and happy ending books.
March 25, 2022
I couldn't get into this book at all, it's not my style of reading. On the Road to Find Out by Rachel Toor is about this girl named Alice Davis. Alice is a senior in high school that just got rejected from her dream school Yale. Alice made a new year's resolution and had actually stuck to it and started running everyday. Other than that she spends her other time complaining about how she got rejected from Yale and she doesn't know what to do with her life. Jenni (Alice's best friend) is always there for Alice and cuts her a lot of slack. Walter is Alice's pet rat. If Alice isn't talking to Jenni, you know she is talking to Walter. Alice realizes she starts to like running a lot more now and ends up with a job at Joan. Alice complained about running but was encouraged and determined to get better at it. Even though this book wasn't the best, it definitely teaches you some lessons in life. Alice has some character growth throughout the novel such as, dealing with failure, hardships, tough decisions but they all made her a better person at the end of the novel. I think a young teenager would really like this book because it shows that everyone is going to experience a hard time in their life and how to take time for themselves and overcome the challenge.
March 23, 2022
“On the Road to Find Out'' by Rachel Toor, is about a girl named Alice Davis who starts off getting rejected from her first few picks of college. Those rejections really took a toll on her but her best friend Jenni, and her mother were there to help her through it. She took on running to make her feel better and her pet rat, Walter. Throughout the book she continuously talked about Walter over and over again and it became very boring, and hard to read. Alice complained about running but was encouraged and determined to get better at it. When she found out some bad news she took it upon herself to not give up and keep working hard for what she wanted. The book had a good ending and Alice redeemed herself a little bit but, for the first 275 pages of the book it was very difficult to finish so I would not recommend this book to people sixteen and older. However I do think someone younger would really enjoy this book because it shows determination for something that is new and unfamiliar. It also shows that everyone is going to experience a hard time in their life and how to take time for themselves and overcome a problem.
February 15, 2023
I told myself I would read something a little more weighty than this before continuing it, but alas, here we are. It was a fine foray back into YA (I went to the library to work on some papers and the window desk is by the YA section. What's a girl to do?). Alice's character arc is satisfying in the recovery-from-failure-and-rejection department but less satisfying in the becoming-less-selfish department; things are still basically about her by the end of the book.
I liked the narrative voice, which felt authentic, even when it was kind of obnoxious, and, book nerd that I am, I liked the literary references. Sigh. I was interested by all the information about rats and of course this girl loves her rat more than is quite healthy; he is is one of two living beings she actually likes to spend time with at the beginning of the book.
I liked the narrative voice, which felt authentic, even when it was kind of obnoxious, and, book nerd that I am, I liked the literary references. Sigh. I was interested by all the information about rats and of course this girl loves her rat more than is quite healthy; he is is one of two living beings she actually likes to spend time with at the beginning of the book.
November 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book. Alice is an overachiever, valedictorian who has impressive grades but not many other interests. She is applying to colleges but disappointed with the results. She has this dream of attending Yale, but she doesn't have a good reason why. She's not really sure what she's interested in, and she needs to find out who she is. Along the way she takes up running which helps her find community and gives her an outlet to feel better about herself. Her pet rat, Walter, who is named after a friend named Walter-the-man is important to the theme as she finds a new direction in her life. I really enjoyed reading this since I'm in the middle of helping my daughter apply to colleges and weigh what really matters. I appreciated the insert at the end from Toor, who talks about her experience working in the admissions department at Duke.
March 15, 2017
Like many contemporaries, what ultimately drew me to this book was its cover. I just love the colours and how fluffy it looked, so after reading its synopsis and deciding that it would be a good fit, I borrowed it from my library.
On the Road to Find Out definitely met my expectations for a light, happy read. I enjoyed it quite a lot, but to be fair, it did have its tiny flaws to be fixed in order for it to deserve a full star rating.
This book is basically about a high schooler named Alice, who was turned down by her dream college. To feel better, she starts going on runs around her neighbourhood. The runs turn out to not only boost her up, but to also leave her with many new experiences and skills, such as running marathons, improving her endurance, and maybe even a new love.
Alice, I have to say, wasn’t particularly the most likeable character. I found her to be very close-minded and fixated on getting into that one college that declined her, not opening her eyes to other schools that could be better for her. She also complained a ton and was quite self-absorbed, which I also disliked. I do think that these traits improved by the end of the book once she realizes that it wasn’t worth it for her to fret over her issues- albeit only a tiny bit.
Aside from the bothersome character that Alice was, I really appreciated the morals that this book held. I think I can absolutely say that this story is full of them, from being able to take chances, being able to accept failure and move on, trying new things and seeing what’s out there, and even more!
This story was plotted nicely and smoothly and I was able to follow it with ease. I liked the ending as well, and even though it could be considered as being open-ended, in this case, it worked very well!
All in all, On the Road to Find Out was a great story which I believe deserves much more love- it’s both under-read and under-hyped. Sure, the topic isn’t one we haven’t seen before, but the way it is delivered in this book is amazing! So, anyone wanting a light, fast read with cute romance and coming-of-age morals should definitely get on the road now and drive right to their local bookstore or library, pick this one up, and devour it!
On the Road to Find Out definitely met my expectations for a light, happy read. I enjoyed it quite a lot, but to be fair, it did have its tiny flaws to be fixed in order for it to deserve a full star rating.
This book is basically about a high schooler named Alice, who was turned down by her dream college. To feel better, she starts going on runs around her neighbourhood. The runs turn out to not only boost her up, but to also leave her with many new experiences and skills, such as running marathons, improving her endurance, and maybe even a new love.
Alice, I have to say, wasn’t particularly the most likeable character. I found her to be very close-minded and fixated on getting into that one college that declined her, not opening her eyes to other schools that could be better for her. She also complained a ton and was quite self-absorbed, which I also disliked. I do think that these traits improved by the end of the book once she realizes that it wasn’t worth it for her to fret over her issues- albeit only a tiny bit.
Aside from the bothersome character that Alice was, I really appreciated the morals that this book held. I think I can absolutely say that this story is full of them, from being able to take chances, being able to accept failure and move on, trying new things and seeing what’s out there, and even more!
This story was plotted nicely and smoothly and I was able to follow it with ease. I liked the ending as well, and even though it could be considered as being open-ended, in this case, it worked very well!
All in all, On the Road to Find Out was a great story which I believe deserves much more love- it’s both under-read and under-hyped. Sure, the topic isn’t one we haven’t seen before, but the way it is delivered in this book is amazing! So, anyone wanting a light, fast read with cute romance and coming-of-age morals should definitely get on the road now and drive right to their local bookstore or library, pick this one up, and devour it!
March 7, 2018
" Anyone can do anything with enough effort" Alice, page 189. In this book Alice is the main character. She really wanted to get into Yale and was sure she would. But she didn't get in. She got really sad and didn't know what could make her feel better. So she ran one day and really liked it. Alice got really into running and it really helped her with everything. This book took place in present day. I would recommend this book to someone who is going through a hard time and needs help, or is stressed. One of the major themes in this book is if you are going through a hard time there is always a way get in a good mood again.
March 26, 2021
I will admit that I bought this book because of the mention in the summary about “chafing in unmentionable places,” which is SO relatable. I’m also preparing to apply for college and aspire to, maybe, take up running. (Perhaps.) But I found so much more of myself in this book than just those three similarities gleaned from the summary. I already know I will revisit this story in the future to remember how it feels to be me right now, just like I know I’ll wonder, when I get side stitches on my future runs, where life has taken the fictional Alice Davis, who feels like a friend.
August 5, 2018
Since the book was a light one, it didn’t take me that long to finish it.
The beginning of the book was Astonishing. It gets the reader hyped up because the main character, Alice, doesn’t get accepted into Yale. As you get into the book you’ll understand why!
But if you want a little push into running, I think this book is the one.
The reason why I gave it 4-stars was because I didn’t quite like the ending!!!!
The beginning of the book was Astonishing. It gets the reader hyped up because the main character, Alice, doesn’t get accepted into Yale. As you get into the book you’ll understand why!
But if you want a little push into running, I think this book is the one.
The reason why I gave it 4-stars was because I didn’t quite like the ending!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
liked this book from a runner’s point of view. I liked the way they talked about how you can get better at running the more you do it. I think I would have liked it more if the main character was not so self center. I know that this is supposed to be one of the messages in the book, but I think that she could have changed early in the book. This book is a good and light hearted read.
November 26, 2022
I have mixed emotions about this book but ended up rating 4 stars due to the running theme. Any YA/Middle Grade book that ISN'T about typical American, male dominated sports such as football, baseball or basketball (although Kwame Alexander's Rebound and Crossover and Matthew Quirk's Boy 21 are fantastic basketball novels) deserves a boost in my opinion.
Alice, a high school senior and class valedictorian, is rejected by her top college choice, Yale, then pretty much the rest of the Ivy League, due to her lack of any outside interests except for her pet rat, Walter, about whom she is obsessed in a cringey way.
Self absorbed and careless of her relationships with her parents and best friend, Jennie, she grudgingly agrees to begin running as a New Year's resolution. The running passages are spot on-Toor accurately portrays the struggles, challenges and satisfaction in starting a running program. The character, Alice, however, is so self absorbed and, well, just obnoxious, she can turn off many readers. Fortunately, this novel redeems itself and it's main character when she has an epiphany following a disastrous birthday celebration for her mother.
There are some cringy passages in the book where Alice overshares about her rat's genitals and is kind of creepy in their relationship, but the overall theme of a self-absorbed, quirky teen coming into her own and breaking free from her obsessions resulted in my overall recommendation.
Alice, a high school senior and class valedictorian, is rejected by her top college choice, Yale, then pretty much the rest of the Ivy League, due to her lack of any outside interests except for her pet rat, Walter, about whom she is obsessed in a cringey way.
Self absorbed and careless of her relationships with her parents and best friend, Jennie, she grudgingly agrees to begin running as a New Year's resolution. The running passages are spot on-Toor accurately portrays the struggles, challenges and satisfaction in starting a running program. The character, Alice, however, is so self absorbed and, well, just obnoxious, she can turn off many readers. Fortunately, this novel redeems itself and it's main character when she has an epiphany following a disastrous birthday celebration for her mother.
There are some cringy passages in the book where Alice overshares about her rat's genitals and is kind of creepy in their relationship, but the overall theme of a self-absorbed, quirky teen coming into her own and breaking free from her obsessions resulted in my overall recommendation.
July 6, 2017
I don't know if it is because I am a runner, but I loved this book. I loved relating to Alice and her experiences with running. I loved the wisdom she gains over time and the people who shape her life and encourage her. Such a realistic experience! Fun story!!
January 29, 2020
Yes, it's a YA book. But get thee to your local bookstore and buy it now, even if you're well past shopping at Forever 21.
This book has truths to read and remember, wherever you are in your life.
I loved it. I bought if for those I love. I hope they love it, too.
This book has truths to read and remember, wherever you are in your life.
I loved it. I bought if for those I love. I hope they love it, too.
January 11, 2024
At 1st, this book doesn't seem like much, a self absorbed girl going on and on and on about her life and her problems and everything just about her! but keep going, the last 1/3 of the book has alot of beautiful messages. Made me quite emotional actually!
June 1, 2019
I love books about running or other physical activity. They are so motivating to me. I appreciate the way characters grow and figure themselves out a little better when they push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of. Usually pushing themselves physically begins to spill over into other parts of their lives. I admire Alice for her bravery. I want to be brave like her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews