What do you think?
Rate this book
You've Got the Map Backwards
A year removed from high school, lifelong friends Aisha Kinseya and Sarah Piedmont find themselves lost in different places. Struggling with depression, Sarah’s growing dependency on alcohol lands her in rehab. Aisha, in the midst of her second year of college, finds herself increasingly isolated as a crippling anxiety begins to overwhelm her.
Finding solace in familiarity, the two girls reunite only to have their friendship fracture. As they search for answers, Aisha and Sarah discover how relationships can change. How knowing someone your entire life doesn’t mean you know them forever, and how, if you want to grow, there are certain things you must leave behind.
Finding solace in familiarity, the two girls reunite only to have their friendship fracture. As they search for answers, Aisha and Sarah discover how relationships can change. How knowing someone your entire life doesn’t mean you know them forever, and how, if you want to grow, there are certain things you must leave behind.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
76 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 33 reviews
January 1, 2025
~ARC Review: You’ve Got the Map Backwards (My Last review of the year)❤️
Having the chance to dive into You’ve Got the Map Backwards through an ARC was truly a rewarding experience. I’m struck by how deeply this novella resonates with its themes of friendship, mental health, and personal transformation. In just a few pages, Brian Usobiaga manages to create a compelling, heartfelt story that stays with you long after reading.
Plot & Themes:
This novella centers around Aisha Kinseya and Sarah Piedmont, two friends navigating the complexities of early adulthood. Aisha is dealing with anxiety while facing the pressures of college, and Sarah is struggling to recover from addiction and depression. The story captures the delicate balance of their friendship as it withstands the trials of personal growth. It explores themes of resilience, healing, and the deep emotional connections that define us.
~Character Development:
Usobiaga’s characters feel incredibly real. Aisha and Sarah are imperfect and multi-dimensional, which makes their personal journeys all the more powerful. Their development is authentic—each struggling, growing, and finding strength in their own way, making them easy to connect with. The novella beautifully portrays the way friendships evolve under the weight of individual hardship and the undeniable support they offer.
~Writing Style & Pacing:
Usobiaga’s writing is fluid and engaging, with a lyrical quality that complements the emotional depth of the story. Though the novella plays with time shifts that might be slightly confusing at first, the shifts ultimately add an important layer to the narrative. The pacing is swift, as is often the case with novellas, but it doesn’t feel rushed—each moment is thoughtfully crafted, and the emotional beats hit just right.
~Emotional Impact:
This novella is emotionally stirring. The way Usobiaga handles mental health, addiction, and personal struggles is done with great care and respect. His portrayal of the complexity of emotions, especially in the context of friendship and self-discovery, is both moving and thought-provoking. You’ve Got the Map Backwards doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but does so in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
~Final Thoughts:
You’ve Got the Map Backwards is a touching, beautifully written novella that dives deep into the challenges of friendship, mental health, and the personal growth we experience on our journeys. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy stories of resilience and transformation, especially in the form of a short but impactful read.
A heartfelt thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this novella. I’m excited for others to experience this moving story.
This is my last review of 2024, and it feels like the perfect way to end the year—reflecting on growth, struggles, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Having the chance to dive into You’ve Got the Map Backwards through an ARC was truly a rewarding experience. I’m struck by how deeply this novella resonates with its themes of friendship, mental health, and personal transformation. In just a few pages, Brian Usobiaga manages to create a compelling, heartfelt story that stays with you long after reading.
Plot & Themes:
This novella centers around Aisha Kinseya and Sarah Piedmont, two friends navigating the complexities of early adulthood. Aisha is dealing with anxiety while facing the pressures of college, and Sarah is struggling to recover from addiction and depression. The story captures the delicate balance of their friendship as it withstands the trials of personal growth. It explores themes of resilience, healing, and the deep emotional connections that define us.
~Character Development:
Usobiaga’s characters feel incredibly real. Aisha and Sarah are imperfect and multi-dimensional, which makes their personal journeys all the more powerful. Their development is authentic—each struggling, growing, and finding strength in their own way, making them easy to connect with. The novella beautifully portrays the way friendships evolve under the weight of individual hardship and the undeniable support they offer.
~Writing Style & Pacing:
Usobiaga’s writing is fluid and engaging, with a lyrical quality that complements the emotional depth of the story. Though the novella plays with time shifts that might be slightly confusing at first, the shifts ultimately add an important layer to the narrative. The pacing is swift, as is often the case with novellas, but it doesn’t feel rushed—each moment is thoughtfully crafted, and the emotional beats hit just right.
~Emotional Impact:
This novella is emotionally stirring. The way Usobiaga handles mental health, addiction, and personal struggles is done with great care and respect. His portrayal of the complexity of emotions, especially in the context of friendship and self-discovery, is both moving and thought-provoking. You’ve Got the Map Backwards doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but does so in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
~Final Thoughts:
You’ve Got the Map Backwards is a touching, beautifully written novella that dives deep into the challenges of friendship, mental health, and the personal growth we experience on our journeys. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy stories of resilience and transformation, especially in the form of a short but impactful read.
A heartfelt thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this novella. I’m excited for others to experience this moving story.
This is my last review of 2024, and it feels like the perfect way to end the year—reflecting on growth, struggles, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Want to read
May 14, 2024Thank you Brian for a copy of your book to review! I am looking forward to reading this tonight 🤍
January 21, 2025
You've got the map backwards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Books sure do have a way of finding the readers, and creating a whole new meaning as a work for every different readers. I am still in a very big slump of both reading and writing reviews after real life happened, yet this book managed to spark up my joy of reading while I read it.
This short book follows mainly two characters both not in their best position in life. They struggle with realistic issues that I think many can relate to. Although short, I felt connected to the characters towards the end and saw the real essence of who they were through their imperfections.
"Failures" were openly addressed in this book, and the characters' reactions to them were real and honest. I could see the progress towards finding oneself through the failures.
It's been a pretty long while since I wrote a review, and I'm pretty aware that this reads like a poorly written essay for school. I will, uh, try to improve. Uh toodles.
Lastly, I'd like to express my gratitude to Brian, who provided me this book without a request for reviews, but hopes that his work will be read in Korea. It helped me to write an unbiased, honest review.
----------------------------------------
Pre read
I am back to reading after being immensely overwhelmed with real life!
Thank you Brian for providing me this book! I am not required to write a review, but will give an honest one anyway. I look forward to this!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Books sure do have a way of finding the readers, and creating a whole new meaning as a work for every different readers. I am still in a very big slump of both reading and writing reviews after real life happened, yet this book managed to spark up my joy of reading while I read it.
This short book follows mainly two characters both not in their best position in life. They struggle with realistic issues that I think many can relate to. Although short, I felt connected to the characters towards the end and saw the real essence of who they were through their imperfections.
"Failures" were openly addressed in this book, and the characters' reactions to them were real and honest. I could see the progress towards finding oneself through the failures.
It's been a pretty long while since I wrote a review, and I'm pretty aware that this reads like a poorly written essay for school. I will, uh, try to improve. Uh toodles.
Lastly, I'd like to express my gratitude to Brian, who provided me this book without a request for reviews, but hopes that his work will be read in Korea. It helped me to write an unbiased, honest review.
----------------------------------------
Pre read
I am back to reading after being immensely overwhelmed with real life!
Thank you Brian for providing me this book! I am not required to write a review, but will give an honest one anyway. I look forward to this!
May 25, 2025
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 3.5 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
"I'm always here for you and you're always there for me. We got this."
"At a certain point you just can't wait for people to say they believe in you. You do it for you."
having the chance to read this has been a great experience, and i'm truly grateful for it. i'd like to start off my review by saying that i'm surprised by how deep the themes were, as this is a short novella. the author brings attention to mental health and friendship, and overall creates a heartfelt story. the writing in this novella was easy to read and the story's pacing flowed well. the only thing that was slightly confusing were the time jumps, but you get used to them.
sarah and aisha both have their own struggles. sarah has problems with addiction, while aisha struggles with anxiety. the way the author portrays these characters feels so real. it was so refreshing reading about characters that have such realistic problems, as it made it easier to understand (when not relating) and connect with them.
i think if this novella was a bit longer it would've been even better. i would've liked to see the themes to be explored in more depth, and also aisha's relationship with tim, as he was helping her come out of her shell.
overall, recommend if you're looking for a palate cleanser that covers mental health and personal growth in the form of a short but meaningful read!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Brian Usobiaga for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
pre-read:
thank you to the author for personally reaching out to me and asking if i would like to read the arc of this book. this really means a lot to me!
"I'm always here for you and you're always there for me. We got this."
"At a certain point you just can't wait for people to say they believe in you. You do it for you."
having the chance to read this has been a great experience, and i'm truly grateful for it. i'd like to start off my review by saying that i'm surprised by how deep the themes were, as this is a short novella. the author brings attention to mental health and friendship, and overall creates a heartfelt story. the writing in this novella was easy to read and the story's pacing flowed well. the only thing that was slightly confusing were the time jumps, but you get used to them.
sarah and aisha both have their own struggles. sarah has problems with addiction, while aisha struggles with anxiety. the way the author portrays these characters feels so real. it was so refreshing reading about characters that have such realistic problems, as it made it easier to understand (when not relating) and connect with them.
i think if this novella was a bit longer it would've been even better. i would've liked to see the themes to be explored in more depth, and also aisha's relationship with tim, as he was helping her come out of her shell.
overall, recommend if you're looking for a palate cleanser that covers mental health and personal growth in the form of a short but meaningful read!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Brian Usobiaga for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
pre-read:
thank you to the author for personally reaching out to me and asking if i would like to read the arc of this book. this really means a lot to me!
December 2, 2024
I started reading this last night and found it so hard to stop, but alas, I was getting sleepy, so I finished it today instead. It's such an easy read, despite the topics covered, so you'll have no problems finishing it in one go.
The story was intriguing from the beginning, the way it started - it could've been a thriller!! But really, it's a book about two childhood friends figuring things out while dealing with different mental health issues.
Both Sarah and Ai-eesh (yes, I had to) felt like real people to me, and I could relate to them both.
I had a family member who was an alcoholic, and who unfortunately passed away from related issues, so Sarah's behaviours were familiar to me on a deeper level.
I so badly wanted her to succeed, to go back to rehab, but she kept messing up AAAAAAH. Did I feel like hugging her? Yes. Did I feel like throwing that burnt mac and cheese at her until she stopped drinking? Also yes.
Aisha meanwhile, struggles in school, unsure if she picked the right path for herself, and if that isn't me...I 100% picked the wrong major and I'm suffering, I get you Aisha.
She meets a boy named Tim who I wish had a bigger role in the story. He helps Aisha break out of her shell a bit, and keeps trying with her, the way she keeps showing up for Sarah.
I do feel like the book is a teensy bit short, because, while it does end on a happy note, not everything was resolved fully. I wouldn't have minded an extra chapter in between chapter 29 and the epilogue filling those blanks in.
But anyway, read this if you want to see mental health, addiction and homelessness be tackled properly, and in an approachable way for YA readers, and also if you want to read about a cool female friendship where one friend has awesome music taste *cough* kpop *cough*.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The story was intriguing from the beginning, the way it started - it could've been a thriller!! But really, it's a book about two childhood friends figuring things out while dealing with different mental health issues.
Both Sarah and Ai-eesh (yes, I had to) felt like real people to me, and I could relate to them both.
I had a family member who was an alcoholic, and who unfortunately passed away from related issues, so Sarah's behaviours were familiar to me on a deeper level.
I so badly wanted her to succeed, to go back to rehab, but she kept messing up AAAAAAH. Did I feel like hugging her? Yes. Did I feel like throwing that burnt mac and cheese at her until she stopped drinking? Also yes.
Aisha meanwhile, struggles in school, unsure if she picked the right path for herself, and if that isn't me...I 100% picked the wrong major and I'm suffering, I get you Aisha.
She meets a boy named Tim who I wish had a bigger role in the story. He helps Aisha break out of her shell a bit, and keeps trying with her, the way she keeps showing up for Sarah.
I do feel like the book is a teensy bit short, because, while it does end on a happy note, not everything was resolved fully. I wouldn't have minded an extra chapter in between chapter 29 and the epilogue filling those blanks in.
But anyway, read this if you want to see mental health, addiction and homelessness be tackled properly, and in an approachable way for YA readers, and also if you want to read about a cool female friendship where one friend has awesome music taste *cough* kpop *cough*.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
January 4, 2025
3 Stars and RTC shortly.
October 19, 2024
In You’ve Got the Map Backwards, Brian Usobiaga crafts a poignant exploration of friendship and mental health through the lives of Aisha Kinseya and Sarah Piedmont. A year after high school, Aisha grapples with anxiety in college while Sarah confronts her struggles with alcoholism in rehab. The dual narratives allow readers to deeply engage with their individual challenges and the evolution of their bond. Usobiaga authentically portrays their struggles, offering a raw and relatable depiction of mental health that resonates with many.
The novel excels in character development, showcasing Aisha and Sarah's growth as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and their shifting friendship. Usobiaga’s writing is clear and emotionally rich, balancing somber themes with moments of hope. The steady pacing keeps readers invested in their journeys, ultimately revealing that even as relationships evolve, there remains a path toward self-discovery and resilience. You’ve Got the Map Backwards serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the enduring nature of true friendship.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The novel excels in character development, showcasing Aisha and Sarah's growth as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and their shifting friendship. Usobiaga’s writing is clear and emotionally rich, balancing somber themes with moments of hope. The steady pacing keeps readers invested in their journeys, ultimately revealing that even as relationships evolve, there remains a path toward self-discovery and resilience. You’ve Got the Map Backwards serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the enduring nature of true friendship.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2024
ARC READ:
Loveddd the characters personalities
Kinda hard to decipher whose point of view it flips to for each chapter, I think it changes very chapter so you could keep up that way put it would be nice if they were labeled which POV you were in! But overall this book was super good!
I appreciate Brian for sending me his book to read. I overall really enjoyed this book!!
Loveddd the characters personalities
Kinda hard to decipher whose point of view it flips to for each chapter, I think it changes very chapter so you could keep up that way put it would be nice if they were labeled which POV you were in! But overall this book was super good!
I appreciate Brian for sending me his book to read. I overall really enjoyed this book!!
April 4, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens & Brian for giving me an advance reader copy.
We follow the story of both Aisha & Sarah throughout the book. Sarah grapples with a drinking problem and fluctuating mental health, while Aisha navigates the isolating landscape of anxiety during her second year of college.
Despite their complexities, the girls attempt to uphold their lifelong friendship, weathering numerous challenges along the way.
One commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Sarah's battle with alcoholism, which feels authentic and relatable. As someone who has personally struggled with similar issues, I found the depiction of her attitude and the consequences of addiction to be strikingly realistic. The story was sombre, but yet still engaging due to its simple writing style. It gave a good flow to the story.
I found myself resonating with the characters, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This writing style might not be for everyone, but it's definitely great for someone who isn't ready to read at a high level yet as a non-native speaker.
So overall the pacing was pretty nice, it wasn't slow but also not too fast either. The characters can feel a bit bland to some, but this could be attributed to the nature of mental illness, which often obscures one's sense of self until they find their way out.
In conclusion, "You've Got the Map Backwards" earns a rating of 4/5 from me.
We follow the story of both Aisha & Sarah throughout the book. Sarah grapples with a drinking problem and fluctuating mental health, while Aisha navigates the isolating landscape of anxiety during her second year of college.
Despite their complexities, the girls attempt to uphold their lifelong friendship, weathering numerous challenges along the way.
One commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Sarah's battle with alcoholism, which feels authentic and relatable. As someone who has personally struggled with similar issues, I found the depiction of her attitude and the consequences of addiction to be strikingly realistic. The story was sombre, but yet still engaging due to its simple writing style. It gave a good flow to the story.
I found myself resonating with the characters, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This writing style might not be for everyone, but it's definitely great for someone who isn't ready to read at a high level yet as a non-native speaker.
So overall the pacing was pretty nice, it wasn't slow but also not too fast either. The characters can feel a bit bland to some, but this could be attributed to the nature of mental illness, which often obscures one's sense of self until they find their way out.
In conclusion, "You've Got the Map Backwards" earns a rating of 4/5 from me.
March 21, 2024
**I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to follow, not too many characters, and the information was easy to digest. Finished in a day as it was a nice easy read. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters very much and found it very relatable.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to follow, not too many characters, and the information was easy to digest. Finished in a day as it was a nice easy read. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters very much and found it very relatable.
June 29, 2024
It’s been a while since I’ve encountered a book with such flawless storytelling—from beginning to end. There’s truly nothing to complain about. The pacing isn’t rushed or overly drawn out; it’s just right. I was immediately hooked from the start, and the balance between dialogue and description—a priority for me—was spot-on.
In my opinion, the portrayal of Sarah and Aisha’s friendship felt incredibly authentic, reminiscent of an oddball friend I had in high school. These characters were a joy to get to know. Aisha’s struggles—the strained relationship with her dad, feelings of being lost and depressed—resonated with me. As for Sarah, she was stubborn, free-spirited, and occasionally annoying, yet I couldn’t help but like her. And let’s not forget Tim—he was remarkably relatable, earning my admiration.
Overall, this read was amazing—it transported me back to my early college days. The story evoked gratitude for where I am now. Aisha and Sarah’s journey of growth and responsibility resonated deeply. If you appreciate friendship and self-development themes, this short read is a must. My sincere thanks to Brian Usobiaga for the ARC; I eagerly await for more future books.
In my opinion, the portrayal of Sarah and Aisha’s friendship felt incredibly authentic, reminiscent of an oddball friend I had in high school. These characters were a joy to get to know. Aisha’s struggles—the strained relationship with her dad, feelings of being lost and depressed—resonated with me. As for Sarah, she was stubborn, free-spirited, and occasionally annoying, yet I couldn’t help but like her. And let’s not forget Tim—he was remarkably relatable, earning my admiration.
Overall, this read was amazing—it transported me back to my early college days. The story evoked gratitude for where I am now. Aisha and Sarah’s journey of growth and responsibility resonated deeply. If you appreciate friendship and self-development themes, this short read is a must. My sincere thanks to Brian Usobiaga for the ARC; I eagerly await for more future books.
March 4, 2024
I recieved this book as a ARC and loved it. A strong story of childhood friends learning and growing both together and apart. Beautifully written and thought provoking. I absolutely adored this book, the meaning behind it, the characters, every single part of it. Truly beautiful and so necessary.
May 13, 2024
This book caught my attention from the very beginning, the story of two friends going through different struggles, trying to help each other while also being caught up in their own minds and issues. It is truly inspiring and it has such a beautiful message.
October 7, 2024
3.5 stars
You’ve Got The Map Backwards is a young adult contemporary story about two young women who were childhood friends and are now navigating their way into adulthood.
Aisha is struggling with anxiety at college; it is affecting her class presentation skills. Sarah dropped out of high school and cannot find her way. She turns to alcohol and her parents recently put her into rehab. The girls cling to their early friendship, but now everything is different.
The story pops back and forth between Sarah and Aisha while adding some chapters from earlier times to help fill back story. I was fairly invested in the storyline, but I was also left feeling that this was just a snippet of life for these two girls especially with the ending that was hinted at but was left quite open.
You’ve Got The Map Backwards is a young adult contemporary story about two young women who were childhood friends and are now navigating their way into adulthood.
Aisha is struggling with anxiety at college; it is affecting her class presentation skills. Sarah dropped out of high school and cannot find her way. She turns to alcohol and her parents recently put her into rehab. The girls cling to their early friendship, but now everything is different.
The story pops back and forth between Sarah and Aisha while adding some chapters from earlier times to help fill back story. I was fairly invested in the storyline, but I was also left feeling that this was just a snippet of life for these two girls especially with the ending that was hinted at but was left quite open.
February 26, 2024
Rating: 4.8/5
Character Development:
In "You've Got The Map Backwards," Brian Usobiaga introduces readers to Aisha Kinseya and Sarah Piedmont, lifelong friends navigating the complexities of post-high school life. Through vivid characterization, Usobiaga expertly explores the inner turmoil and evolving dynamics between the two protagonists. Sarah's struggles with depression and alcohol dependency are portrayed with raw authenticity, while Aisha's battle with anxiety offers a poignant depiction of mental health challenges. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the profound transformation and growth of both characters, as they confront their inner demons and redefine their identities. Usobiaga's nuanced portrayal of Aisha and Sarah's journey towards self-discovery is both compelling and emotionally resonant, captivating readers until the very end.
Themes and Exploration:
"You've Got The Map Backwards" delves into themes of friendship, mental health, and the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood. Usobiaga skillfully navigates the complexities of mental illness and addiction, shedding light on the profound impact they have on individuals and relationships. Through Aisha and Sarah's intertwined narratives, the author explores the transformative power of self-awareness and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the nature of friendship, the challenges of navigating mental health struggles, and the inherent strength found in vulnerability and self-acceptance.
Plot and Pacing:
The narrative unfolds with a steady pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Aisha and Sarah's respective journeys of self-discovery. Usobiaga crafts a compelling plot that seamlessly interweaves moments of introspection, emotional turmoil, and profound revelation. The gradual unraveling of the characters' inner conflicts is masterfully executed, keeping readers engaged and invested in their trajectories. The novel's well-paced narrative ensures that pivotal moments of growth and revelation are met with resonance and emotional impact, driving the story forward with palpable tension and depth.
Writing Style:
Brian Usobiaga employs a poignant and evocative writing style that resonates with emotional depth and authenticity. The prose is imbued with rich imagery and introspective reflections, capturing the nuances of Aisha and Sarah's internal struggles with sensitivity and grace. The author's ability to evoke empathy and understanding for the characters' experiences is a testament to his narrative prowess. Usobiaga's writing style strikes a delicate balance between poignancy and resilience, creating a compelling narrative that lingers in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final page.
Conclusion:
"You've Got The Map Backwards" is a poignant and compelling exploration of friendship, mental health, and the journey towards self-discovery. Brian Usobiaga's nuanced characterization, thoughtful exploration of themes, and evocative writing style combine to create a profoundly moving narrative that resonates on a deep emotional level. Through Aisha and Sarah's tumultuous journey, readers are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-acceptance. This novel is a poignant testament to the complexities of the human experience and the enduring strength found in the bonds of friendship and self-discovery.
Character Development:
In "You've Got The Map Backwards," Brian Usobiaga introduces readers to Aisha Kinseya and Sarah Piedmont, lifelong friends navigating the complexities of post-high school life. Through vivid characterization, Usobiaga expertly explores the inner turmoil and evolving dynamics between the two protagonists. Sarah's struggles with depression and alcohol dependency are portrayed with raw authenticity, while Aisha's battle with anxiety offers a poignant depiction of mental health challenges. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the profound transformation and growth of both characters, as they confront their inner demons and redefine their identities. Usobiaga's nuanced portrayal of Aisha and Sarah's journey towards self-discovery is both compelling and emotionally resonant, captivating readers until the very end.
Themes and Exploration:
"You've Got The Map Backwards" delves into themes of friendship, mental health, and the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood. Usobiaga skillfully navigates the complexities of mental illness and addiction, shedding light on the profound impact they have on individuals and relationships. Through Aisha and Sarah's intertwined narratives, the author explores the transformative power of self-awareness and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the nature of friendship, the challenges of navigating mental health struggles, and the inherent strength found in vulnerability and self-acceptance.
Plot and Pacing:
The narrative unfolds with a steady pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Aisha and Sarah's respective journeys of self-discovery. Usobiaga crafts a compelling plot that seamlessly interweaves moments of introspection, emotional turmoil, and profound revelation. The gradual unraveling of the characters' inner conflicts is masterfully executed, keeping readers engaged and invested in their trajectories. The novel's well-paced narrative ensures that pivotal moments of growth and revelation are met with resonance and emotional impact, driving the story forward with palpable tension and depth.
Writing Style:
Brian Usobiaga employs a poignant and evocative writing style that resonates with emotional depth and authenticity. The prose is imbued with rich imagery and introspective reflections, capturing the nuances of Aisha and Sarah's internal struggles with sensitivity and grace. The author's ability to evoke empathy and understanding for the characters' experiences is a testament to his narrative prowess. Usobiaga's writing style strikes a delicate balance between poignancy and resilience, creating a compelling narrative that lingers in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final page.
Conclusion:
"You've Got The Map Backwards" is a poignant and compelling exploration of friendship, mental health, and the journey towards self-discovery. Brian Usobiaga's nuanced characterization, thoughtful exploration of themes, and evocative writing style combine to create a profoundly moving narrative that resonates on a deep emotional level. Through Aisha and Sarah's tumultuous journey, readers are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-acceptance. This novel is a poignant testament to the complexities of the human experience and the enduring strength found in the bonds of friendship and self-discovery.
May 9, 2024
The story is very well written. For a YA you addressed the issues of Alcoholism and what it does to families, friends and lives. I felt you touched on a topic that is not normally discussed very well. The pain and suffering that both parties experience is very valid and I feel you did a very good job of doing that. I admire your willingness to write about a very deep issue with Teens, YA and College age readers.
I felt the author's ability to address failure and fear we experience in life, especially as we reach the 16 to 24 year age range. I thought the characters are well thought out and convey a sense of realism and pain without gory details. The author managed to find a balance between and kept readers in mind.
The author broke open a can of truth with this story, and one I hope that others will take to heart, that there is hope and there is healing, even if it takes time.
I feel I would give the book 5 stars. But I also feel that there is a lot of character development that can happen in the story. I want to know more about the parents, and why the girls feel so abandoned. I think fleshing out the characters in more depth will really enrich the story itself. This is not always easy, but possible.
I think the character's flaws were understandable, but again a bit more depth into those flaws would bring a connection that I feel is needed in stories.
There were a few scenes that I felt should have been impactful on the MC's adult life, but they were not clear, and missing more information that would have made that scene more understandable in the overall story.
I felt that location descriptions were missing, and a sense of home for the MC's was not well shown or expressed. The author addressed homelessness and I feel that it could have been expanded more. I wanted to understand better why one of MC's felt safer couch surfing or homeless than she did with her family.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I hope the author continues to write!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt the author's ability to address failure and fear we experience in life, especially as we reach the 16 to 24 year age range. I thought the characters are well thought out and convey a sense of realism and pain without gory details. The author managed to find a balance between and kept readers in mind.
The author broke open a can of truth with this story, and one I hope that others will take to heart, that there is hope and there is healing, even if it takes time.
I feel I would give the book 5 stars. But I also feel that there is a lot of character development that can happen in the story. I want to know more about the parents, and why the girls feel so abandoned. I think fleshing out the characters in more depth will really enrich the story itself. This is not always easy, but possible.
I think the character's flaws were understandable, but again a bit more depth into those flaws would bring a connection that I feel is needed in stories.
There were a few scenes that I felt should have been impactful on the MC's adult life, but they were not clear, and missing more information that would have made that scene more understandable in the overall story.
I felt that location descriptions were missing, and a sense of home for the MC's was not well shown or expressed. The author addressed homelessness and I feel that it could have been expanded more. I wanted to understand better why one of MC's felt safer couch surfing or homeless than she did with her family.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I hope the author continues to write!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2024
An accomplished YA debut.
This short novel explores the effects of addiction, depression and anxiety on two young women who have been best friends since childhood but whose lives, and friendship, are at a crossroads.
It is a coming-of-age drama showing the value of human connections, empathy and never giving up, and the enduring power of a parent’s love.
The characters each have their own demons to battle: alcoholism, fractured family relationships, low self-esteem and a lack of direction and purpose.
While the origins of the mental health issues of both characters aren’t explored, they are hinted at. The novel has a positive ending and despite the conflicts not being fully resolved, the reader is left with the sense that they will be; that the girls will be okay.
The writing is direct and engaging and the characters and dialogue are realistic and relatable. The difficult themes are treated with sensitivity and the depiction of the daily struggles of the homeless is particularly well done.
4.5 stars
This short novel explores the effects of addiction, depression and anxiety on two young women who have been best friends since childhood but whose lives, and friendship, are at a crossroads.
It is a coming-of-age drama showing the value of human connections, empathy and never giving up, and the enduring power of a parent’s love.
The characters each have their own demons to battle: alcoholism, fractured family relationships, low self-esteem and a lack of direction and purpose.
While the origins of the mental health issues of both characters aren’t explored, they are hinted at. The novel has a positive ending and despite the conflicts not being fully resolved, the reader is left with the sense that they will be; that the girls will be okay.
The writing is direct and engaging and the characters and dialogue are realistic and relatable. The difficult themes are treated with sensitivity and the depiction of the daily struggles of the homeless is particularly well done.
4.5 stars
February 2, 2025
This book was great! I found myself delightfully surprised at how well the author captured the complexities of each character. The intricacies of the friendship between Aisha and Sarah were spot on and done beautifully.
The book really shines a light on the damaging affects of secrets, addiction, broken homes, and so much more while also making you realize that none of those things have to truly define these characters as long as they don’t allow them to.
It’s a friendship that you will root for one moment and maybe think it’s best that they separate the next. But ultimately you will feel the love between the two and the impactful writing will truly allow you to soak in the overwhelming sense of guilt, shame, and brokenness that one of the friends constantly struggles with. Overall, this book feels important, it reminds you that everything is not what it seems and no one is beyond redemption. It also teaches you that you can’t force someone to change and to never allow your well being to fall while trying to help someone who’s not willing to help themselves. It has emotions/situations every person who reads this book will relate to and anyone who has loved/loves someone with an addiction will feel a profound sense of empathy toward these characters.
This book might be tiny in the sense of page numbers but it is powerful and moving. Highly recommend to anyone!💖
Thank you to the author, Brian, for sharing your work with me and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
The book really shines a light on the damaging affects of secrets, addiction, broken homes, and so much more while also making you realize that none of those things have to truly define these characters as long as they don’t allow them to.
It’s a friendship that you will root for one moment and maybe think it’s best that they separate the next. But ultimately you will feel the love between the two and the impactful writing will truly allow you to soak in the overwhelming sense of guilt, shame, and brokenness that one of the friends constantly struggles with. Overall, this book feels important, it reminds you that everything is not what it seems and no one is beyond redemption. It also teaches you that you can’t force someone to change and to never allow your well being to fall while trying to help someone who’s not willing to help themselves. It has emotions/situations every person who reads this book will relate to and anyone who has loved/loves someone with an addiction will feel a profound sense of empathy toward these characters.
This book might be tiny in the sense of page numbers but it is powerful and moving. Highly recommend to anyone!💖
Thank you to the author, Brian, for sharing your work with me and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
December 31, 2024
Thank you Brian Usobiaga for a copy of You've Got the Map Backwards in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars
I wanted another quick read before the end of the year and You've Got the Map Backwards was the perfect choice. Being a shorter book, it was quick to get the world and follow each of the characters.
As it talks about friendships and adulthood, we follow Aisha and Sara in their own lives and together, where different struggles define their views on what life is and what it could be.
Although I found it a quick read, I found it difficult to understand what was going on in the first few chapters, as I also didn't connect with one of the main characters. What the characters were facing was what kept me interested and kept me reading.
The writing was easy to understand and there were only a couple of small situations that didn't make much sense to me, but overall it was a great book! If it could have been a little longer, with time to linger on specific moments or themes, I think my rating would have been higher!
3.75 stars
I wanted another quick read before the end of the year and You've Got the Map Backwards was the perfect choice. Being a shorter book, it was quick to get the world and follow each of the characters.
As it talks about friendships and adulthood, we follow Aisha and Sara in their own lives and together, where different struggles define their views on what life is and what it could be.
Although I found it a quick read, I found it difficult to understand what was going on in the first few chapters, as I also didn't connect with one of the main characters. What the characters were facing was what kept me interested and kept me reading.
The writing was easy to understand and there were only a couple of small situations that didn't make much sense to me, but overall it was a great book! If it could have been a little longer, with time to linger on specific moments or themes, I think my rating would have been higher!
May 2, 2025
A quick and enjoyable read that made the characters feel very real, very quickly. The book plays around with your emotions changing between when you are rooting for Sarah or begin to resent her. Very good, really enjoyed it!
April 15, 2024
A touching story with likeable characters. The author kept my attention throughout the entire book even though it's not a genre I usually read.
January 28, 2025
*Thank you Brian for giving me a free copy of your book to read and review :)* - all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Really enjoyed this book; so much so that I read it all in one day. I love the friendship between Sarah and Aisha, and although life gets hard for them both dealing with various issues, I love the friendship they share, along with the honesty and openness to admit on things they need to work on.
I do feel like Sarah was mainly the focus of this book? I would have loved to read more about Aisha and her journey with uni and figuring things out, to see how her relationship further develops with Tim and her father arc - just like how Sarah sort of reconciled with her family, I felt like Aisha’s arc was underdeveloped and not as elaborate as Sarah’s arc.
I did like reading the book, it was easy to follow and I was definitely invested in the story.
4/5 stars
Really enjoyed this book; so much so that I read it all in one day. I love the friendship between Sarah and Aisha, and although life gets hard for them both dealing with various issues, I love the friendship they share, along with the honesty and openness to admit on things they need to work on.
I do feel like Sarah was mainly the focus of this book? I would have loved to read more about Aisha and her journey with uni and figuring things out, to see how her relationship further develops with Tim and her father arc - just like how Sarah sort of reconciled with her family, I felt like Aisha’s arc was underdeveloped and not as elaborate as Sarah’s arc.
I did like reading the book, it was easy to follow and I was definitely invested in the story.
4/5 stars
April 16, 2025
Thank you Brian for providing a free copy for review!! It was a pleasure to read your work.
2.5 Stars
Usobiaga’s You’ve Got The Map Backwards follows Aisha and Sarah, two lifelong friends who are now growing into adulthood and going separate pathways. While Aisha is struggling in college, Sarah struggles with her drinking. Both find themselves at a crossroads – how can their friendship continue when one friend is hurting herself and the other cannot do more than stand by and watch. They both want the best for each other, but how does that look in these circumstances and is the best really being by each other’s side?
“The white walls, the white sheets, the white tile, the white light, the standard issue pajamas, all the countertops, even the paint on the radiator. It surrounded her, covered her, made her skin crawl, her current environment’s unflinching insistence upon absolute sterility—a pristine facade that did nothing to settle the truth about how dirty this place really made her feel.”
Usobiaga chose an important narrative for this book, which is hugely interesting to read and a challenge to write.
Usobiaga has outdone himself in the creation of his characters, who are fully-fledged and true individuals with odd ticks (Butter in coffee anyone?), extensive histories, likes and dislikes and humour. I truly enjoyed getting to know Aisha and Sarah and the other characters. One of my absolute favourite storylines/interactions to read about in this book was that between Aisha and Tim, one of her classmates. I giggled and kicked up my feet while reading like a little girl and only good authors can evoke that in a reader. It is also full of humour! One of my favourite quotes reads:
“The money inside could be her ticket to freedom. Or, at the very least, a cheeseburger.”
I did have one character that I think could have gotten some more “page-time”, so to say. I think that Sarah’s struggles may have been a bit too simplified. I would have loved to have gotten more background into her story, insight into her mind and what happens behind her actions. I found the portrayal of her struggles, with alcohol particularly, a little too surface level. It was clearly established that she would go for a drink in moments of stress but most of her story and context for that did not go too much further. I think there is a lot more to explore here that I would have loved to hear from the writer!
Staying with the characters, at times I felt that their insider jokes are too specific and are unrelatable to me. It might be because I am not American, but even the flashbacks to show the long relationship and background of Aisha and Sarah at times are so specific to one experience or joke and that did not really pick me up – I felt a little left out of the story here. I wanted to laugh along them but I did not understand what they were laughing about!
This book is very dialogue heavy – while it’s not my personal preference that in itself is completely fine! I do think at times it adds to the FOMO (fear of missing out) feeling as it puts the reader into a very observatory position. As a script for a film or so this would be great – the dialogue is well written and feels very natural and realistic, but it does leave me feeling as though I am missing some insights while reading. I would have loved to have seen longer non-dialogue bits! Overall, I think I would have liked to see Usobiaga take a little more time and space with this story. Adding in more context, more background, more inner thoughts and workings and really giving this story the space to breathe would have made it that more engaging!
At times I felt the narrative was not quite consistent and took you out of the story. It seems as though the narratives, specifically from Sarah’s and Aisha’s perspectives, wander off into a narrative that is closer to that of an outside spectator or narrator commenting on the happenings with added insight that I haven’t seen Sarah or Aisha necessarily gain while reading. Many realisations that are communicated this way feel like things one might realise through therapy or hear from popular science or self help books, my issue here is, Aisha or Sarah do not engage with anything of the sort, so these neat and tidy conclusions feel a little too perfect for where they are at!
For me, it also contrasts too heavily with other parts of the book that are written very colloquially and casually, using abbreviations (e.g. Comp Lit), spoken language (e.g 24/7) and filler words like just. This reflects Sarah and Aisha really well, as they would likely use this kind of language. But then switching to really neat or even literary/poetic at times is too big of a switch for me to really get lost in the narrative. I would have liked to have seen a more consistent voice/narrative! I am also personally not a big fan of writing numerically instead of writing out the numbers in letters – it takes me out of the reading flow a little bit but that’s just personal preference!
Following on from that, there are many great uses of symbolisms or analogies in this text. That being said, I find it such a shame that at times they will be played down with words like “almost”. I would have loved to see more confidence in the writer’s own voice, really running with the examples and symbolisms and analogies, don’t make them and then play them down but really commit to them so the reader can commit too!
Having said that, I am being critical to be constructive - because I think this work is great and I see lots more potential to make it even better!
Thank you so much again Brian, for sharing your work with us, the readers! It was a pleasure.
2.5 Stars
Usobiaga’s You’ve Got The Map Backwards follows Aisha and Sarah, two lifelong friends who are now growing into adulthood and going separate pathways. While Aisha is struggling in college, Sarah struggles with her drinking. Both find themselves at a crossroads – how can their friendship continue when one friend is hurting herself and the other cannot do more than stand by and watch. They both want the best for each other, but how does that look in these circumstances and is the best really being by each other’s side?
“The white walls, the white sheets, the white tile, the white light, the standard issue pajamas, all the countertops, even the paint on the radiator. It surrounded her, covered her, made her skin crawl, her current environment’s unflinching insistence upon absolute sterility—a pristine facade that did nothing to settle the truth about how dirty this place really made her feel.”
Usobiaga chose an important narrative for this book, which is hugely interesting to read and a challenge to write.
Usobiaga has outdone himself in the creation of his characters, who are fully-fledged and true individuals with odd ticks (Butter in coffee anyone?), extensive histories, likes and dislikes and humour. I truly enjoyed getting to know Aisha and Sarah and the other characters. One of my absolute favourite storylines/interactions to read about in this book was that between Aisha and Tim, one of her classmates. I giggled and kicked up my feet while reading like a little girl and only good authors can evoke that in a reader. It is also full of humour! One of my favourite quotes reads:
“The money inside could be her ticket to freedom. Or, at the very least, a cheeseburger.”
I did have one character that I think could have gotten some more “page-time”, so to say. I think that Sarah’s struggles may have been a bit too simplified. I would have loved to have gotten more background into her story, insight into her mind and what happens behind her actions. I found the portrayal of her struggles, with alcohol particularly, a little too surface level. It was clearly established that she would go for a drink in moments of stress but most of her story and context for that did not go too much further. I think there is a lot more to explore here that I would have loved to hear from the writer!
Staying with the characters, at times I felt that their insider jokes are too specific and are unrelatable to me. It might be because I am not American, but even the flashbacks to show the long relationship and background of Aisha and Sarah at times are so specific to one experience or joke and that did not really pick me up – I felt a little left out of the story here. I wanted to laugh along them but I did not understand what they were laughing about!
This book is very dialogue heavy – while it’s not my personal preference that in itself is completely fine! I do think at times it adds to the FOMO (fear of missing out) feeling as it puts the reader into a very observatory position. As a script for a film or so this would be great – the dialogue is well written and feels very natural and realistic, but it does leave me feeling as though I am missing some insights while reading. I would have loved to have seen longer non-dialogue bits! Overall, I think I would have liked to see Usobiaga take a little more time and space with this story. Adding in more context, more background, more inner thoughts and workings and really giving this story the space to breathe would have made it that more engaging!
At times I felt the narrative was not quite consistent and took you out of the story. It seems as though the narratives, specifically from Sarah’s and Aisha’s perspectives, wander off into a narrative that is closer to that of an outside spectator or narrator commenting on the happenings with added insight that I haven’t seen Sarah or Aisha necessarily gain while reading. Many realisations that are communicated this way feel like things one might realise through therapy or hear from popular science or self help books, my issue here is, Aisha or Sarah do not engage with anything of the sort, so these neat and tidy conclusions feel a little too perfect for where they are at!
For me, it also contrasts too heavily with other parts of the book that are written very colloquially and casually, using abbreviations (e.g. Comp Lit), spoken language (e.g 24/7) and filler words like just. This reflects Sarah and Aisha really well, as they would likely use this kind of language. But then switching to really neat or even literary/poetic at times is too big of a switch for me to really get lost in the narrative. I would have liked to have seen a more consistent voice/narrative! I am also personally not a big fan of writing numerically instead of writing out the numbers in letters – it takes me out of the reading flow a little bit but that’s just personal preference!
Following on from that, there are many great uses of symbolisms or analogies in this text. That being said, I find it such a shame that at times they will be played down with words like “almost”. I would have loved to see more confidence in the writer’s own voice, really running with the examples and symbolisms and analogies, don’t make them and then play them down but really commit to them so the reader can commit too!
Having said that, I am being critical to be constructive - because I think this work is great and I see lots more potential to make it even better!
Thank you so much again Brian, for sharing your work with us, the readers! It was a pleasure.
March 14, 2025
This book was a breath of fresh air.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I was impressed by the author’s writing style throughout—like I would genuinely love to read another book by this author again in whatever genre because the writing appealed to me greatly.
You’ve Got The Map Backwards by Brian Usobiaga is a young adult contemporary novel following the story of two lifelong best friends, Aisha and Sarah. They’ve essentially known each other for their entire lives, all but joined at the hip, but now that they’re both young adults, their lives look quite dissimilar to one another’s.
Aisha is in college, struggling through a finance degree that she doesn’t really like. I also got the sense that Aisha was lonely, with not that many friends besides Sarah. She lives by herself in an off-campus apartment near her college and her father is implied to support her financially while not being emotionally there for her.
Sarah, on the other hand, is a high school drop-out. When we first meet her, she’s going through rehab to help with her alcoholism. Sarah seems like a lost soul, someone who wants to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Sarah’s alcoholism is the driving force behind this novel as the two best friends must grapple with their tough realities all while navigating their friendship which has now entered some rocky, murky territory. It’s clear that Aisha wants the best for her friend. But does Sarah want the best for herself, too?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I was impressed by the author’s writing style throughout—like I would genuinely love to read another book by this author again in whatever genre because the writing appealed to me greatly.
You’ve Got The Map Backwards by Brian Usobiaga is a young adult contemporary novel following the story of two lifelong best friends, Aisha and Sarah. They’ve essentially known each other for their entire lives, all but joined at the hip, but now that they’re both young adults, their lives look quite dissimilar to one another’s.
Aisha is in college, struggling through a finance degree that she doesn’t really like. I also got the sense that Aisha was lonely, with not that many friends besides Sarah. She lives by herself in an off-campus apartment near her college and her father is implied to support her financially while not being emotionally there for her.
Sarah, on the other hand, is a high school drop-out. When we first meet her, she’s going through rehab to help with her alcoholism. Sarah seems like a lost soul, someone who wants to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Sarah’s alcoholism is the driving force behind this novel as the two best friends must grapple with their tough realities all while navigating their friendship which has now entered some rocky, murky territory. It’s clear that Aisha wants the best for her friend. But does Sarah want the best for herself, too?
May 24, 2025
Growth often means letting go of things, even when it hurts!
TROPES:
- Friends to Strangers (or Drifting Apart)
- Coming-of-Age/Self-Discovery
- Mental Health Struggles
- Growth Through Pain (characters are experiencing emotional pain (depression, anxiety, friendship fracture)
I just closed the last page of this book and the two main characters here are still with me. Aisha and Sarah! I was just thinking about this story and what really got me was how down-to-earth and real it felt. It really nailed that awkward, often messy time right after high school. Suddenly, you're out in the real world and you have to figure everything out on your own. It's such a tough transition... and I think this story really captured all the struggles and uncertainties that come with it.
Here are 3 thoughts I had while reading Aisha and Sarah's story:
📌 THOUGHT 1: One thing that really stuck with me was how the author (Brian Usobiaga) handled Sarah's struggles with depression and alcohol. And of course...Aisha's intense anxiety. They didn't shy away from any of it, which I really appreciated. A lot of young adults deal with those kinds of challenges. The story explored them in a way that felt incredibly honest and real.
📌 THOUGHT 2: What really resonated with me was how their friendship evolved. You know how you have those friends you've known forever, and you just assume things will stay the same? Maam, this book dives deep into that idea! It shows how Aisha and Sarah learn that even though they've known each other their whole lives, it DOESN'T MEAN they truly know everything about each other or that their friendship will STAY THE SAME. It definitely makes you reflect on your own relationships and how they naturally evolve as you and your friends grow.
📌 THOUGHT 3: I found myself rooting for both of them even when they were making tough choices. Growth often means letting go of things, even when it hurts. Aisha and Sarah's struggles felt very real to me. They made me think about my own life and the friends who've helped me become who I am TODAY. Their story beautifully shows that TRUE FRIENDSHIP isn't about always agreeing. Instead, it's about helping each other grow even when your lives go in different directions. It showed that "change" is a mix of sad and hopeful feelings. You feel sad about what you leave behind, BUT also excited about what's coming. It really made me value how rich and beautiful our connections with people can be.
So to all readers here... if you're looking for a book that's NOT AFRAID to get real about messy parts of growing up, definitely pick this one up! This is a must-read that will get you thinking about friendship, mental health, and tough but important journey or I would say... NECESSARY PROCESS of finding yourself. You won't be disappointed!
---------
NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. I received a free copy of this book from the author. A big thank you to Brian Usobiaga for the opportunity to read this wonderful story.
TROPES:
- Friends to Strangers (or Drifting Apart)
- Coming-of-Age/Self-Discovery
- Mental Health Struggles
- Growth Through Pain (characters are experiencing emotional pain (depression, anxiety, friendship fracture)
I just closed the last page of this book and the two main characters here are still with me. Aisha and Sarah! I was just thinking about this story and what really got me was how down-to-earth and real it felt. It really nailed that awkward, often messy time right after high school. Suddenly, you're out in the real world and you have to figure everything out on your own. It's such a tough transition... and I think this story really captured all the struggles and uncertainties that come with it.
Here are 3 thoughts I had while reading Aisha and Sarah's story:
📌 THOUGHT 1: One thing that really stuck with me was how the author (Brian Usobiaga) handled Sarah's struggles with depression and alcohol. And of course...Aisha's intense anxiety. They didn't shy away from any of it, which I really appreciated. A lot of young adults deal with those kinds of challenges. The story explored them in a way that felt incredibly honest and real.
📌 THOUGHT 2: What really resonated with me was how their friendship evolved. You know how you have those friends you've known forever, and you just assume things will stay the same? Maam, this book dives deep into that idea! It shows how Aisha and Sarah learn that even though they've known each other their whole lives, it DOESN'T MEAN they truly know everything about each other or that their friendship will STAY THE SAME. It definitely makes you reflect on your own relationships and how they naturally evolve as you and your friends grow.
📌 THOUGHT 3: I found myself rooting for both of them even when they were making tough choices. Growth often means letting go of things, even when it hurts. Aisha and Sarah's struggles felt very real to me. They made me think about my own life and the friends who've helped me become who I am TODAY. Their story beautifully shows that TRUE FRIENDSHIP isn't about always agreeing. Instead, it's about helping each other grow even when your lives go in different directions. It showed that "change" is a mix of sad and hopeful feelings. You feel sad about what you leave behind, BUT also excited about what's coming. It really made me value how rich and beautiful our connections with people can be.
So to all readers here... if you're looking for a book that's NOT AFRAID to get real about messy parts of growing up, definitely pick this one up! This is a must-read that will get you thinking about friendship, mental health, and tough but important journey or I would say... NECESSARY PROCESS of finding yourself. You won't be disappointed!
---------
NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. I received a free copy of this book from the author. A big thank you to Brian Usobiaga for the opportunity to read this wonderful story.
January 19, 2025
3.5 stars
“You've Got the Map Backwards’ presents a poignant narrative centered around the friendship between two contrasting characters. While the novella’s brevity lends itself to a quick, fast-paced read, it unfortunately lacks the depth needed to fully develop its characters and plot.
Strengths:
The premise of the story is compelling, focusing on the friendship between two very different girls. The writing is straightforward, making it an easy read. Aisha, one of the protagonists, is particularly well-crafted; her journey of self-discovery and resilience is engaging and heartening. Her steady growth and determination provide a strong anchor for the story.
Weaknesses:
However, Sarah’s character falls short. Similar to the protagonist in Paula Hawkins' “The Girl on the Train”, for me Sarah's character was difficult to connect with due to her constant substance abuse. While it is clear that Sarah is navigating a challenging period in her late teens, portraying herself as a victim makes it hard to find redeeming qualities in her character.
Additionally, the frequent time shifts disrupted the flow of the story, which led to confusion and a disjointed reading experience. The lack of multi-layered characters further hampered my ability to feel invested in them or their lives.
Themes:
Despite these shortcomings, Usobiaga addresses significant themes such as teenage friendship, anxiety, alcoholism, responsibility, and the transition from high school to college, with care and sensitivity. The introspections of both characters, especially in the final chapters, are well-written and compelling, providing thoughtful reflections on these issues.
Conclusion:
“You've Got the Map Backwards” serves as a good palate cleanser after reading heavier material. While it may not offer substantial character depth or a complex plot, its straightforward writing and exploration of important themes make it a worthwhile read for those seeking a light yet meaningful narrative.
“You've Got the Map Backwards’ presents a poignant narrative centered around the friendship between two contrasting characters. While the novella’s brevity lends itself to a quick, fast-paced read, it unfortunately lacks the depth needed to fully develop its characters and plot.
Strengths:
The premise of the story is compelling, focusing on the friendship between two very different girls. The writing is straightforward, making it an easy read. Aisha, one of the protagonists, is particularly well-crafted; her journey of self-discovery and resilience is engaging and heartening. Her steady growth and determination provide a strong anchor for the story.
Weaknesses:
However, Sarah’s character falls short. Similar to the protagonist in Paula Hawkins' “The Girl on the Train”, for me Sarah's character was difficult to connect with due to her constant substance abuse. While it is clear that Sarah is navigating a challenging period in her late teens, portraying herself as a victim makes it hard to find redeeming qualities in her character.
Additionally, the frequent time shifts disrupted the flow of the story, which led to confusion and a disjointed reading experience. The lack of multi-layered characters further hampered my ability to feel invested in them or their lives.
Themes:
Despite these shortcomings, Usobiaga addresses significant themes such as teenage friendship, anxiety, alcoholism, responsibility, and the transition from high school to college, with care and sensitivity. The introspections of both characters, especially in the final chapters, are well-written and compelling, providing thoughtful reflections on these issues.
Conclusion:
“You've Got the Map Backwards” serves as a good palate cleanser after reading heavier material. While it may not offer substantial character depth or a complex plot, its straightforward writing and exploration of important themes make it a worthwhile read for those seeking a light yet meaningful narrative.
April 6, 2025
Change is an inevitable part of life.
One of the hardest things about the transition from high school to early adulthood is how much even the closest friendships can evolve as everyone goes off in different directions. This isn’t a topic I’ve seen covered that often in the young adult genre, and I hope it will spark a trend. Aisha and Sarah were both caught off-guard by the changes to their friendship and didn’t know how to react to them at first which was something I could relate to. I nodded along as they realized their lives were taking them on separate paths and wondered if they’d figure out new ways to relate to each other now that they didn’t have the same classes, teachers, goals, or daily routines to shape their experiences.
It would have been helpful to have more details in this story. I found it difficult to picture things like the characters, settings, or conversations because of how little time was spent showing the audience what the characters were like or how they interacted with each other and their environments. As much as I wanted to give this one a higher rating, this was an impediment to that as my imagination could only fill in so many details about what it would be like to walk alongside Sarah and Aisha as they adjusted to their first taste of adulthood.
With that being said, I did appreciate having protagonists who didn’t know for sure what their next steps were going to be. Many books in this genre include characters who have elaborate plans for the future they’ve been dreaming about for years. While that’s nice to read about, too, not everyone has a ten-step plan for success so early in life, and I found these characters’ uncertainty refreshing. Life is an adventure, so there is something to be said for being open to multiple possibilities while one tries to figure out what they really want.
You’ve Got the Map Backwards made me smile.
One of the hardest things about the transition from high school to early adulthood is how much even the closest friendships can evolve as everyone goes off in different directions. This isn’t a topic I’ve seen covered that often in the young adult genre, and I hope it will spark a trend. Aisha and Sarah were both caught off-guard by the changes to their friendship and didn’t know how to react to them at first which was something I could relate to. I nodded along as they realized their lives were taking them on separate paths and wondered if they’d figure out new ways to relate to each other now that they didn’t have the same classes, teachers, goals, or daily routines to shape their experiences.
It would have been helpful to have more details in this story. I found it difficult to picture things like the characters, settings, or conversations because of how little time was spent showing the audience what the characters were like or how they interacted with each other and their environments. As much as I wanted to give this one a higher rating, this was an impediment to that as my imagination could only fill in so many details about what it would be like to walk alongside Sarah and Aisha as they adjusted to their first taste of adulthood.
With that being said, I did appreciate having protagonists who didn’t know for sure what their next steps were going to be. Many books in this genre include characters who have elaborate plans for the future they’ve been dreaming about for years. While that’s nice to read about, too, not everyone has a ten-step plan for success so early in life, and I found these characters’ uncertainty refreshing. Life is an adventure, so there is something to be said for being open to multiple possibilities while one tries to figure out what they really want.
You’ve Got the Map Backwards made me smile.
March 27, 2025
"You've Got the Map Backwards" is a thought-provoking and insightful young adult book from author Brian Usobiaga! The characters feel three-dimensional and like real people along with personalities, thoughts, emotions, and personal/familial struggles of their own. From page 1, I was already so impressed with this author's ability to craft such realistic characters and with this author's writing style. The writing style is smooth and concise, yet provides the perfect amount of detail to picture the locations, characters, and what is happening in the story clearly. Meeting and getting to know these characters was insightful and fun! I loved reading about the strong friendship between Aisha and Sarah and seeing these characters grow and change and seeing how their friendship changes along with them. It was sad seeing the struggles these characters face, but the author writes with great sensitivity and care. The character development in this book is excellent! This is a book that is beautiful, impactful, and very insightful! All in a novella that is under 200 pages. This book is what I'd consider artful storytelling at its very finest. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I am very much looking forward to reading more from this author. 5 stars!
Thank you very much to the author for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
Thank you very much to the author for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
July 7, 2024
With this book, you follow along the main characters of Aisha and Sarah. Each has their own relatable demons they are working through and you get to experience that through the story. It’s set at a great pace to understand the story line and the character development. For some, this is a story that may resonate on a deeper level and to be able to feel the feelings being described just through the writing alone is incredible.
With each chapter you alternate from each main character and their story lines within this book. It’s very easy to follow along with and a quick and easy read. I sat down to read and was done in a few short hours due to life in between reading. Overall it was a good read and on a deep mental level as well!
Thank you Brian for the story to read and for allowing myself to get lost within your creativity.
With each chapter you alternate from each main character and their story lines within this book. It’s very easy to follow along with and a quick and easy read. I sat down to read and was done in a few short hours due to life in between reading. Overall it was a good read and on a deep mental level as well!
Thank you Brian for the story to read and for allowing myself to get lost within your creativity.
July 30, 2024
A wonderfully thought provoking YA read. The author creates a convincing and real depth to his two leading ladies, and it interesting to see how the friendship moulded between the differing scenarios they found themselves in.
This deals with sensitive subject matters well. I also found this author to write women incredibly well, something I can often be a cynic about, but not this time.
The writing style on the face of it seems simple and just right for a YA audience. That being said the complexity of the issues makes for a sharp contrast and they compliment each other well.
Well crafted.
This deals with sensitive subject matters well. I also found this author to write women incredibly well, something I can often be a cynic about, but not this time.
The writing style on the face of it seems simple and just right for a YA audience. That being said the complexity of the issues makes for a sharp contrast and they compliment each other well.
Well crafted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews