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Road to Nowhere
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Club—now an original Netflix series!
Teresa Chafey is running away from home. Driving north along the California coast, she picks up two mysterious Poppy Corn and Freedom Jack. Together the three of them tell Teresa of her devastating relationship with her boyfriend, Poppy of a sad young woman she once knew, and Freedom of a talented young man with a violent temper.
Yet as they talk, a darker story unfolds around them. A story of life and death, of redemption and damnation. It will be the longest night of Teresa’s life. And maybe the last night of her life.
Teresa Chafey is running away from home. Driving north along the California coast, she picks up two mysterious Poppy Corn and Freedom Jack. Together the three of them tell Teresa of her devastating relationship with her boyfriend, Poppy of a sad young woman she once knew, and Freedom of a talented young man with a violent temper.
Yet as they talk, a darker story unfolds around them. A story of life and death, of redemption and damnation. It will be the longest night of Teresa’s life. And maybe the last night of her life.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1993
45 people are currently reading
1771 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Pike
262 books5,478 followersChristopher Pike is the pseudonym of Kevin McFadden. He is a bestselling author of young adult and children's fiction who specializes in the thriller genre.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
October 14, 2025
'Tis the season to be spooky, so here I am, on the Road to Nowhere.
"I'm eighteen years old," Teresa said. "It would take all night to tell you everything that's happened to me."
"We have all night," Poppy said.
This review is free of spoilers. If you're considering picking up this book, I highly recommend avoiding any reviews beforehand. There are unexpected events in this book that took me by surprise, and if I had known about them beforehand, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much.
Road to Nowhere is the most unique and intriguing spooky book I've ever read. I was completely absorbed in the characters and felt a constant sense of tension because I couldn't foresee how it would conclude. I anticipated a spooky atmosphere, which it certainly delivered, but what took me by surprise was the depth and emotion woven into the story, elevating it beyond a generic spooky novel.
I have to mention the cover. Is it only me, or does the guy resemble Spike from Buffy? He not only has a similar look, but his entire vibe also brings him to mind.
No need to fret, this book isn't about vampires, I can assure you of that. It's merely an observation on my part.
There are three kinds of people in this world (not really, but just go with it). Stephen King fans, R.L. Stine fans, and Christopher Pike fans. I was always an R.L. Stine girlie, and I credit him for sparking my passion for reading. Am I being unfaithful to Stine by picking up a Pike book? It seems like it, but I have no regrets.
When 18-year-old Teresa Chafey made the choice to get into her car and drive away from her troubles that fateful night, she had no idea that her life would change forever. Teresa is running away from her problems, cruising along a dark stretch of the California coast without a clear destination. She is just a few hundred yards from the freeway ramp when she notices two hitchhikers standing in the rain without an umbrella. The young man is dressed in all white and has a striking head of blonde hair. The girl is thin and pale and has long black hair. Although Teresa has never picked up hitchhikers before, she has chosen to make an exception tonight. The couple goes by the names Freedom Jack and Poppy Corn.
Thus begins this peculiar night, and it promises to become even more unusual. Jack and Poppy make for an odd pair who like to bicker, but they don't exude any sense of danger, at least not initially. Writing this review is a challenge for me, as I want to avoid revealing too much. As the evening unfolds, Teresa, Jack, and Poppy share stories from their pasts, and Teresa will uncover unexpected truths that she might prefer to remain unaware of. With each turn of the page, the atmosphere thickens with dread and discomfort, but there's also a thrill because readers, like Teresa, are drawn to Jack and Poppy, eager to discover their true identities and past.
I found Teresa relatable and liked her, which made me anxious throughout the book as I hoped nothing terrible would befall her. Teresa was fated to meet these two strangers, but will she make it through the night? This story has three twists. One I predicted easily, but the other two caught me off guard completely. The book's conclusion is among the finest I've ever encountered in any story, and it's a big part of why I adore it. If the author hadn't nailed the ending, the book wouldn't have achieved the iconic status it holds.
Teresa, Jack, and Poppy took me on a thrilling, eerie, and melancholic journey, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
The book came out in 1993, giving it a delightful 90s vibe that I absolutely adore. I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with the 90s. In my opinion, 90s movies, music, and overall style are unmatched by any other decade (the 80s come in a close second). If I had access to a time machine, I would travel back to the 90s in an instant because life appeared to be so much more enjoyable during that time. To paraphrase Viserys I Targaryen, I came here to have fun, not to be suffocated by all this fucking politicking.
This book feels like if Twilight Zone had a baby with Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, and that baby was adopted and raised by Kevin Williamson.
"I'm eighteen years old," Teresa said. "It would take all night to tell you everything that's happened to me."
"We have all night," Poppy said.
This review is free of spoilers. If you're considering picking up this book, I highly recommend avoiding any reviews beforehand. There are unexpected events in this book that took me by surprise, and if I had known about them beforehand, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much.
Road to Nowhere is the most unique and intriguing spooky book I've ever read. I was completely absorbed in the characters and felt a constant sense of tension because I couldn't foresee how it would conclude. I anticipated a spooky atmosphere, which it certainly delivered, but what took me by surprise was the depth and emotion woven into the story, elevating it beyond a generic spooky novel.
I have to mention the cover. Is it only me, or does the guy resemble Spike from Buffy? He not only has a similar look, but his entire vibe also brings him to mind.
No need to fret, this book isn't about vampires, I can assure you of that. It's merely an observation on my part.
There are three kinds of people in this world (not really, but just go with it). Stephen King fans, R.L. Stine fans, and Christopher Pike fans. I was always an R.L. Stine girlie, and I credit him for sparking my passion for reading. Am I being unfaithful to Stine by picking up a Pike book? It seems like it, but I have no regrets.
When 18-year-old Teresa Chafey made the choice to get into her car and drive away from her troubles that fateful night, she had no idea that her life would change forever. Teresa is running away from her problems, cruising along a dark stretch of the California coast without a clear destination. She is just a few hundred yards from the freeway ramp when she notices two hitchhikers standing in the rain without an umbrella. The young man is dressed in all white and has a striking head of blonde hair. The girl is thin and pale and has long black hair. Although Teresa has never picked up hitchhikers before, she has chosen to make an exception tonight. The couple goes by the names Freedom Jack and Poppy Corn.
Thus begins this peculiar night, and it promises to become even more unusual. Jack and Poppy make for an odd pair who like to bicker, but they don't exude any sense of danger, at least not initially. Writing this review is a challenge for me, as I want to avoid revealing too much. As the evening unfolds, Teresa, Jack, and Poppy share stories from their pasts, and Teresa will uncover unexpected truths that she might prefer to remain unaware of. With each turn of the page, the atmosphere thickens with dread and discomfort, but there's also a thrill because readers, like Teresa, are drawn to Jack and Poppy, eager to discover their true identities and past.
I found Teresa relatable and liked her, which made me anxious throughout the book as I hoped nothing terrible would befall her. Teresa was fated to meet these two strangers, but will she make it through the night? This story has three twists. One I predicted easily, but the other two caught me off guard completely. The book's conclusion is among the finest I've ever encountered in any story, and it's a big part of why I adore it. If the author hadn't nailed the ending, the book wouldn't have achieved the iconic status it holds.
Teresa, Jack, and Poppy took me on a thrilling, eerie, and melancholic journey, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
The book came out in 1993, giving it a delightful 90s vibe that I absolutely adore. I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with the 90s. In my opinion, 90s movies, music, and overall style are unmatched by any other decade (the 80s come in a close second). If I had access to a time machine, I would travel back to the 90s in an instant because life appeared to be so much more enjoyable during that time. To paraphrase Viserys I Targaryen, I came here to have fun, not to be suffocated by all this fucking politicking.
This book feels like if Twilight Zone had a baby with Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, and that baby was adopted and raised by Kevin Williamson.
October 8, 2019
I bought this book when I was 10 years old at my school's book fair(Man I miss those). I loved this book as a 10 year old so I decided to reread as an adult.
OMFG! This book is a lot darker than I remember.
Teresa Chaffey has had a very very shitting night and is running away from home. While driving late at night Teresa decides to do something SUPER STUPID. She picks up two hitchhikers Poppy Corn & Freedom Jack(I know the name are something). To pass the time they decide to tell some "true" stories. These stories are dark as fuck!
Road to Nowhere is a dark and heavy little novel. Some of the subject matters covered include cheating, drug abuse, suicide and murder.
All the things I love in a story!
I need to go buy some more Christopher Pike because I really enjoyed this retro read. Road to Nowhere is the perfect book to read on cool October night.
OMFG! This book is a lot darker than I remember.
Teresa Chaffey has had a very very shitting night and is running away from home. While driving late at night Teresa decides to do something SUPER STUPID. She picks up two hitchhikers Poppy Corn & Freedom Jack(I know the name are something). To pass the time they decide to tell some "true" stories. These stories are dark as fuck!
Road to Nowhere is a dark and heavy little novel. Some of the subject matters covered include cheating, drug abuse, suicide and murder.
All the things I love in a story!
I need to go buy some more Christopher Pike because I really enjoyed this retro read. Road to Nowhere is the perfect book to read on cool October night.
March 27, 2018
Just as fun as I remembered, though rather religious!
I used to devour Christopher Pike's books as a teen, and to be honest, I probably wouldn't have got into writing if I hadn't been so inspired by his stuff (him and a few others authors). Recently, I treated myself to a few of his books to see if they'd managed to stand the test of time... with this being one that I remembered as being particularly good.
It's fair to say that, despite my advanced years (ho ho), I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did back in the day. I started it this morning, then voila, before I knew it, I'd finished it only a few hours later. It made for an addictive read!
It's about Theresa, a teen girl on the run from her no-good cheating boyfriend and her best friend. She picks up two hitchhikers; Freedom Jack, a magician with a wicked outlook on life, and Poppy Corn, a miserable girl who spends most of the journey chain-smoking in the back. To keep themselves amused, they take turns to tell stories. Theresa tells the story of her own sad, failed love affair, and Free and Poppy tell her about friends of theirs, John and Candy.
As the trip goes on, things get weirder. They stop off to see Free's mum, who happens to live in a horror story castle and is a fortune teller. Likewise, Poppy's dad is a priest. As the road goes on, it becomes apparent that this isn't your normal road trip, and that things are going to end badly unless there's a bit of divine intervention at some point...
As with all Pike's fab teen books, this was a compulsive read. He has an uncanny knack of pulling you right in - I personally think this is his greatest skill. Sure, it's a little over-dramatic in places; but hey, this is for a teen audience, and back then I lapped this sort of thing up. The ending was far more religious than I remembered, but it didn't cause me any particular problems. After all, it's a book that deals with some fairly weighty emotions, so it doesn't seem unreasonable that religion might sneak in there somewhere.
A very enjoyable trip down memory lane, and one that I'd recommend to teenagers now (or perhaps people like me who liked them the first time around!).
I used to devour Christopher Pike's books as a teen, and to be honest, I probably wouldn't have got into writing if I hadn't been so inspired by his stuff (him and a few others authors). Recently, I treated myself to a few of his books to see if they'd managed to stand the test of time... with this being one that I remembered as being particularly good.
It's fair to say that, despite my advanced years (ho ho), I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did back in the day. I started it this morning, then voila, before I knew it, I'd finished it only a few hours later. It made for an addictive read!
It's about Theresa, a teen girl on the run from her no-good cheating boyfriend and her best friend. She picks up two hitchhikers; Freedom Jack, a magician with a wicked outlook on life, and Poppy Corn, a miserable girl who spends most of the journey chain-smoking in the back. To keep themselves amused, they take turns to tell stories. Theresa tells the story of her own sad, failed love affair, and Free and Poppy tell her about friends of theirs, John and Candy.
As the trip goes on, things get weirder. They stop off to see Free's mum, who happens to live in a horror story castle and is a fortune teller. Likewise, Poppy's dad is a priest. As the road goes on, it becomes apparent that this isn't your normal road trip, and that things are going to end badly unless there's a bit of divine intervention at some point...
As with all Pike's fab teen books, this was a compulsive read. He has an uncanny knack of pulling you right in - I personally think this is his greatest skill. Sure, it's a little over-dramatic in places; but hey, this is for a teen audience, and back then I lapped this sort of thing up. The ending was far more religious than I remembered, but it didn't cause me any particular problems. After all, it's a book that deals with some fairly weighty emotions, so it doesn't seem unreasonable that religion might sneak in there somewhere.
A very enjoyable trip down memory lane, and one that I'd recommend to teenagers now (or perhaps people like me who liked them the first time around!).
July 24, 2008
I read this when I was 13. That following Christmas, my parents surprised me with a tower of his books. I still read this book every so often. Oh that's right, there I said it.
February 1, 2013
What can i say about this book? Another amazing Christopher Pike book. This book is suspensful and leaves you wanting more. Some stuff was predicatable but it was still so so so so so good!!
Spoilers:
I love how she was almost dead the whole book, and Free and Poppy where the characters from their story, Candy and John. I wished she did kill her ex and friend, but he did save her at the end. I also loved how she ends up meeting Candy's son when she is awake and alive at the hospital really cute, but i wished she remembered the time she spent with Poppy (Candy) and Free (John)
This book was overall another terrific read by the one and only christopher pike!!! <3
Spoilers:
I love how she was almost dead the whole book, and Free and Poppy where the characters from their story, Candy and John. I wished she did kill her ex and friend, but he did save her at the end. I also loved how she ends up meeting Candy's son when she is awake and alive at the hospital really cute, but i wished she remembered the time she spent with Poppy (Candy) and Free (John)
This book was overall another terrific read by the one and only christopher pike!!! <3
June 28, 2023
this surreal road novel isn't particularly thrilling, as most of it consists of stories told among our main character, teresa, and the two hitchhikers she picks up, poppy and free. the three take a long rainy night drive, and each gradually tell a true dark story.
i'm still kicking myself for not predicting the entirety of the big twist, because it is painfully obvious. (SPOILERS)
i'm still kicking myself for not predicting the entirety of the big twist, because it is painfully obvious. (SPOILERS)
May 16, 2019
I loved this gritty little book when I was younger but, unlike with many other Pike b ooks, I've yet to do a reread so I cannot do much of an in depth review on this one. Will wr ite more after I do a reread as lately I am on a Pike reread fest!
PS: It is good though, that much I remember!
PS: It is good though, that much I remember!
February 11, 2012
I read this book when I was about 11. And I remember telling my dad as he was driving me to school one morning that I liked Christopher Pike books because they were profound. He really made me think about things. At that time I had never read any books with the subject matter that some of his books contained. They had life, death, and religion. What I remember most about the YA horror/suspense/supernatural books at the time were that they were the slasher type where kids got together and got killed in various ways. That could be because those were the only kind I really read. Christopher Pike sometimes just seemed to have more meaning...for an 11 year old.
June 23, 2009
We have a number of Christopher Pike novels in our junior high school library. A student who is an avid reader mentioned that he was really surprised that these books are on our shelves. I checked all of them out to read over the summer.
The plot in Road to Nowhere contains sex, drugs, and some mild profanity. Though the plot seems predictable through most of the book, the conclusion has some great twists and turns that were entirely unexpected. The book combines suspense, mystery, and teen romance.
Follett gives it a "Young Adult" rating. It is intended for an upper grade audience of 9th. grade and above.
This was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I look forward to reading the rest of our Pike novels before asking if the high school library would like to have them.
The plot in Road to Nowhere contains sex, drugs, and some mild profanity. Though the plot seems predictable through most of the book, the conclusion has some great twists and turns that were entirely unexpected. The book combines suspense, mystery, and teen romance.
Follett gives it a "Young Adult" rating. It is intended for an upper grade audience of 9th. grade and above.
This was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I look forward to reading the rest of our Pike novels before asking if the high school library would like to have them.
September 27, 2011
I really liked this book, although i feel like a dork (which i am) when i read these teen books. But i used to love them so much, i go back every now and then and find some of my old favorites.
What i did not like about this book was its predictability. I had it figured out, except for a few minor adjustments, pretty much to a tee from the beginning. Also, Teresa is a songwriter. I see why Christopher Pike writes books and not songs from this book. There are around 4 full songs with lyrics in this book that my 7 year old sister could have written. They were pretty annoying.
That being said, this is a really good book though. I really like the story, its very involving. You really do feel for the characters.
What i did not like about this book was its predictability. I had it figured out, except for a few minor adjustments, pretty much to a tee from the beginning. Also, Teresa is a songwriter. I see why Christopher Pike writes books and not songs from this book. There are around 4 full songs with lyrics in this book that my 7 year old sister could have written. They were pretty annoying.
That being said, this is a really good book though. I really like the story, its very involving. You really do feel for the characters.
April 1, 2016
This book was amazing. I think the events were entertaining, and the fact that something kept nagging at me from the back of my brain that something was off. This all unfolded quite interesting. I really like how the book was written, as it made me feel as I were in a trance, reading this book and clinging to every work. Very few writers succeed in doing that to. The ending left me wanting a second book, but I still like how I could imagine the ending. It lets me fulfill my unrealistic dream that there should be a happy ending. The book left me questioning something, as it was a little of a cliffhanger, but I'd just like keeping the ending I made with me. Very good book.
January 11, 2026
Despite already being a quick read, I thought the story went on for just a little too long, as I was able guess the twist before the book was halfway through. Nonetheless, it was nice getting to know Poppy and Freedom Jack.
Mike Flanagan's show based on "the Midnight Club" (another by Christopher Pike), adapted this story as well in a small segment in the series.
Recommended
Cover art by Brian Kotzky
Mike Flanagan's show based on "the Midnight Club" (another by Christopher Pike), adapted this story as well in a small segment in the series.
Recommended
Cover art by Brian Kotzky
August 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the overall feel of this story. It had all the cheesy teenage drama mixed with some darker themes and mystery. Definitely a slow burn read but still captivating. Unfortunately the religious take kind of killed it for me at the end.
August 25, 2023
I liked this early on, but the story relied too much upon the big twist, which became more and more predictable as the story progressed. This was fine, overall. Solid 3⭐
August 20, 2014
This is another of my guilty pleasures. I read this when I was 14. The idea to just pack and leave was quite a charming escape. It seemed very appealing. This story is about Teresa who is running away from home because there is no one who she can go back to. On the road she meets two strangers and a journey unfolds that might just save her life later on.
I loved the theme of this story: that life is worth fighting for. Always. Life is worth living for.
One of Christopher's best books.
I loved the theme of this story: that life is worth fighting for. Always. Life is worth living for.
One of Christopher's best books.
March 29, 2012
I'm re-reading this as part of my 90s nostalgia week. I am happy to report that I still rather enjoy this one (whisper of death was my other fav which I dont much care for now (cf my review earlier this week). it's certainly predictable and a little depthless but it's YA, very few authors can pull that off with such grace that it's truly ageless (the giver is one such example).
October 21, 2015
October isn't complete without a nostalgic read by Christopher Pike!!
Enjoyable but typical Pike book. Spooky with a moral twist. It isn't one I'd read before, and Won't be one of my favorites of his. But definitely liked it. I still like to occasionally read his books that were so important to me in my early teens
Enjoyable but typical Pike book. Spooky with a moral twist. It isn't one I'd read before, and Won't be one of my favorites of his. But definitely liked it. I still like to occasionally read his books that were so important to me in my early teens
January 22, 2015
I read this book many many moons ago. So I don't remember every detail anymore. That being said, it was something I needed to read at that time in my life. Even as an adult now, it means something to me. I loved Christopher Rice books from 12 yrs old and on.
October 19, 2009
I loved this book, it has such an amazing twist at the end! those who are reading this book it may go slow, but towards the end it gets absolutly wonderful!
March 20, 2018
I like it. Not in a AHHHHHH!!! I'M SO SCARED SHITLESS!!! kind of way, but in a "Woah... what just happened? That was disturbing..." kind of way.. You know, when you think about it over and over and you can't get it out of your mind, and all the while you feel tingles and goosebumps running up and down on your arms?? That kind of feeling...?
Well, that's what I felt anyway. I'm not really a fan of horror genres or paranormal stuff, because, frankly? I don't like getting scared shitless just for fun. But this definitely caught me by surprise, and I'm starting to wonder if there are more books that have plots like this.(Can anyone recommend me some?)
It's been, what? 4? 3 years? I think I read this only once back in my 5th or 6th grade year and the events in the book really stuck to my mind(probably because it was the first paranormal/suspense stuff I've ever read in my whole life that I actually liked).
I can still remember the
Yeah... Anyway, I love it and so should you.
Totally recommend for those of low-tolerance when it comes to horrors, but loves a good amount of mystery and psychological mind stuff. Just don't read the spoilers I wrote lol
Well, that's what I felt anyway. I'm not really a fan of horror genres or paranormal stuff, because, frankly? I don't like getting scared shitless just for fun. But this definitely caught me by surprise, and I'm starting to wonder if there are more books that have plots like this.(Can anyone recommend me some?)
It's been, what? 4? 3 years? I think I read this only once back in my 5th or 6th grade year and the events in the book really stuck to my mind(probably because it was the first paranormal/suspense stuff I've ever read in my whole life that I actually liked).
I can still remember the
Yeah... Anyway, I love it and so should you.
Totally recommend for those of low-tolerance when it comes to horrors, but loves a good amount of mystery and psychological mind stuff. Just don't read the spoilers I wrote lol
June 5, 2016
Usually Pike's tempting words whirl me up into a state of orgasmic reading bliss, but here the release didn't match the build up. The traditional Pike strengths are here in their usual trimmings - strong characters, a bizarre and twisted story, a strange ending - but the pizazz existing in some of his other works is watered down.
For one thing the pace wasn't as strong. It's not a slow book by a stretch, and there's a scene or two in there that's mystifying, but the road to nowhere left me on the road to drowsiness. The constant talking, thinking back, and thinking forward in bizarre terms made it harder to sympathize with the protagonist. I liked her, but she's not especially admirable.
Pike's writing style is always welcomed, celebrating every stories strength. There can be no fault found there. A right amount of tension is present, keeping the pages turning, and it's hard to get away from the book, even if it's not perfect. The ending was as powerful as most of his other works, leaving on a good note for a change, if not a little dramatic. So, overall it's certainly worth a read, but it doesn't live up to the greats of his other stuff.
For one thing the pace wasn't as strong. It's not a slow book by a stretch, and there's a scene or two in there that's mystifying, but the road to nowhere left me on the road to drowsiness. The constant talking, thinking back, and thinking forward in bizarre terms made it harder to sympathize with the protagonist. I liked her, but she's not especially admirable.
Pike's writing style is always welcomed, celebrating every stories strength. There can be no fault found there. A right amount of tension is present, keeping the pages turning, and it's hard to get away from the book, even if it's not perfect. The ending was as powerful as most of his other works, leaving on a good note for a change, if not a little dramatic. So, overall it's certainly worth a read, but it doesn't live up to the greats of his other stuff.
April 28, 2021
I first read Road to Nowhere when I was 10, and oh boy was I way too young to handle significant parts of this subject matter. I just remember seeing an awesome book cover on a classmate’s desk and seeking it out at the library. I was thrilled when I came across the (very minor) swearing. All of that context aside, this is a really good book and one of Christopher Pike’s best. It’s a bit of a slow mover, but the ending is more than worth it. I really liked all of the main characters, both the ones in the car and the ones in the stories they were telling. The “campfire” style of the narrative allowed for each story to take its time and resonate. There was also a really powerful message here aimed at the teenage target audience that I think was tastefully done. I appreciated that it wasn’t too heavy-handed with themes that could easily get sappy and sanctimonious. In total, Road to Nowhere scratched my nostalgic itch, turned out better than I had remembered, and made me want to dive even deeper into Christopher Pike’s twisted canon.
My full review with a recap, observations, and memes can be found on my blog:
https://www.danstalter.com/road-to-no...
My full review with a recap, observations, and memes can be found on my blog:
https://www.danstalter.com/road-to-no...
February 3, 2025
I love a good road trip story. And I love a good ghost story. And I love a good "main character works through big feelings" story.
Theresa picks up two hitchhiker's, and the book follows their nighttime drive up the Californian coast. They take turns telling each other stories: Theresa of a love gone sour, and the hitchhiker's of a similarly doomed love. The stories are told dramatically, the way I remember whispering stories to friends in middle school libraries or around campfires - especially stories that we weren't supposed to be telling.
I read this after watching Mike Flanagan's amazing adaptation of it (one episode in his YA miniseries adaptation of The Midnight Club). Enough was changed and I'd also forgotten enough of the episode to fully enjoy reading this one.
Recommended if you want nostalgic, pulpy, excessive and un-self-conscious YA. 4 stars.
Theresa picks up two hitchhiker's, and the book follows their nighttime drive up the Californian coast. They take turns telling each other stories: Theresa of a love gone sour, and the hitchhiker's of a similarly doomed love. The stories are told dramatically, the way I remember whispering stories to friends in middle school libraries or around campfires - especially stories that we weren't supposed to be telling.
I read this after watching Mike Flanagan's amazing adaptation of it (one episode in his YA miniseries adaptation of The Midnight Club). Enough was changed and I'd also forgotten enough of the episode to fully enjoy reading this one.
Recommended if you want nostalgic, pulpy, excessive and un-self-conscious YA. 4 stars.
May 10, 2012
Over the summer my mom and I hit a few garage sales. I was eager to find something that would possibly entice my 13 yr. old nephew to get into reading and I remembered these books from when I was his age and how much I loved reading them. So, back to the garage sale. It was a very large Church garage sale and, to my surprise, I found stacks and stacks of these books. I had a hard time finding them anyplace other than ebay so I grabbed a whole bunch. And as much as I wanted my nephew to try them, he ended up not liking them so in between regular adult books I will ocassionally read one of these as a buffer, to absorb the last book.
They're cheesy, easy reading and just plain good fun. I had forgotten how much fun they were to read until I read this one. I'm not even sure that I read this one when I was younger, I didn't remember it at all and I liked the twist at the end of the book, too. All in all, good fun if you're looking for a little break from the day to day.
They're cheesy, easy reading and just plain good fun. I had forgotten how much fun they were to read until I read this one. I'm not even sure that I read this one when I was younger, I didn't remember it at all and I liked the twist at the end of the book, too. All in all, good fun if you're looking for a little break from the day to day.
February 20, 2009
This book was really good. It was one of those book where you think you know what is going on and then all of a sudden you realize that you had it all wrong. It was definatly not a hard book to read either, I finished it in a half a day, so if you want something thats going to last you all the way from New York to California on a road-trip stuck in the car with your six brothers and sisters then I recomend you read this another time. If you want something interesing and quick then this is the book for you.
February 19, 2013
I always loved Christopher Pike's books when I was a kid, and I was so excited when I saw that my library suddenly had some on the shelves. It's been a long time since I've read one of these!
I remembered this book only vaguely, so I had a great time re-reading it. The twist at the end was fantastic, and I remember most of his books having crazy endings like that. I will be re-reading the other ones my library has soon.
I remembered this book only vaguely, so I had a great time re-reading it. The twist at the end was fantastic, and I remember most of his books having crazy endings like that. I will be re-reading the other ones my library has soon.
September 19, 2016
Pike is a great writer. Not only did he write a story, he wrote two stories within that story! The more pike I read the more I realize he has quite a few "God/ devil, heaven/hell" references in his books. But not in an annoying in your face way. I had this story figured out pretty early on but it still kept my attention and I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2012
For about the first half, I was wondering where this book was going, if anywhere. But it has one of the coolest endings I ever remember reading in a Christopher Pike book, and that makes it well worth the fast read. I really enjoyed this book.
August 18, 2013
Well, as some people previously stated, this book is not a perfect novel , not even close., I gave it 5 stars because I read it about 10 years ago, in that time it was like the best book ever for me. I recommend it for tween-teens who like to read thriller or mistery stories.
August 12, 2014
This book was fucking fantastic on soo many levels.
I love the story within the story. I love the twist at the end. I saw some of it coming but the way Pike pulls the explanation together is way than I bargained for!
I love the story within the story. I love the twist at the end. I saw some of it coming but the way Pike pulls the explanation together is way than I bargained for!
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