Why you should read Next Stop by Debbie Fong

(Because it's really, really good, that's why.)

I was on a road trip when I discovered this graphic novel about a road trip. I read it that very night.

I love the protagonist, Pia. She is quiet, like me. She is also kind. And funny. And brave.

(She reminds me of Tulip from the show Infinity Train, which you probably haven’t watched, but that’s okay.)

Pia is on a bus with a whole bunch of strangers, and it’s headed for Cessarine Lake. (Which might be magical.)

Almost more magical are the goofy tourist traps that Pia and the group visit. The world’s smallest corn maze. A hotel shaped like a giant chicken. A cactus-themed amusement park, featuring a cactus merry-go-round, cactus arcade games, cactus snacks, and…a cactus petting zoo. (Yikes.)

Soon enough, the strangers on the bus with Pia stop being strangers. My favorite of Pia’s compatriots are Alex and Tyler, a young couple who take adorable selfies in front of each tourist trap. I also love Kamu, who teaches Pia how to play Go.

This book is funny and sweet. It’s also heartbreaking. This book is about feeling like something terrible is your fault. This book is about wanting a do-over. This book is about feeling blamed by people who are supposed to love you. This book is about things ending when you aren’t ready for them to end.

This book is honest. The characters don’t always say or do the right things. Most of them try, though.

By my count, I’ve read 169 graphic novels. This is for sure one of the best. And yes, it’s a kids’ book, but who cares? You should read it anyway.

I love this book so much that it has made me excited about reading again, because I want to find more books that are just as wonderful as this one. And I love this book so much that it makes me not want to read any of those other books, because I never want to stop thinking about this one.

---

In a past life (as in, two months ago), I used to be a kids’ book reviewer. It looks like I still am. I don’t really want to fill this newsletter with book reviews, but let’s be real, they are going to sneak in from time to time.

If you want more book reviews as I hopefully rise from the ashes of my reading slump, make sure to follow me on The StoryGraph or Goodreads.

And don’t forget to subscribe:

See you next time.