Dessa Rhodes, a meticulous perfectionist craving for normalcy, stability, and independence, was easily a protagonist I could not only relate to, but also actively root for right from the get-go. Her character was a wonderfully delightful mix of determined and frightened.

The plot itself wasn’t very complex, which is not a significant issue because this novel was heavily steered by its characters rather than by its plot. I thought it was a fitting approach because in doing so, Your Destination Is on the Left thoughtfully dealt with the fear of failure, the fear of disappointing the people who mean the most to you, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. There was a lot of internal conflict on Dessa’s part, and honestly, towards the end of the story, I was quite literally moved to tears. No exaggerations there.

Lauren Spieller’s writing style was purposive and wonderfully superb with breathtaking imagery, which definitely suited the heavy inclusion of art both in Dessa’s life and in the actual narrative. I really loved all the concepts behind the artworks!

There are really so many good things to say about this gorgeous debut. The story carefully treaded nuanced notions of identity, family and relationships, compromise, and sacrifice. In spite of the storyline’s simplicity, Your Destination Is on the Left was a much-needed refreshing read that still managed to offer tiny surprises along the way. I enjoyed picking up clues and little Easter eggs as I read. The ending was not quite what I expected, but I was stunned and in awe. I could not imagine a more perfect resolution.

In summary, this is not a novel about finding yourself; rather, Your Destination Is on the Left is a brilliantly poignant, remarkably introspective journey about finding the courage and strength to pursue who you are and who you want to become. Reading Dessa’s story left my heart brimming with hope and empowerment, and honestly speaking, we need more books that inspire readers to choose themselves.

Disclosure: I received a digital ARC of Your Destination Is on the Left as part of my participation in a blog tour. This neither affects my opinion nor the content of my review. Thank you very much to the blog tour organizers (The Fantastic Flying Book Club) and the publisher for the opportunity!