This book had some really amazing lines and thoughts about grief and life etc that really spoke to me. I liked the journey Atlas went on. I liked the other characters. I liked the setting. I think I might have been expecting something similar to one of my all time favourite books with a similar setting, but that's the only similar thing between the two. So it was definitely an unfair expectation/hope of mine.
There were a few things I didn't love about this book, but I don't really need to go on about them because it was always when teenagers were acting like teenagers. In a YA fiction book. Yeah. they are going to do that. So it's really not fair of me to be like I didn't like this YA book because of the YA aspects. But there you go. I did like this author's writing, it was my first of hers. She has a cool first name too.

This was so well-written, the friendships in this book were >>>

This book primarily deals with the MC's grief (about her father's death) and the way she feels numb and unmoored, and the author has done a brilliant job of writing the slow path from grief to grief + healing. Legitimately sobbed at the cemetery scene at the end, the wholesomeness level was peak 😭

TWs - death of parent from cancer, grief, depression, betrayal

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

This was honestly a really brilliant ARC to start off the year with and I’m looking forward to the rest! ‘The Atlas of Us’ by Kristen Dwyer is a wonderful novel that discusses the depths of grief, anger, joy, and self-discovery in a young girl called Atlas. I really loved this book because it didn’t dodge the hard bits that come with talking about feelings and facing everything with brutal rawness and vulnerability.

After losing her dad to cancer, Atlas James’ mother decides that, in a last-ditch effort, she should go to a community service program that is aimed at rehabilitation of the hiking trails in the Western Sierras. The program is led by the dad’s best friend Joe and real names are not allowed; so Atlas becomes Maps and finds herself with a fresh start with new people. Now working with a blank slate with no past to tie her down Maps must learn who she is underneath the story that was written for her and who she wants to be.

I really like this book because I think it is the perfect blend of messy teenage feelings and unfiltered vulnerability. The ‘found family’ in this book makes me so happy when I think about it: Maps, Sugar, Junior, Books, and King really do make it work even when everything seems to be at its worst. Even with all of the challenges that they faced, they all got their respective HEAs in the end. Junior and Books are the most adorable pair on and off the page, Sugar is just doing her best and that’s all we can ask, King is working things out slowly (which is fair enough) and Maps is rediscovering what it means to be a young adult going into the adult world.

One thing that really hit it home for me, was that the end was the beginning before the end came again. Now I’m aware that that probably makes little sense, but what this book really tries to get across is that the end is just another beginning and it does that perfectly. The writing in this book is amazing and it was a very fluid and relaxed read. I, at one point, actually complained about how well-written it was because it was going to make me cry (I came very close but not quite).

I would totally recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventure read with real unfiltered emotion.

The Atlas of Us is a brilliant and meaningful depiction of grief. The writing evokes such emotion and draws you in. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the exploration. The actual plot is a delight to read, it made me think of Wild by Cheryl Strayed in that we follow a female protagonist on a journey of self discovery. The book feels intimate and wild all in one. I thought the romance element was nice and complemented the story by balancing out the rawness. I wish I had this book when I was younger to read and help me navigate through loss. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperTeen for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

After the death of her dad, Atlas is struggling, traveling a path of grief so different from her mother's; as a last attempt effort to help her daughter, Atla's mother has enrolled her in a community service program cleaning the Western Sierras. Most of the kids in this program are there because their presence is court-ordered. Atlas's path hasn't led her there yet, but as a favor, her dad's best friend, Joe, takes her in this program.

She's given a new name, Maps. All the kids receive a nickname as they enter the program, and she's excited for the clean start, but the funny thing about grief is you can't outrun it. Dwyer's writing is so relatable; her style pulls you in, and you find yourself on the trails with Maps and her unlikely crew Books, Kings, Sugar, and Juinor. This book shows that grief isn't cut and dry, and navigating the world after your life has fallen apart is messy and rough, but there is hope.

I loved the journey this book took me on and all the feelings it gave me. Don't miss this read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this eARC!
This confirms that I absolutely adore how Kristin Dwyer just... rips apart my heart.
Atlas ('Maps') is struggling with the fact that everyone expects her to go back to 'normal' after her father dies of cancer. In a last effort to get her life back 'on track' and connect with her dad, she joins a volunteer group rehabbing trails in the Western Saharas. While she initially tries to hand behind fabrications, Atlas soon realizes that her team on the trail has become her best friends... and even more in the case of King.

It made me smile. It made me cry even more... but in a good way?

I was deeply moved by the poignant story of Atlas James, a character grappling with the devastating loss of her father and her setbacks. Her journey of self-discovery, set against the scenic backdrop of the Western Sierras, was both heart-wrenching and beautifully depicted. As Atlas, now 'Maps,' and her diverse group of companions rehabilitate trails, the story elegantly explores themes of grief, healing, and resilience. This book is a testament to the transformative power of nature and human relationships in the face of loss, making it a profoundly moving and inspirational read.

I really enjoyed reading The Atlas of Us as an arc on NetGalley. It’s definitely not something I’d usually go for but I am trying to step out of my reading comfort zone a bit this year. It’s well written, short and feels like a good representation of grief. I enjoyed it - thank you!!

After the death of her father, Atlas loses herself in grief. She ends up spending her summer in a program for youth who hike the trails of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to clean them up and keep them safe for others. All of the young adults have been given nicknames to use and Maps, as she’s now called, has to learn to co-exist with her trail group - King, Books, Sugar, and Junior. As she learns to open up more and the group feels more like family, Atlas wonders what will happen once the summer ends.

I loved this book! The author did an amazing job of weaving together the story of five broken youths trying to figure out their lives, interspersed with descriptions of what working to clean up a trail is really like, and tips on how to appreciate nature. There were a lot of tear jerker moments scattered throughout as Atlas/Maps struggled with her grief. However, there were also a lot of fun moments where I laughed at the antics between the characters. I will definitely recommend this novel to students (and adults!) who enjoy realistic fiction.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperCollin’s for an eARC of #TheAtlasofUs by #KristinDwyer in exchange for providing honest feedback.
-5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC

5⭐️

Simply wonderful and well written story. I cried, I laughed, fell in love with the characters, and became totally invested in their story. This was a story of grief that was incredibly realistic and gives all the feels. Targeted towards a YA audience but compelling enough for a more mature reader.

"The Atlas of Us" by Kristin Dwyer is a captivating exploration of self-discovery and the healing power of connection. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Western Sierras, the novel follows Atlas, a young woman struggling to cope with the loss of her father to cancer. In a bid to rebuild her life, Atlas embarks on a community service program, rehabbing trails in the wilderness. Adopting the pseudonym Maps, she joins a diverse team—Books, Sugar, Junior, and King—each with their own stories and struggles. Together, they venture into the wilderness, where the exhausting days become a refuge, allowing Atlas to confront her past and dismantle the walls she had erected to shield herself from pain.

Kristin Dwyer excels in creating rich, well-rounded characters that breathe life into the narrative. The camaraderie among the trail companions is palpable, and as they navigate the challenges of the wilderness, a profound bond forms. The clever use of pseudonyms adds an intriguing layer to the story, symbolizing the characters' journey of shedding pretenses and embracing vulnerability. Dwyer's skillful storytelling brings forth the complexities of grief, healing, and the transformative nature of genuine human connections.

The novel's pacing is masterfully executed, keeping readers engaged in Maps' physical and emotional journey. Dwyer's vivid descriptions of the Western Sierras enhance the immersive experience, making the wilderness an integral character in the story. As the group nears the end of the trail, the emotional stakes rise, and readers find themselves eagerly counting down the days alongside Maps. The evolving relationships, particularly with King, inject a nuanced depth into the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple coming-of-age tale.

In "The Atlas of Us," Kristin Dwyer delivers a touching and resonant narrative that lingers in the reader's heart. The novel is a celebration of resilience, the healing found in unexpected places, and the beauty of rediscovering oneself amidst the grandeur of nature. With its genuine characters and powerful themes, this book is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of authentic connections

Gah, this book! After reading the author's debut (and wholly falling in love), I was quite excited to see what she had in store for us next. Readers, it is just as spectacular as Some Mistakes Were Made. Which frankly shocked me, because I loved that one a whole lot. Atlas and her story tugged at my heartstrings from the first page, she just felt so real. And in need of some good in her life, frankly. So when she ends up as part of a group of strangers rehabbing (and living on) the trails that her dad so loved, it's clear that this story is going to illicit some big emotions.

I loved the whole journey Atlas (or Maps, as she's known to her fellow trailmates) undertook. I equally loved the friends she made along the way. This was a group of people who had very little in common- didn't even know each other's names for goodness sake- but they all were so well developed, it was impossible not to root for them all. In addition, things can get pretty harrowing out in the middle of the woods. So while a lot of the story revolves around Atlas picking up the pieces of her broken heart and mind, there is that element of survival, too.

Bottom Line: I loved literally every last thing about this book. Kristin Dwyer has become an Auto-Buy Author™ for me, no question.

Question: Do you read contemporary YA?

I generally don’t anymore. I appreciate what contemporary YA does for teenage/early 20’s readers, but at 35 it’s hard to read about high school without shuddering and being really grateful I’m no longer in that stage of life. That said Kristin Dwyer is my exception. She writes about the awkwardness of being 18 to 20 years old. You’re not a kid anymore, but you also don’t really feel like an adult. Atlas is also struggling with the loss of her dad, and that kind of grief is overwhelming to everyone. I loved the way the relationships developed between everyone in Blue Group. It felt authentic because Maps, Books, King, Junior and Sugar start out not wanting to talk or trust each other, and its a slow slide into truth and acceptance. I spent a summer doing trail maintenance in Yellowstone, and my experience matched this kind of work and friendship. There was so much healing that Maps did in this book, and it felt like real healing. The messy kind that gets better, but only in waves. I never rolled my eyes at her behavior, because Maps would get just as annoyed with herself before I could. I cried at least 3 separate times in this book, and I don’t cry easy. This is a good one, and even if you don’t read YA, I’d recommend it. It’s a study of grief, and the way Dwyer writes it feels so real.

“𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚒𝚏 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚘.”

This was a lovely YA coming of age story that I think showcased well the results of grief and how not processing it can affect your emotions. For example, towards the end there is a reaction that I thought was kind of over dramatic—- but that’s exactly what grief does. Your emotions are a mess, and what you emit sometimes isn’t exactly logical. But the journey she goes on with her group—-all of whom address each other by a nickname instead of their real name (for example, she is “Maps” instead of Atlas)—- parallels to a journey she goes through mentally to work through her grief. This trail is one she should have done with her dad. But he’s gone, and that can never be now. Instead, she makes friends with her group, though it starts off rough, and gets a support group out of it, as well as a significant other for herself. As a group, they help her see beyond just whatever thoughts cloud her brain and broken heart.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the copy!

The Atlas of Us is a story full of emotion—grief, loneliness, helplessness, happiness, and love. It is a tale about finding the unlikely of friends, taking a risk, stepping into the unknown, and allowing yourself to fall headfirst in love.

Struggling after her father passed away, Atlas joins a community service program where individuals forego their names and past selves and start fresh on a journey across the hiking trails of the Sierra. Along the way, she finds herself among a group of misfits, all of whom make an impression on her, one particularly more than the rest.

I love stories that take place in nature. It provides such a great foundation for exponential growth and amazing character development, and this book had that and more. From the charming group dynamics to the sweet friendships and tension-filled romance, Dwyer again swept me off my feet and into a beautiful tale.

If you love a great story full of heart and want a good cry, definitely keep this read in mind!

4.25/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Heartrending and beautiful, The Atlas of Us was a journey of grief, acceptance, and belonging which broke my heart and put it back together.

Atlas’ father is dead.
And it’s all anyone knows about her anymore. She’s a ‘bad’ kid. She’s a troublemaker. She’s using her dad’s death as an excuse. All the things she hears all the time.
She and her mum come to an agreement - she will take part in her dad’s best friend’s summer programme hiking and rehabbing the trails in the Western Sierras, and when she comes home her mum won’t force her to say what’s next.
She goes into the programme angry and alone, but the blue team show her that, no matter who she is or what has happened to her, they love her for her, and there’s a life after her dad - however much it may hurt.

The Atlas of Us absolutely broke my heart in so many ways. Atlas’ grief, anger, and fear felt so real, and seeing her slowly realise her worth through her tragedy was really heartwarming.

The plot was fairly predictable, but the interactions and the characterisation more than made up for it. It also definitely made me want to hike the Western Sierras a bit!

Overall, if you need a therapeutic cry, The Atlas of Us is the book for you. It will break your heart and also restore your faith in the positive effect we can have on one another.

The Atlas of Us is one of the most emotional books I’ve ever read. As someone who has lost her father at a young age, Maps’ story resonated with me so much. Dwyer does an amazing job of putting the journey of grief into words that even if you haven’t experienced it, you will feel every emotion from Maps. I loved her story and I loved their found family and how they all came together. It’s such a beautiful story of grief, pain, finding yourself, being misunderstood, and love. I can’t recommend Kristin Dwyers books enough, they always leave me an emotional wreck. No one makes me cry the way she can!

4.5 Stars

The Atlas of Us is a character study seen through the lens of grief. When Atlas’ dad got sick, she lost her purpose, and after he died, she didn’t see the point of moving forward. Author Kristin Dwyer captures Atlas’ feelings in an almost visceral way. Her pain almost drips off the page, but so, too, do brief moments of joy and refuge.

Each of Dwyer’s characters are flawed and messy. They work through their “stuff” while working on the trail, and in the process become each other’s support system. They genuinely care, and that helps lighten the tone of the overall book.

The Atlas of Us is an emotional read that’s both brutal and beautiful in its honesty.

Sensitivity note: With characters ranging from 17-20, The Atlas of US definitely on the upper YA, new adult spectrum, and should be approached as such. Content includes sex (vague open door), language, drugs and alcohol use.

So many feelings. I felt a huge range of emotions while reading this book. It tugged on all my heartstrings. It really made me think about the way we process grief and how it’s different for everyone. How you might need to lean on others even when it’s the hardest thing to do. And the idea of “troubled” or “bad” kids and what that really means and if those labels should be given. Really well written. Highly recommend.

What a ride! Be prepared to cry—I certainly did, multiple times. Kristin Dwyer *gets* grief. Her ability to put into words what it feels like to lose someone you love…it’s pure poetry. The raw emotions will break you down.

I loved this story, and I read it in one sitting tonight. I fell in love with the character of Maps and actively rooted for her to find healing, in whatever way she could. I felt like I was on that trail with her, letting the cares of the world fade away as we put one foot in front of the other, hour after hour, day after day. There’s something about being in nature that is a balm to the wounded soul. I thank Ms. Dwyer for letting me tag along on the journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperTeen for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.