Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own. This is a cute and sometimes sad story about Vinnie and Roo, childhood friends who are on different paths but then reconnect to go on a road trip when they’re both not quite where they plan to be in life. You get details about Vinnie’s mom and health as Vinnie herself is struggling with health issues while we get Roo’s story in pieces as he’s trying to help his mom make ends meet. I felt like the story progressed pretty well and seemed realistic, but I didn’t love Vinnie’s way of handling things were her other female best friend. The supposed betrayal wasn’t really much to me and seemed silly. I enjoyed seeing these teens navigate their lives and struggles and their road-trip where they were fidgeting things out together. While it wasn’t a favorite I’ve read, i did think it has appeal for some teens and that it has pretty solid characters/story. Family dynamics are great in this one. FYI some triggering things with suicide and chronic illness, some profanity

Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“A Guide to Falling Off the Map” by Zanni L. Arnot is an introspective yet humorous coming-of-age story that explores grief and the unpredictability of life through a heartfelt road trip across Australia. With its dual perspectives, fast-paced chapters, and emotional depth, this book delivers a messy, tender, and authentic story about two childhood friends on the brink of major life changes. I do want to provide a content warning for off-page suicide involving Vinnie’s mother.

The story follows Vinnie Smith, an outgoing teen who has her future in New York City all planned out—until everything starts unraveling. Plagued by severe headaches, rejected from her dream role as drama captain, and betrayed by her best friend, she impulsively decides to "fix" the life of her childhood friend, Roo Carpenter. Roo, who has dropped out of high school to support his mother, reluctantly joins her on a spontaneous road trip across inland Australia in her late mother’s Kombi van. As they travel, Vinnie’s unresolved grief over her mother's suicide resurfaces, her own health declines, and she unexpectedly begins to see Roo in a new light.

The book is deeply character-driven, with both Vinnie and Roo given space to narrate their experiences. Vinnie, while a flawed and often selfish protagonist, struggles with the fear that an MS diagnosis—like her mother’s—will upend her life. Her avoidance of reality and tendency to push others away can be frustrating, but her emotional growth by the end feels earned. Roo, on the other hand, is a grounded and selfless counterpart, whose quiet struggles add a poignant contrast to Vinnie’s whirlwind emotions. The tension between them is beautifully written, though the romantic shift in their relationship feels somewhat abrupt—Vinnie’s realization of her feelings happens very suddenly despite knowing Roo for years.

The book’s strongest moments come once the road trip begins. The descriptions of the Australian landscape are vivid and immersive, making you feel like you are journeying alongside the characters. I absolutely loved the road trip moments in this book. However, the trip itself doesn’t start until more than halfway through the book, which feels late given that it is a central premise of the story. A bit more time spent on their journey could have deepened the emotional impact.

While the book is often lighthearted and humorous, it also tackles heavy themes, including grief and chronic illness. Vinnie’s mother’s death looms over the story, shaping Vinnie’s fear of her own potential diagnosis. These elements are handled with care, making the book both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The ending is bittersweet yet hopeful—Vinnie and Roo find solace in each other, accepting that life’s uncertainties don’t have to be faced alone. While the resolution feels a little rushed, it leaves you with a sense of warmth and possibility.

Overall, “A Guide to Falling Off the Map” is a heartfelt and engaging read that balances humor with weighty emotions. It’s perfect for fans of introspective YA novels with complex friendships, slow-burning romance, and stunning road trip adventures.