This book is polarizing and after reading this I understand why. I luckily fall into the side of loving it. The content isn't for the faint of heart, but I think the author was able to point out the beauty in dark things. The writing style was ethereal and I had so many quotes highlighted. I never read the author before but I can't wait to check out more of her work.

I remember reading Honey Baby Sweetheart back in high school (which let me tell you, was a long time ago) and I remember enjoying it and wanting to read more of Deb Caletti's books. Fast forward to 2016 and I still hadn't read anymore of Deb Caletti's books. I did however buy a couple. Then I see a tour for ESSENTIAL MAPS FOR THE LOST and it sounds so good, I immediately sign up for it. I was not disappointed! Reading this book has made me want to read and/or reread the rest of Caletti's books!

What I really love about this book is the emotion that you get while reading it. And that it deals with some important issues. At the very beginning you are thrown into this terrible event, Mads colliding with a dead body in a lake. I would have nightmares if that happened to me. And throughout the whole novel, you see Mads and Billy dealing with some pretty important stuff, not just their relationship.

Now, as much as I enjoyed this book. It did take me a little bit to get through the first third. I read the first few chapters pretty fast considering the beginning is literally Mads colliding into a dead body, but after that it did take some getting used to. And maybe it was because I was in a slight reading slump due to my wedding, but it did take me a few days to push through and finish this. But Caletti's writing is gorgeous. She really does know how to show a story. And I will definitely be rereading this at some point in my life.

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and if you're in the mood for a contemporary that isn't afraid to deal with tough stuff. I really recommend giving Deb Caletti's writing a chance! Because the story that she tells about Mads and Billy about falling in love amongst the grief, is a pretty fantastic read. :)