Flat characters I didn't care about, very shallow plot to jackhammer the idea home that mysticism (6th grade religion) is better than everyday (1st grade) religion, silly notion that one can get from one to the other (or at the very least, accept the negativity of one and embrace the positivity of the other) on a two-week road trip, very long passages explaining the history, evolution, pros, cons, etc. of one or the other, far too many dogs going for walks with their owners at sunset, something kinda icky about the frequent description of how attractive the women were (written by a man, so realistic I suppose, but something still didn't sit right with me), somewhat offensive stereotyping of non-specific "Native American" characters, an ending that was "Huh??".
As a Religious Studies major who focused on comparative religion and mysticism, I expected to adore this novel and I entered many giveaways in an attempt to get a copy before I finally traded for one. I didn't expect to dislike it this intensely. I'm relieved I spent no money. However, I think this could be that kind of book I hoped for to an older teen or 20-something who has been oppressed and/or disappointed with mainstream religions and is nevertheless spiritually-inclined.
As a Religious Studies major who focused on comparative religion and mysticism, I expected to adore this novel and I entered many giveaways in an attempt to get a copy before I finally traded for one. I didn't expect to dislike it this intensely. I'm relieved I spent no money. However, I think this could be that kind of book I hoped for to an older teen or 20-something who has been oppressed and/or disappointed with mainstream religions and is nevertheless spiritually-inclined.
