"𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟"
Ethan Carter, a young man haunted by loss, who leaves behind his old life to travel across America in search of healing-and himself. His journey takes him from the rain-soaked trails of Seattle to the sun-baked paths of the Southwest, from quiet forests to bustling cities, each step guided by the strangers who become his unexpected family.
First, there's Isla Monroe, a bold and outspoken aspiring filmmaker from Seattle, trekking the trail to create a documentary on grief and healing. Her fierce spirit and raw honesty challenge Ethan to confront his own pain rather than run from it.
Then comes Walter, a retired veteran with a soft heart and steady presence, who becomes a father figure to Ethan. Walter's quiet strength and life wisdom help Ethan find calm amid chaos.
Tasha, a single mother hiking with her young son to rebuild their bond after a painful divorce, shows Ethan the power of resilience and unconditional love in the face of hardship.
And Reed, a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie who pushes Ethan to break free from his fears and embrace the wild unknown with open arms.
Together, they navigate winding trails, campfire nights, and the vast, diverse landscapes of America-each chapter revealing new lessons, new challenges, and new moments of connection. Through laughter, tears, and quiet reflection, Ethan learns that healing isn't a destination but a journey shared with those brave enough to walk beside you.
The Map of Us is a powerful, heartfelt tale of grief, friendship, and the unexpected ways love finds you when you're lost. Will Ethan find the peace he's searching for? Or will the road lead him somewhere even more surprising?
Start walking the trail with Ethan-and discover that sometimes, the map to yourself is drawn in the hearts of the people you meet.
NOTE: I REVISED BEFORE YOU GO, SO THERE WILL BE SOME MISINFORMATION IN THIS ONE REGARDING LEON & ELIZA'S RELATIONSHIP. I WILL FIX IT SOON, THOUGH!
* I would HIGHLY recommend reading BEFORE YOU GO and THE ONE YOU FIGHT FOR before you read this novel. This novel is a criss-cross between them and will include some major spoilers!*
Leo Sangster has a bucket list tucked away safely, folded between the pages of his favourite book. And it's been there for nearly fifteen years.
He hasn't tried to read it. He can't. He won't. Because that one piece of paper is a large piece of his father -- someone he's never met and never will be able to meet.
But as Leo finds himself heading to Whistler, BC to explore where his father was born and who he was before he died in a car accident, he begins to wonder if that bucket list could give him any clues.
Aria Madden is the daughter of the now-retired, famous NHL player, Luke Madden. Anyone would consider that a lot to live up to, but Aria is content with her current position. In January, she'll be competing in the Winter Olympics for Canada's women's hockey team. Over the summer, she's going to be training in Whistler, BC with the rest of the team, all while staying at her aunt's house.
But even though it seems like she has everything under control, Aria is stuck in a whirlwind of anxiety. While she's happy and excited that her hard work has paid off, she's worried she won't live up to her father's legacy.
When Leo and Aria cross paths on a fateful summer day, they're thrown into the chaos of an unforgettable summer adventure -- filled with charming and mysterious people, astounding views, and alpine air. But as the summer continues on and the heat is amped up, undeniable chemistry begins to brew between the two of them.
But what happens when summer ends and they have to go their separate ways?
Will they give up on the chemistry or will they find a way to make it work?