This. Story. Is. AMAZING! The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche is utterly astounding. I devoured this book in what felt like nanoseconds. The range of emotions I experienced on this journey are multifaceted. I laughed. I sobbed. I cheered. I got angry. And I stopped every few pages to tell my husband what was happening next. The Road Before Us makes you want to talk about all you experience while reading this masterful tale. This story had me envisioning Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward (via Paul and Benny), reliving my various travels on Route 66, remembering my grandpa’s time in the Korean War and the POW camp (well, the little he shared) and my dad’s stories from his time in the Air Force during Vietnam. It made me think about my journey to adulthood and all the vicious bumps along the way. It made me think on my husband, who is 10.5 years my senior, and all his baggage and hurts growing up in the 70s and 80s. This story made me contemplate history — how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. It made me so sad (and seriously mad) that icky, ugly, dark-hearted humans prey on those considered weaker and easier targets. I’ve not read a book before that made me want to punch people and hug people at the same time. This story is a true experience for the reader, and I was there for every single glorious second. The Road Before Us is the first novel I’ve read by Janine Rosche, but it will definitely not be the last. Rosche is a genius when it comes to penning stories. Her characters are gripping, endearing, relatable, realistic, and memorable. I love how she made Route 66 a character all its own. And how she weaves three unique timelines into one seamless and beautiful story — seriously masterful!!!!

The Road Before Us is one of the best stories I’ve ever read. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re in the mood for a timeless classic, a contemporary and historical story that delves deeply into the messiness and joys of life, a story that will leave you feeling all the feels, then this is the book for you. You do not want to miss out on this story. The Road Before Us is a total 2024 must-read!