Review: The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this was a heavy and sad book. Atlas has gone through more grief in her short life than I think I will ever go through. The amount of love she has for her dad and for her to continue to go through the pain of losing him over and over again really hits hard. This story is about her journey of dealing with that grief and a way for her to work through her emotions, though I honestly don't believe she will ever really heal from this loss in her heart. 

The month long hike she took to honor her dad's last wishes? I think that was a great stepping stone for her. To disconnect from her house where bad memories live. To disconnect from her grieving mother. To distant herself from all the people who witnessed her spiraling. Having to live without all of that while exhausting her body and mind cleaning the trail and be reminded of good memories with her dad? I loved this form of healing. 

Being with strangers and creating a different life to share with them? To then realizing she is closer to these strangers who know nothing about her real life? Too being able to have those moments of grief without worrying if anyone was going to judge her?

I haven't lost a parent, or really anyone that caused deep pain inside me yet, but this author really found a way for me to feel this pain. I cried more time than I care to admit, but it was because I felt Atlas's soul crushing pain. I think that is a beautiful talent Kristin Dwyer has. 

This book also puts things into perspective on what is important in life. I'm not bashing superficial things, but life could be so much worse than what we are currently living. It makes me appreciate what I have. 

I'm glad i decided to read this and I may even pick up the other book by this author when I'm in the mood for another sad book. 

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