The Explorer

I have a tendency to not read the blurb of a book before I read it, therefore I had no clue where Phoebe Alexander was going in The Explorer (Mountains Wanted Publishing, 2020). I was exactly where Abby was in the story (laugh).

Alexander takes us through Abby and Gavin's first year at college. Both of the main characters had completely different upbringings yet are very similar in personality. They both start off in the same place emotionally at the beginning of the book and Alexander takes us through their changes during their first year on their own.

We get to experience first times, heart break, the stress of tests and papers, and death. There might be some triggers for readers, but I did not issue the usual warning as Alexander just lightly touches the subject. There is some emotional abuse which one again borders on the trigger warning and me writing one. It was not a trigger for me, but it might be for others.

Alexander explores sexuality and gender in The Explorer and does it with sensitivity and sensuality. Alexander also utilizes humor which y'all know I love. I highly recommend you explore Phoebe Alexander's latest in the “Mountain Series”.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.