Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Your Destination Is on the Left
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.laurenspieller.com/
CITY: Brooklyn
STATE: NY
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
RESEARCHER NOTES:
| LC control no.: | n 2017043224 |
|---|---|
| LCCN Permalink: | https://lccn.loc.gov/n2017043224 |
| HEADING: | Spieller, Lauren |
| 000 | 00316nz a2200109n 450 |
| 001 | 10510498 |
| 005 | 20170721081853.0 |
| 008 | 170721n| azannaabn |n aaa |
| 010 | __ |a n 2017043224 |
| 040 | __ |a DLC |b eng |c DLC |e rda |
| 100 | 1_ |a Spieller, Lauren |
| 670 | __ |a Your destination is on the left, 2018: |b ECIP title page (Lauren Spieller) |
PERSONAL
Born in CA; married.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and literary agent. TriadaUS, Sewickley, PA, literary agent, 2016—.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Lauren Spieller is a writer and literary agent based in New York. She has worked for the TriadaUS Literary Agency.
In 2018, Spieller released a book of her own, Your Destination Is on the Left. Seventeen-year-old Dessa Rhodes is the volume’s protagonist. She has been living in an RV with her nomadic family, traveling from one place to the next for years. Dessa is tired of continuously moving and hopes to be able to stay in one place. The Rhodes family travels in a caravan with two other RVs, carrying other nomadic families. A boy named Cyrus, who is from one of the other two families, has become Dessa’s closest friend. Over time, she develops romantic feelings for him. Dessa is an aspiring artist and applies to several art schools, but without a degree from a high school, she is not accepted. However, her life turns around when she is offered an internship with an artist named Fiona Velarde, who lives in Santa Fe, NM. Dessa is thrilled with the opportunity, but she knows her decision will complicate her relationship with Cyrus and with her family. Dessa’s parents are initially upset that their daughter will not continue with their nomadic lifestyle, but they ultimately agree to allow her to take the internship. Meanwhile, Dessa reconnects with her grandmother, who also lives in Santa Fe.
Your Destination Is on the Left received favorable assessments from reviewers. Writing in Voice of Youth Advocates, Lisa A. Hazlett described the book’s protagonist as “likable.” Hazlett continued: “Readers will sympathize with her lifestyle limitations and share her excitement and anxiety over her internship, relationship, and college uncertainties.” “Dessa’s resilience is laudable and will resonate with anyone well-acquainted with failure,” asserted a Kirkus Reviews critic. The same critic described the novel as “an emotional, aesthetic, and hopeful journey to self-discovery.” Debbie Carton, reviewer in Booklist, remarked: “The message of maintaining persistence, courage, and creativity is a … welcome one for teen readers.” A Publishers Weekly writer commented: “Dessa’s struggle to realize her dreams without hurting loved ones will resonate.” A contributor to the Teen Reads website suggested: “Overall … Spieller’s Your Destination Is on the Left provides a look at relatable issues in a fresh context. The story is relatively light and short, providing a read suited to summer that still packs meaning and depth. Readers will find themselves invested in Dessa’s struggles and her eventual growth, and will likely take lessons from her life that they can apply to their own.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, April 15, 2018, Debbie Carton, review of Your Destination Is on the Left, p. 51.
Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2018, review of Your Destination Is on the Left.
Publishers Weekly, April 23, 2018, review of Your Destination Is on the Left, p. 91.
School Library Journal, Amy Duffy, review of Your Destination Is on the Left, p. 102.
Voice of Youth Advocates, June, 2018, Lisa A. Hazlett, review of Your Destination Is on the Left, p. 65.
ONLINE
Lauren Spieller website, http://www.laurenspieller.com/ (October 15, 2018).
TeenReads, https://www.teenreads.com/ (August 1, 2018), review of Your Destination is on the Left.
bout Me
Lauren Spieller is an author and literary agent who lives in New York with her husband. When she isn’t writing, she can be found drinking lattes, pining for every dog she sees, or visiting her native California. Your Destination is on the Left is her debut novel. Follow her on Twitter @laurenspieller and Instagram @laurenspieller. You can also visit her website at www.laurenspieller.com
Photo Cred: Dave Cross Photography
For information on audio, foreign, and TV/Film rights, please contact my agent, Jim McCarthy of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.
QUOTED: "likable."
"readers will sympathize with her lifestyle limitations and share her excitement and anxiety over her internship, relationship, and college uncertainties."
Spieller, Lauren. Your Destination is
on the Left
Lisa A. Hazlett
Voice of Youth Advocates.
41.2 (June 2018): p65. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2018 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
Spieller, Lauren. Your Destination is on the Left. Simon & Schuster, June 2018. 304p. $18.99. 978-1-4814-9212-6.
3Q * 3P * M * J
Dessa is restless and miserable; her family joined a small group that has been traveling the U.S. in RVs for years, but she yearns for art school. She and fellow traveler Cyrus have begun a romance, frowned upon by the group, so constant secrecy is trying. More frustration arrives with rejections from every art school receiving her portfolio, draining Dessa's confidence and suggesting an endless four-lane future. Dessa, though, had omitted one of her most stunning pieces when she applied, thinking it too avant-garde, but Cyrus secretly sends it to a Southwestern artist, landing Dessa a prestigious internship. Proving her talent to herself and boss occurs slowly, but her happiness is quickly jolted by learning her family--and Cyrus--will continue traveling. Dessa must decide if her longed-for future is worth being left behind by family and the boy she loves.
Narrated by likeable Dessa, readers will sympathize with her lifestyle limitations and share her excitement and anxiety over her internship, relationship, and college uncertainties. Contrivances include the internship itself and location in the same city as her wealthy grandmother, with her parents' refusal to see the value of any existence but traveling seeming unrealistic. More importantly, though, Dessa's unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams regardless of obstacle is inspiring, especially her realization that she did not fall apart after an estrangement from Cyrus over their differing ambitions, and understanding that seeking goals may mean leaving, but not losing, those in her life.--Lisa A. Hazlett.
1 of 6 9/30/18, 10:48 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Hazlett, Lisa A. "Spieller, Lauren. Your Destination is on the Left." Voice of Youth Advocates,
June 2018, p. 65. Book Review Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A545022928 /GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&xid=61c13440. Accessed 30 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A545022928
QUOTED: "Dessa's resilience is laudable and will resonate with anyone well-acquainted with failure."
"an emotional, aesthetic, and hopeful journey to self-discovery."
2 of 6 9/30/18, 10:48 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Spieller, Lauren: YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT
Kirkus Reviews.
(Apr. 15, 2018): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2018 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Spieller, Lauren YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT Simon & Schuster (Young Adult Fiction) $18.99 6, 26 ISBN: 978-1-4814-9212-6
An aspiring teen artist yearns to break free from her family's nomadic lifestyle in Spieller's debut novel.
For the Rhodes family, home is an RV on a never-ending trek across the country with two other families, one of which includes Dessa's best friend and secret crush, Cyrus. Despite the caravan's "never stop moving" mentality, Dessa dreams of becoming a real artist and settling down one day--also known as "High Nomad Treason." She eagerly applies to 10 art schools but is rejected by every single one of them. Already feeling lost and bound to the life her parents chose for her, she discovers that her father, a web designer without a degree, is struggling to make ends meet. She unexpectedly lands an internship with Santa Fe-based artist Fiona Velarde, a promising opportunity that will test her artistic abilities, challenge her loyalty to her family, and hinder her emerging romance with Cyrus. Refreshingly, it is the parents in this story who have poor decision-making skills throughout, often relying on group votes to decide the caravan's fate. Dessa's resilience is laudable and will resonate with anyone well-acquainted with failure. The cast is mainly white (Dessa has a Greek grandmother) with some racial diversity--Cyrus and another supporting character are black, and Fiona is tan-skinned with black hair.
An emotional, aesthetic, and hopeful journey to self-discovery. (Fiction. 12-18)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Spieller, Lauren: YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2018.
Book Review Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A534375024 /GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&xid=979ae9be. Accessed 30 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A534375024
QUOTED: "The message of maintaining persistence, courage, and creativity is a ... welcome one for teen readers."
3 of 6 9/30/18, 10:48 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Your Destination Is on the Left
Debbie Carton
Booklist.
114.16 (Apr. 15, 2018): p51+. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2018 American Library Association http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
Your Destination Is on the Left.
By Lauren Spieller.
June 2018. 304p. Simon & Schuster, $18.99 (9781481492126). Gr. 9-12.
Dessa Rhodes and her family are modern-day nomads, traveling in a caravan of three RVs while homeschooling the groups children. It's a small but exciting world with an ever-changing landscape--and it's one that Dessa is ready to leave for the stability of college as an art major. But when she is rejected by all her college choices, a door opens in the form of a two-week internship with a well-known New Mexico artist. Encouraged by Cy, a fellow caravan child who's been a longtime crush and now becomes a boyfriend, Dessa finds the courage to think for herself and determine her own future. Spieller brings welcome diversity in the easy integration of characters of color (Cy is African American) and LGBTQ characters (artist Fiona). While it's true that the plot lacks verisimilitude in that all obstacles are easily removed, the message of maintaining persistence, courage, and creativity is a worthy and welcome one for teen readers.--Debbie Carton
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Carton, Debbie. "Your Destination Is on the Left." Booklist, 15 Apr. 2018, p. 51+. Book Review
Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A537268176/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=bf5bafa9. Accessed 30 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A537268176
QUOTED: "Dessa's struggle to realize her dreams without hurting loved ones will resonate."
4 of 6 9/30/18, 10:48 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Your Destination Is on the Left
Publishers Weekly.
265.17 (Apr. 23, 2018): p91. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Your Destination Is on the Left
Lauren Spieller. Simon & Schuster, $18.99 (304p) ISBN 978-1-4814-9212-6
Dessa's family, whose favorite motto is "never stop moving," has been traveling in an RV caravan for years, but now Dessa, 17, is ready to put down roots. Her plan is to get her GED and attend art school, but she hasn't gotten accepted anywhere. After she gets the chance to intern for a famous artist, though, the caravan families begrudgingly agree on a temporary stay in Santa Fe so that she can take advantage of the opportunity. Dessa is thrilled to work for a real artist, but conflicts soon arise: she becomes discouraged, doubting her talent; the family goes through a financial crisis; and her relationship with traveling partner Cy takes a romantic turn, making her wonder if her original plan to leave the group is the right decision after all. In a thoughtful novel depicting the downside of nomadic life, debut author Spieller renders a convincing portrait of a blossoming artist facing relatable coming-of-age issues. Some of the resolutions arrive in too- neat packages, but Dessa's struggle to realize her dreams without hurting loved ones will resonate. Ages 14-up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Your Destination Is on the Left." Publishers Weekly, 23 Apr. 2018, p. 91. Book Review Index
Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A536532988/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=315fccfe. Accessed 30 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A536532988
5 of 6 9/30/18, 10:48 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
SPIELLER, Lauren. Your
Destination Is on the Left
Amy Duffy
School Library Journal.
64.5 (May 2018): p102. From Book Review Index Plus.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Duffy, Amy. "SPIELLER, Lauren. Your Destination Is on the Left." School Library Journal, May
2018, p. 102. Book Review Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A536988060 /GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&xid=48a974f6. Accessed 30 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A536988060
6 of 6 9/30/18, 10:48 PM
QUOTED: "Overall ... Spieller’s YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT provides a look at relatable issues in a fresh context. The story is relatively light and short, providing a read suited to summer that still packs meaning and depth. Readers will find themselves invested in Dessa’s struggles and her eventual growth, and will likely take lessons from her life that they can apply to their own."
Review
Your Destination Is on the Left
by Lauren Spieller
[Buy this book at IndieBound]
[Buy this book at Amazon]
[Buy this book at Barnes and Noble]
Dessa Rhodes spends her life on the road. Ever since her parents decided to uproot their lives and travel around the United States exploring the country, Dessa’s home has been their RV, surrounded by the other two families traveling with them. For years Dessa was satisfied, visiting new states and spending time with Cyrus, the boy in their caravan who has always been something more than a friend to her. But now Dessa is looking for more, applying to colleges with the hope of pursuing an education as an artist and taking her talent to a new level. No matter how much she might want it, she also knows that going to college will mean leaving behind a life of endless travel, as well as her family --- and Cyrus. That is, if she gets accepted. She has received rejections from every school except UCLA, with no plan of what to do if she gets a final rejection. So when an internship opportunity with an artist pops up, Dessa takes it, in the hopes of figuring out what she wants to do --- and who she is.
" Spieller does an excellent job developing the reader’s understanding of Dessa’s way of life and the relationships that develop among a group of individuals whose only constant is each other in the midst of changing scenery."
In YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT, Lauren Spieller presents enduring young adult themes of identity, coming of age and romance in an entirely new context. Dessa’s life as a modern nomad presents a unique look at a way of life that comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, and this influences how Dessa approaches the conflicts she encounters. Spieller does an excellent job developing the reader’s understanding of Dessa’s way of life and the relationships that develop among a group of individuals whose only constant is each other in the midst of changing scenery. The dynamics of the travelers prove interesting, and the specific struggles of raising and supporting a family feature heavily in the novel, allowing Spieller to explore these common issues in an uncommon setting.
More important than this, though, Spieller thoroughly develops Dessa’s character, allowing the reader to relate and connect with her --- even more essential, given Dessa’s unique lifestyle. Dessa’s struggles with figuring out her future, judging her art by the expectations of others and simply overcoming her fears in order to unlock her talent will pertain to many readers, far beyond those that have artistic talent: everyone with a specific interest or talent will recognize the terror of falling short in an area that defines them.
Spieller also includes a romantic element of the story, but it doesn’t overpower the narrative --- Dessa’s relationship with Cyrus serves as a side plot of the novel, but Dessa’s struggles take precedence. More than this, though, Dessa develops relationships with multiple other characters throughout the story, ensuring that she doesn’t rely on Cyrus as her only source of advice or support. These relationships all have a unique dynamic, providing Dessa with differing forms of support and growth throughout her story.
Although the novel features strong themes and well-developed characters, Dessa’s interaction with her setting could have been expanded upon. While she spends time in Santa Fe, she seems isolated from her setting --- given her lifestyle, it would have been especially interesting to see her interact with her surroundings more, exploring the local culture and comparing it to her experiences in other areas of America, something that would have given both her and her world more depth.
Overall, however, Spieller’s YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT provides a look at relatable issues in a fresh context. The story is relatively light and short, providing a read suited to summer that still packs meaning and depth. Readers will find themselves invested in Dessa’s struggles and her eventual growth, and will likely take lessons from her life that they can apply to their own.
Reviewed by Rachel R., Teen Board Member on August 1, 2018
[Buy this book at IndieBound] [Buy this book at Amazon] [Buy this book at Barnes and Noble]
Your Destination Is on the Left
by Lauren Spieller
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genres: Coming of Age, Family, Family Life, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult 14+
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
ISBN-10: 1481492128
ISBN-13: 9781481492126