“Before you can love anyone else, you have to love yourself.”
— Corinna's grandmother shares this wisdom with her.
Archivist's Choice
The Last True Love Story
Brendan Kiely (2016)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
360 min
Key Themes
See below
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Two teenagers, a grandfather with Alzheimer's, and a dog take a cross-country road trip from LA to NY to fulfill a dying wish and find love.
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-olds Hendrix and Corrina, both feeling lost, drive from Los Angeles to New York. Hendrix promised his grandfather, Gpa, who has Alzheimer's, that he would take him to the hill where he first kissed his wife before his memories disappear. Corrina, a musician stifled by her adoptive parents, sees this as her chance to escape and find herself. They steal a car, free Gpa and his dog, Old Humper, from his assisted living facility, and start their journey.
As their parents, doctors, and the police pursue them, Hendrix and Corrina experience first encounters, personal growth, and deep connection. They face their pasts and futures, finding comfort and understanding in each other and through music and stories. Their trip ends when they reach Gpa's special place, leading to a confrontation with their pursuers and a new beginning for Hendrix and Corrina as they learn the truth behind Gpa's belief that 'the only stories that last are love stories.'
Reading time
360 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Adventurous
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy heartfelt YA road trip stories with a blend of romance, family drama, and self-discovery.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced thrillers or stories without a strong focus on character development and emotional journeys.
Plot Summary
The Promise and the Escape
Hendrix, seventeen, struggles with his father's recent death and his Gpa's rapid decline from Alzheimer's. He promised Gpa, who is increasingly confused, that he would take him back to the New York hill where he first kissed his late wife. Corrina, also seventeen, feels trapped by her overprotective adoptive parents and wants artistic freedom. She is a talented musician, but her parents want her to follow a more traditional path. One hot July night in Los Angeles, their lives meet. Hendrix, desperate to keep his promise, asks Corrina for help. Together, they execute a bold plan: they steal a car, break Gpa out of his assisted living facility, and bring Old Humper, Gpa's dog, setting the stage for their spontaneous road trip.
On the Road: First Encounters and Growing Pains
The start of their trip is difficult. Gpa's Alzheimer's means he has clear moments mixed with confusion, leading to distress but also unexpected wisdom. Hendrix and Corrina, strangers in an intense situation, manage the road's practicalities — finding food, gas, and places to sleep, all while trying to avoid being caught. They begin to learn about each other's pasts and weaknesses. Corrina shares her frustrations with her parents and her dreams of being a musician, while Hendrix talks about his grief for his father and his strong bond with Gpa. Their shared goal and close quarters create a strong, if complicated, connection.
The Pursuit Begins
Back in Los Angeles, their absence is discovered. Corrina's adoptive parents, worried and angry, find her gone and the car stolen. Hendrix's mother, busy with work and unaware of Gpa's worsening condition, is shocked by his disappearance from the facility. The police are called, and a multi-state search begins. The teenagers become fugitives, their faces and the stolen car's description circulated. This adds more tension to their already high-stakes adventure, forcing them to be alert and clever, relying on their intelligence and each other to avoid capture while continuing their journey east.
Moments of Clarity and Connection
As they travel through different states, Gpa sometimes has moments of clear thought, often triggered by specific sights, sounds, or talks. He shares broken but vivid memories of his life with his wife, recalling their courtship, early years, and lasting love. These stories, though sometimes jumbled, provide a touching background for Hendrix and Corrina's own developing feelings. They grow closer, sharing private talks, fears, and hopes under starry skies. The journey becomes a shared experience that builds a deep emotional connection beyond their initial desperation.
Confronting the Past and Future
The road trip is not just a physical journey; it is an emotional and psychological one for both teenagers. Corrina, through her interactions with Hendrix and the freedom of the open road, starts to shed her adoptive parents' expectations, embracing her identity as a musician. She finds her voice, literally and figuratively, often playing her guitar and singing during their stops. Hendrix deals with his grief over his father and the coming loss of Gpa, finding comfort and strength in Corrina's presence. Each roadside diner, motel, and scenic view becomes a place for their self-discovery and the strengthening of their bond, as they face their past hurts and future uncertainties together.
Near Misses and Growing Danger
As they cross state lines, the police network tightens. Hendrix and Corrina have several terrifying close calls with law enforcement. They learn to be clever, using backroads and changing their appearance when possible. They meet helpful strangers and suspicious people, further showing how risky their situation is. The constant threat of capture adds an exciting, yet scary, element to their adventure, pushing their resourcefulness and trust in each other to the limit. These close calls emphasize that their time is running out, making their urgency to reach Gpa's destination even greater.
The Power of Music and Storytelling
Music is a strong force on their journey. Corrina often plays her guitar, her melodies reflecting the moment's emotions or helping to calm Gpa during his confused periods. Her songs become a story of their adventure, and a way for her to process her own feelings. Gpa's fragmented memories, put together by Hendrix and Corrina, paint a picture of enduring love. These stories, along with Corrina's music, create a rich shared experience, showing how art and memory connect people across generations and situations, and offer hope amid despair.
Reaching the Destination
Against all odds, and with the authorities still searching for them, Hendrix, Corrina, Gpa, and Old Humper finally arrive in New York. They find the specific hill Gpa described — the place where he first kissed his wife. The moment is bittersweet. Gpa, though still suffering from Alzheimer's, shows a flash of recognition, a deep sense of peace settling over him as he stands on the cherished ground. Fulfilling Hendrix's promise brings a deep sense of accomplishment and closure, even as Gpa's condition remains unchanged. The journey's purpose has been met, but their freedom is still in danger.
The Inevitable Confrontation
Their moment of triumph is brief. Just as they are taking in the importance of their arrival, their families, with the police, arrive at the hill. The emotional reunion is a mix of relief, anger, and understanding. Corrina's parents are furious but also deeply worried. Hendrix's mother is overwhelmed by Gpa's condition and their reckless act. The teenagers are apprehended, but the confrontation is not entirely punitive. There is an underlying recognition from the adults of the deep love and desperation that drove their journey, especially regarding Gpa's wish.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
Afterward, Hendrix and Corrina face legal consequences, but also a change in their relationships with their families. Corrina's parents, seeing her passion and independence, start to understand her need for self-expression and her musical goals. Hendrix's mother is forced to confront Gpa's illness and her own emotional distance, possibly leading to healing within their family. Though their big adventure ends, the bond between Hendrix and Corrina lasts. They have found a true love story in each other, not just romantically, but in the shared experience of deep connection, understanding, and the courage to fight for what truly matters.
Principal Figures
Hendrix
The Protagonist
Hendrix begins as a lost and burdened teen but evolves into a more self-assured individual who understands the true meaning of love and commitment, finding his own voice and purpose.
Corrina
The Protagonist
Corrina starts as a frustrated and constrained artist but grows into a confident, independent young woman who embraces her identity and finds her artistic voice.
Gpa
The Supporting
Gpa's arc is less about personal development and more about fulfilling his final wish, which provides closure and meaning for Hendrix and Corrina.
Old Humper
The Supporting
Old Humper's arc is static; he remains a steadfast companion throughout the journey.
Hendrix's Mother
The Supporting
She begins as emotionally distant but is forced to confront her denial and emotional unavailability, leading to a potential for healing and reconnection with Hendrix.
Corrina's Adoptive Parents
The Supporting
They begin as controlling figures but are forced to recognize Corrina's independence and artistic talent, leading to a more understanding and supportive relationship.
Themes & Insights
The Enduring Power of Love and Memory
This theme is central to the story, shown by Gpa's fading memories of his wife and Hendrix's desperate effort to keep them. The journey itself shows how a past love can shape the present. Gpa's fragmented stories, though sometimes unclear, consistently highlight the depth of his connection to his wife, inspiring Hendrix and Corrina to believe in such a deep bond. This theme also explores how love can go beyond physical presence and even cognitive decline, as Gpa's memories, however brief, remain a source of comfort and purpose. Corrina's music often helps bring these memories to life.
““The only stories that last are love stories.””
Finding Identity and Freedom
Both Hendrix and Corrina are at key stages of self-discovery. Corrina feels limited by her adoptive parents' expectations, wanting the freedom to be a musician and define herself. The road trip gives her the space and independence to embrace her artistic voice, literally as she plays her guitar and sings throughout the journey. Hendrix, dealing with grief and responsibility, seeks to understand his place in the world and honor his family's past. The journey forces them to face their fears, make independent decisions, and ultimately create their own identities apart from their family's expectations. The stolen car and the open road symbolize their escape and their search for self-definition.
““Maybe this is what being free is: not knowing what’s next, but knowing you’re ready for it.””
Grief and Healing
Hendrix is deeply affected by his father's recent death and the ongoing, painful loss of Gpa's clear mind due to Alzheimer's. His promise to Gpa is an act of love, but also a way for him to cope with his grief and feel useful. The journey becomes a shared process of healing, not just for Hendrix, but also for Corrina, who carries her own emotional burdens related to her adoption and her parents' control. Through their talks and shared experiences, they find comfort and understanding in each other, learning to handle their pain and move towards acceptance. Fulfilling Gpa's wish brings a form of closure, allowing Hendrix to begin to heal.
““Sometimes, the only way to hold onto someone is to let them go, but not before you give them everything.””
The Definition of Family
The novel questions traditional ideas of family. Hendrix's biological mother is emotionally distant, making Gpa his main family figure. Corrina's adoptive parents, though loving, are stifling, causing her to seek connection elsewhere. On the road, Hendrix, Corrina, Gpa, and even Old Humper form an unusual 'family unit' connected by shared purpose, care, and love. This makeshift family provides the emotional support and understanding they lack in their conventional family structures. The journey ultimately prompts their biological/adoptive families to rethink their roles and relationships, suggesting that family is defined more by love and support than by blood or legal ties.
““Family isn't always about who you're born to. Sometimes it's about who you find along the way.””
The Journey as Metaphor
The cross-country road trip is not just a plot device; it is a strong metaphor for the characters' personal growth and emotional development. Each mile driven, each state crossed, and each challenge faced corresponds to an inner change. The open road symbolizes freedom and the unknown, while the detours and obstacles represent life's complexities and self-discovery. As Hendrix and Corrina navigate the physical landscape, they also navigate their emotional lives, facing their pasts, defining their identities, and forming a deep connection. The destination, Gpa's hill, represents not just a physical place, but a moment of emotional fulfillment and understanding.
““The point of living is learning how to love.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The MacGuffin: Gpa's Promise
An object or goal that drives the plot forward.
Gpa's promise to return to the hill where he first kissed his wife serves as the primary MacGuffin. It is the central goal that propels Hendrix, Corrina, and Gpa across the country. While the specific hill itself is important for Gpa's closure, its true significance lies in its ability to initiate the journey and force the characters into a situation where they must grow, connect, and confront their own issues. The MacGuffin's importance is less about its inherent value and more about its catalytic effect on the characters' development and the unfolding narrative.
Foil Characters: Hendrix and Corrina's Families
Characters who highlight the protagonist's traits or circumstances by contrast.
Hendrix's work-obsessed mother and Corrina's overprotective adoptive parents serve as foil characters to the protagonists. Their inability or unwillingness to truly understand and support Hendrix and Corrina's emotional needs highlights the protagonists' loneliness, their yearning for freedom, and their shared desperation. By contrasting the suffocating or absent presence of their families with the liberating and deeply connective journey, the narrative underscores the protagonists' need for self-determination and the unique bond they form with each other. These foils also provide the external conflict and the 'reason to run' that kicks off the plot.
Symbolism: The Open Road
The road represents freedom, uncertainty, and self-discovery.
The open road is a powerful symbol throughout the novel. It represents freedom from the constraints of their previous lives, the uncertainty of the future, and the journey of self-discovery. Each mile driven is a step further away from their past problems and a step closer to understanding themselves and each other. The challenges encountered on the road – mechanical failures, close calls with the police, lack of resources – symbolize the obstacles they face internally and externally. Ultimately, the road becomes a crucible where their identities are forged and their love story unfolds.
Foreshadowing: Gpa's Lucidity
Hints or clues about future events, particularly Gpa's decline.
Gpa's intermittent moments of lucidity, often followed by deeper confusion, subtly foreshadow the inevitable progression of his Alzheimer's and the limited time Hendrix has to fulfill his promise. These flashes of clarity serve to both remind Hendrix of the man Gpa once was and underscore the urgency of their mission. They create a bittersweet tension, suggesting that while Gpa can still connect, his ability to do so is rapidly diminishing, making the journey a race against time and memory. This foreshadowing adds emotional weight to every interaction with Gpa.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Some things are worth fighting for. And some people are, too.”
— Corinna reflects on the struggles and rewards of love.
“Maybe the truest love stories aren't the ones that end happily ever after, but the ones that just keep going.”
— A thought from Corinna about the nature of enduring love.
“The world keeps spinning, even when your heart feels like it's stopped.”
— Corinna grapples with heartbreak.
“Sometimes you have to break a few rules to find your way home.”
— Corinna considers unconventional choices in her journey.
“It's not about finding someone perfect. It's about finding someone who's perfect for you.”
— A conversation about ideal partners.
“Every goodbye isn't forever. Sometimes it's just a promise to see each other again.”
— Corinna deals with separation from a loved one.
“Fear can keep you safe, but it can also keep you from living.”
— Corinna contemplates taking risks.
“The best stories are the ones you live, not just read.”
— Corinna's perspective on experience versus imagination.
“You can't choose who you love, but you can choose how you love them.”
— A reflection on the nature of love and commitment.
“Even when things are falling apart, there's always a chance to put them back together.”
— Corinna finds hope amidst difficulties.
“Sometimes the greatest acts of love are the smallest ones.”
— Corinna observes subtle gestures of affection.
“Home isn't a place, it's a feeling. It's where the people you love are.”
— Corinna redefines her understanding of home.
“It's okay to be scared, as long as you don't let it stop you.”
— Corinna encourages herself to push past her fears.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel follows seventeen-year-olds Hendrix and Corrina who embark on an impulsive cross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New York. Their mission is to fulfill Hendrix's promise to his grandfather, Gpa, to take him to the hill where he first kissed his wife before his Alzheimer's completely erases his memories, all while exploring the meaning of love.
