I thought there was some overwriting too much…

I thought there was some overwriting (too much figure of speech thrown into the passages) at the beginning of the story — and it did not quite draw me in right away, but for the majority of the tale (85% or so after the set-up), I was thoroughly engaged: both by the loving parent and the singular and sorrow-stricken child and the weird effects these two have on those on their weird road trip. This reminds me a bit of Because of Wynn-Dixie but less precious and seems more realistic. It also has an ending that is believable and uplifting without becoming sappy. I will say book 72 is outstanding!