This is an unusual gem of a book, especially for anyone with any familiarity with being on the nerdy side of the social sphere while growing up near the Rockies. The book is illustrated with a cartographic bent, and the narrative flows into and out of the illustrations like a train passing through tunnels of imagination. Trains and hobos populate the story as well, alongside pioneering women scientists, laconic ranchers, and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., all swimming around 12-year-old genius cartographer T.S. Spivet, helping him to cope in his unique way with the death of his brother.

I was sad about finishing the book, but now I see I have some fun ahead still on the website. Read the book first!