I was drawn by the promise of a mystery -- a girl goes missing on the night of high school graduation. Instead of a mystery, this book holds *hints* of a mystery that's not really addressed until much later in the book. Parts 1 and 2 delve into the missing girl's bff, Kathryn, who escaped her hometown by going away to college, where she meets a guy, gets married, and after just 2 years, they divorce. It's been 10 years and Kathryn returns home to live with her mother while she figures out her life. There's a ton of introspection by Kathryn, but none is all that interesting. Kathryn herself is not a deep character; I found her to be petty.
This is a slow book, and I gave up waiting for discussion of the mystery that's promised on the book jacket. I did not finish it, and cannot recommend it. This was a bummer because I loved this author's Orphan Train.
Note: "Desire Lines" is an interesting term with multiple meanings. In the book, it's used in "orienteering," where you try to find your way in unfamiliar territory, using a compass, and if you stumble across a path, you can assume it leads to safety. In another definition, desire lines can signify freedom of choice -- not following prescribed paths in life, but striking out on your own unique path.
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