From the book jacket: Carol, a middle-aged wife and mother, is pondering the meaning of life. On a trip to the grocery store she sees a sign asking for volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly. When Carol decides to take a chance and help out, she’s in for a life-changing – and route-altering – experience.

My Reactions/u>:
This was okay, but I found little substance here and I felt it was predictable. Some of the patrons on Carol’s route were charming, some were irascible. A few needed more help than Carol could provide, and a couple of them helped her more than she helped them. Along the way, the reader learns a little about Carol’s background. I grew tired of her constant reminders to herself that “I can do this.” ( )

Carol is in her fifties and pondering on the deeper things of life. While in the grocery store she sees a sign asking for volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly. During her service to these individuals she learns that each life is special and everyone has extraordinary stories to tell. She falls in love with these elderly people and made me love them as well. She discovers that sometimes the one who serves receives more than the one that is served.

Ms. Sears has a true talent for characterization. Each one of the seniors to which she delivers meal has their own unique personality. She sees their distinctiveness and lets us learn to love each for what they have to share. She makes the reader feel as if they are delivering the meals along with her and handles the uncomfortable situations with graceful compassion and refreshing sense of humor.

The Route is a lovely adventure into the realistic world of seniors that reminds us that the older generation has much and can enrich our lives. ( )