Avery Moves by Avery DesJardins

There are books that entertain, books that educate, and then there are books that move you—literally and figuratively. Avery Moves by Avery DesJardins is one of those rare reads that lingers long after the last page. Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction, coming-of-age tales, or deeply introspective narratives, this novel offers a rich, emotionally resonant experience.

At its core, Avery Moves is a story about change—geographical, emotional, and existential. It follows the titular character, Avery, as she navigates a pivotal transition in her life, grappling with identity, belonging, and the courage to redefine oneself. But what makes this book truly special is its authenticity. DesJardins writes with a raw, unfiltered honesty that makes Avery’s journey feel deeply personal, as if you’re walking alongside her every step of the way.

If you're looking for a book that balances heartache with hope, introspection with action, and realism with poetic prose, Avery Moves is a must-read.

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(No major spoilers—just enough to intrigue!)

Avery is at a crossroads. After a series of personal setbacks—a breakup, a career stall, and a growing sense of stagnation—she makes the bold decision to leave her familiar surroundings and move to a new city. But this isn’t just a physical relocation; it’s an emotional and psychological upheaval.

As Avery settles into her new environment, she encounters a cast of characters who challenge, support, and sometimes frustrate her. There’s the enigmatic neighbor who becomes an unlikely confidant, the coworker whose optimism both inspires and annoys her, and the fleeting romantic interest who forces her to confront her fears of vulnerability.

The plot unfolds in a series of vignette-like chapters, each capturing a moment in Avery’s adjustment to her new life. There’s no grand, dramatic climax—instead, the beauty lies in the quiet, everyday realizations that shape her transformation. By the end, Avery hasn’t just moved—she’s evolved.

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Avery is not your typical protagonist. She’s flawed, sometimes frustratingly indecisive, and prone to self-sabotage. But that’s what makes her so compelling. DesJardins crafts her with such nuance that her struggles feel universal—who hasn’t doubted themselves, resisted change, or clung to familiarity even when it no longer serves them?

What stands out most is Avery’s internal dialogue. Her self-doubt, dry humor, and moments of quiet courage make her feel real. She isn’t a character you just observe; she’s someone you know.

The secondary characters are equally well-drawn, each serving as a mirror to different facets of Avery’s personality:

• Maggie, the free-spirited neighbor, pushes Avery out of her comfort zone.
• Daniel, the overly cheerful coworker, forces her to question her cynicism.
• Elena, the brief romantic interest, becomes a catalyst for Avery’s emotional honesty.

None of these characters exist solely to advance the plot—they feel like real people with their own complexities.

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DesJardins’ prose is deceptively simple. She writes with a sparse elegance, allowing emotions to simmer beneath the surface rather than spelling everything out. The narrative is introspective, often drifting into stream-of-consciousness passages that pull you deep into Avery’s psyche.

One standout technique is the use of setting as metaphor. The new city isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself, reflecting Avery’s disorientation, curiosity, and eventual sense of belonging. DesJardins’ descriptions are vivid without being overwrought, making the environment feel alive.

The pacing is deliberate, almost meditative. This isn’t a book you rush through; it’s one you savor.

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On the surface, Avery Moves is about relocation. But beneath that, it’s a meditation on:

• Self-reinvention – How much of our identity is tied to place? To people?
• Fear of change – The tension between safety and growth.
• Belonging – What does it mean to choose a home rather than inherit one?

DesJardins doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, she invites readers to sit with these questions, making the book feel like a conversation rather than a lecture.

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I picked up Avery Moves during my own period of transition, and it felt like the universe had handed me the right book at the right time. Avery’s struggles mirrored my own—the fear of the unknown, the frustration of starting over, the quiet victories of small steps forward.

There’s a particular passage that stuck with me:

"Home isn’t where you land; it’s where you decide to stay."

That line gutted me in the best way. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, put it down, and just think.

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Fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (Gail Honeyman) or Normal People (Sally Rooney) will find a similar emotional depth here. Like those books, Avery Moves excels in character-driven storytelling, where the real drama lies in internal conflicts rather than external events.

However, DesJardins’ voice is distinct—less acerbic than Honeyman, less minimalist than Rooney. She strikes a balance between wit and warmth that feels entirely her own.

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✔ Authentic protagonist – Avery feels like a real person, not a literary construct.
✔ Beautiful prose – Lyrical without being pretentious.
✔ Emotional resonance – The kind of book that stays with you.

✖ Pacing may feel slow – If you prefer high-stakes plots, this might not be for you.
✖ Ambiguous ending – Some readers may want more closure.

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• Fans of contemporary literary fiction
• Readers who love character-driven stories
• Anyone going through a life transition (moving, career shifts, personal growth)
• Those who appreciate quiet, introspective narratives

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A few lines that capture the book’s essence:

• "You don’t realize how much you’ve been holding your breath until you finally exhale."
• "Change doesn’t ask for permission. It just happens. And then you decide whether to fight it or follow it."

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Avery Moves is more than a novel—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of book that makes you look at your own life differently, asking: Where am I staying out of comfort? Where could I be growing?

If you’re ready for a story that’s equal parts tender and thought-provoking, this is your next read.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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1. Have you ever made a big move (physical or emotional)? How did it change you?
2. Which supporting character resonated with you most, and why?
3. Do you think Avery’s ending was satisfying, or did you want more resolution?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how Avery Moves affected you!

Get this book on Amazon

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