The Other Side of Beautiful by Kim Lock
Book #2 of 30 in my 2025 Reading Challenge
I’m challenging myself to read 30 books in 2025 as part of my journey to reclaim “me time” after years of being a workaholic—and a recent cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Reading has become a lifeline for joy, comfort, and escape. Find out more about my 2025 Reading Challenge.
Why I picked this book
This isn’t the kind of book I’d normally reach for—I'm usually deep into crime novels and psychological thrillers. But a lovely friend recommended it, and the idea of a quirky road trip across Australia intrigued me. What surprised me was how much heart this book had. It made me laugh, reflect, and think about my own internal journeys—those I’ve taken, and those still ahead.
What’s it about?
Mercy Blain, a doctor who hasn't left her house in two years due to a nervous breakdown, finds herself thrust back into the world when her home burns down. With only her dachshund, Wasabi, for company, she embarks on a spontaneous road trip from Adelaide to Darwin in a dilapidated campervan. Along the way, she confronts her fears, meets quirky travelers, and begins to heal. Inspired by the author's own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, this novel offers a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of recovery and self-discovery
Escape Index
World: Scenic & Quirky
The Australian outback makes for an interesting backdrop, even if it didn’t feel fully immersive. The stops along the journey were vivid enough to spark curiosity, and the scenery adds flavour to a story that’s more about people than place.Vibe: Heartwarming with Humour
With its blend of wit and emotional insight, this book strikes a lovely balance. It never gets too heavy, yet still manages to tug at your heart in unexpected ways.Pace: Relaxed & Steady
This is a gentle, character-led journey rather than a fast-paced plot. The pace matched the road trip feel—steady, thoughtful, with plenty of small moments to enjoy.Feels: Relatable & Genuine
Mercy’s vulnerability and growth are both touching and real. I found myself genuinely rooting for her, and the side characters added warmth and richness to the journey.Escape Factor: Refreshing & Thoughtful
Even if I didn’t feel fully transported into the Australian landscape, the emotional journey of the characters was more than enough to give me a mental break. It felt like stepping into someone else’s healing process—in the best way.
“A gentle, life-affirming road trip that blends humour and healing in a heartfelt package.”
My takeaway
The Other Side of Beautiful is one of those quiet, sneaky reads that pulls you in slowly and leaves you with more than you expected. Mercy’s transformation is subtle but powerful, and the quirky group of travelers she meets on the road add humour and humanity in all the right places.
I especially appreciated how the book handled anxiety and emotional burnout—topics that feel incredibly relatable. While the plot moves at a relaxed pace, the emotional undercurrent kept me engaged. My only wish is that the ending had a little more space to breathe—it felt slightly rushed after such a well-paced journey.
That said, this was a heartwarming, easygoing read that reminded me that growth often comes in the most unexpected places—and sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take the scenic route.
Is this book for you?
Perfect if you’re looking for:
a quirky, feel-good road trip with emotional depth
a relatable main character going through big inner changes
a slower-paced story that mixes humour with heart.
It’s a great companion for weekend reading, quiet afternoons, or those moments when you want something thoughtful without being too intense.
Want to read The Other Side of Beautiful?
See if it’s available at Wellington City Libraries, or you can find it online at:
No affiliate links—just sharing the joy of a good story.
Let’s chat
Have you read The Other Side of Beautiful? Did you fall for its quiet charm too?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below or share a similar book recommendation for my 2025 reading list!