Across The Desert

The motif of maps begins in the novel’s first chapter and continues throughout the book. Maps represent a path forward for Jo, and although her initial pessimism will not allow her to admit it, they symbolize the way toward a hopeful and fulfilling future. Jo holds dear the map of Alamo Lake that she created; not only does her discussion of the map in her interior monologue reveal indirectly that she is a visual learner and a talented artist, but it also shows how she esteems adventurers and dreams of becoming one: “Figuring out where Addie flies has been fun. It makes me feel like Marie Tharp, who mapped the ocean floor, or Kiea Shingareva, who mapped the moon. Alamo Lake isn’t exactly the moon, but it’s pretty cool to discover something, even if it’s something small” (4). Her map is a crucial item to take along on her quest. The map motif is also evident in the plot complication with the bike accident: The map is soaked by spilled water.

Later, the map motif surfaces when Jo uses the wall map of Alamo Lake in the Flipside Café to update and detail her own. Joanie Cash sees Jo’s handiwork and boosts Jo’s confidence regarding her skills: “You’re quite the cartographer” (164). Jo’s updating and revising the map shows that she understands the need for accuracy and change in undertaking serious endeavors. Her updates prove lifesaving, as the three girls rely on Jo’s map in the desert. It provides a visual way for Addie to communicate the path out; she wisely draws the best route on the map before falling unconscious. This literal value of mapping suggests a figurative meaning echoed throughout the novel on the tools and support needed to follow any unfamiliar path; as Jo says to Addie after her mother’s treatment begins, “[…] at least I won’t be going through the hard stuff alone anymore” (298).