It's a Mad Mad World

This book took me by surprise. At first, I didn't find the story more than an OK reading, had a bit of a problem connection to both the story and Miranda. The story wasn't bad, it just felt like perhaps this would be not my kind of book, but somewhere along the way I got hooked.

I think after the intro with Miranda losing pretty much everything that had some meaning to her is over the book's story really take off. Miranda is a very vulnerable young girl, and she isn't ready to be thrown into a life of responsibility when she is left to standing on her two feet. So, it's pretty understandable that she clings to Dix who she has known for years, and they would probably have been very happy if Darius, a charismatic "guru" shows up and she feels the need to leave her old life behind to life after his "philosophy".

To be honest, I think that it was unavoidable if it hadn't been Darius would it had been someone or something else. I got the impressions that Miranda was so lost that in the end the relationship with Dix probably wasn't enough for her. And, that's the tragic part because he is such a perfect guy and yet still she is drawn to this rich boy turned guru that everyone with the expedition of delusional women see is bad news. But, Miranda has always wanted to help lost youths and here she thinks will she get the chance. It's both frustrating and sad to read it.

The book is tragic, but amidst the darkness, there is always light. What I like about this book is how human the characters are, some are gullible and are taken advantage of, and some like Dix and Sally see through the charade and can do nothing but watch. I think personally the thing that makes this book so poignant is that it mirror the real world so tragically well.

North By Here is a very good book. I felt sadness and concern for Miranda throughout the book and the book's story surprised me with its twists. And, I loved that ending. So perfect!

Ps: I'm having a giveaway for this book over at A bookaholic Swede