Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis
Ashley knows this truth deep in her bones, more at home with trees overhead than a roof. So when she goes hiking in the Smokies with her friends for a night of partying, the falling dark and creaking trees are second nature to her. But people are not tame either. And when Ashley catches her boyfriend with another girl, drunken rage sends her running into the night, stopped only by a nasty fall into a ravine. Morning brings the realization that she’s alone – and far off trail. Lost in undisturbed forest and with nothing but the clothes on her back, Ashley must figure out how to survive despite the red streak of infection creeping up her leg.
The world is not tame.
I cannot remember the last time that I read a book so compulsively. I was hooked from the first line and I finished it in a day. This was surprising to me as I am not normally one for survivalist stories, unless they are non-fiction.
I have learned that I should just trust Mindy McGinnis. She has never let me down! There is something about the way that she creates such darkness that speaks to me. I don’t think that she ever holds back. Be Not Far From You was no exception. It was way more graphic and gory then I was expecting. The descriptions of Ashley’s injuries were so vivid and made me feel ill- I loved it!
I really enjoyed Ashley as a character. We were given some insight into her past and how it prepared her to be able to survive such a harrowing situation. I liked her attitude about things and I thought there was some interesting character development as the story went on. What I really appreciated was that it didn’t turn into an overly philosophical or spiritual journey, as a lot of these books tend to do. Ashley’s inner dialogue felt authentic. I will say that there was one scene that felt a little bit convenient, but I won’t get into it because of spoilers.
I am thrilled that I ended up loving Be Not Far From You as much as I did because it was one of my most anticipated novels of the year. It certainly did not disappoint. I can not wait to see what Mindy McGinnis writes next!
I’m really glad to hear you liked this one! I have it on my TBR to hopefully read soon, so I can’t wait to start it!
I really think you’re going to enjoy it!
It’s so satisfying when your expectations match your reading experience! 😍🙌
It really is! Not something that happens often for me!
Ooooh I love survival shows, so this really appeals to me. It sounds really good!! I’ve rarely read a book like this one so I think I’ll have to add this to the TBR. I’m glad you enjoyed this one 😀
Yes! You have to read this one. I think you’ll love it!
Great review! I loved McGinnis’s The Female of the Species and have been a little hesitant to pick up more of her work because I’m (irrationally) afraid that nothing can top that one and I don’t want it to ruin my high impression of the author. But this one does sound appealing and I would definitely like to try again at some point- perhaps I will pick it up after all!
Thanks! I adored The Female of the Species. This book is completely different but has a similar tone!