Be Not Far from Me

Ages 13 And Up, Grades 8 And Up

Hatchet meets Wild in this stunning contemporary YA novel from Edgar Award–winning author Mindy McGinnis, a compelling and harrowing story about one girl’s attempt to survive the impossible after she gets lost in the Smoky Mountains. Now in paperback!

The world is not tame. 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, putting into practice all the tricks she learned from Davey Beet, her childhood crush and summer camp counselor. But she can’t outrun the red streak of infection that’s creeping up her leg—or the fear of another truth. Years before, Davey’s own broken heart sent him into these woods . . . and he never came out. How can Ashley expect to survive?

About the Author

Mindy McGinnis is the author of several young adult novels, including The Female of the Species and A Madness So Discreet, winner of the Edgar Award. She writes across multiple genres, including postapocalyptic, historical, thriller, contemporary, mystery, and fantasy. While her settings may change, you can always count on her books to deliver grit, truth, and an unflinching look at humanity and the world around us. Mindy lives in Ohio. You can visit her online at www.mindymcginnis.com.