The BEST Book This Summer!

I had the rare opportunity to read a book before it was published. The book was THIS SIDE OF EDEN by Derrick St. James. At first, I was a little hesitant to even crack the cover--simply because I have never read a book by this author and did not know what to expect.
Now, only 24 hours or so after starting the book, I am finished. I am very glad that I gave it a chance. Not only was the book quick and fun to read, but it was powerful and thought provoking. I found myself completely immersed in the story of a father and his daughter trying to survive in Alaska. I do not believe I have ever had the thought of how I would handle a situation in which I had to survive in the wild with my toddler-daughter--it certainly puts a spin on a classic survival tale.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is how it pokes fun at other survival stories. Here, the father is not left with a hatchet or knife, or even a handy survival guide--he is by himself with no tools except rocks and his own wits--which are not tuned to survival. He reacts, probably much the same way that any one of us would react if thrown into a survival situation such as this.
The real treat in this story, however, is Eden--the narrator's wife--and she is a character that is drawn with such love and passion, I can only assume that she is based on a real life person. She is funny, witty, and intense--the kind of person you would love to meet at a coffee shop and spend the rest of your life with.
From start to finish, this book is passionate. At times it is funny, and sometimes it reflects on the beauties of the world while struggling to maintain bitterness. It is emotional, heart-wrenching, fabulous, deep, deep writing--almost hypnotic in rhythm and style. It is an unconventional love story that sweeps the reader into a desperate situation. It is a real-life look at love and survival. I loved it, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book. THIS SIDE OF EDEN is a powerful debut novel that can be savored.
I've read several books this summer, but this is certainly the best so far. It can be purchased on Amazon.