Review: Be Here Now...and maybe always
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 3, 2013
I download quite a few free books and they are not always worth my time. Be Here Now was well worth reading and honestly pulled me into the story so quickly, that I had a hard time putting it down! Simone, a troubled young woman, pulled back from death's door after a traumatic experience; Aiden, a very troubled young man, dealing with his own inner demons and hurtling towards death's door himself on a destructive binge; the family, friends and co-workers who love and protect both of them thrown in as supporting characters and you have the bare bones of this book. However, it is so much more intricate and detailed than that and the stories that are weaved together, are so explosive I was brought to tears several times while holding my breath when it seemed too much to take in. This is a love story with pain and mental turmoil very realistically handled with a satisfying and rewarding conclusion. Almost too painful at times (I felt like I was witness to something too private to watch but couldn't turn away) but I was able to enjoy the journey as it was so well written. Not too many explicit sex scenes but definitely a few worthy of mention in that they were integral to Simone and Aiden's journey. If you have ever dealt with depression or abuse or addiction and understand the processes to overcome them, you will get this story and appreciate the effort to make it as real and authentic as possible. If you have never had to face these things, you will gain a little insight and compassion. Highly recommend this dark coming of age cautionary tale.