Can I say intriguing? Recently, I’ve read the book “Desperation Road” by renowned Mississippi author Michael Smith. Smith was born in Mississippi and now lives in Oxford with his wife and two daughters. He has recently taught Fiction Writing, Modernism, and Southern Literature at the Mississippi University for Women.  He’s written other books such as “The Fighter,” which will be published in March 2018, “Rivers” (2013), and “In the Beginning” (2012).

“Desperation Road,” released in February of 2017, is really a must read and I highly recommend it! It tells the tale of a woman and her daughter and their struggles with being homeless, as well as another story of a man who just was released from prison. Within the book, their stories intertwine, which creates a bunch of twists and turns that just keep you guessing what’s next and enables you to make connections throughout the entire book.

The story revolves around those two main characters. It ultimately supplies an image of both characters’ lives and struggles leading them to a common point. In all, everything leads up to something and has a justification or connection to go along with the seemingly unconnected events that just happened. This style really gives the reader a view of how Smith’s mind works. The pace of the novel is easy to keep up with, but at the same time arousing curiosity in what will happen next.

I really don’t want to be a “spoiler,” so I will not tell the tale behind the moments that happened within the book. Michael Smith has gotten great reviews on how it’s a “compelling mental image.” It’s a story about how the faults and how the mistakes in life lead you to the places you end up and how the paths of two totally different characters can create such awe and thrilling effects. It’s most definitely a page turner.