Book: North of Normal
Author: Cea Sunrise Person
Sex, drugs and . . . bug stew? An utterly compelling tale of survival—of nature, family and genetics.
In
the late 1960s, riding the crest of the counterculture movement, Cea’s
family left a comfortable existence in California to live off the land
in northern Alberta. But unlike most commune dwellers of the time, the
Persons weren’t trying to build a new society—they wanted to escape
civilization altogether. Led by Cea’s grandfather Dick, they lived in a
canvas Teepee, grew pot, and hunted and gathered to survive.
Living
out her grandparents’ dream with her teenage mother, Michelle, young
Cea knew little of the world beyond her forest. She spent her summers
playing nude in the meadow and her winters snowshoeing behind the
grandfather she idolized. Despite fierce storms, food shortages and the
occasional drug-and-sex-infused party for visitors, it was a happy
existence. For Michelle, however, there was one crucial element missing:
a man. When Cea was five, Michelle took her on the road with a new
boyfriend. As the trio set upon a series of ill-fated adventures, Cea
began to question both her highly unusual world and the hedonistic woman
at the centre of it—questions that eventually evolved into an
all-consuming search for a more normal life. Finally, in her early
teens, Cea realized she would have to make a choice as drastic as the
one her grandparents once had made in order to get the life she craved.
From
nature child to international model by the age of thirteen, Cea’s
astonishing saga is one of long-held family secrets and extreme family
dysfunction, all in an incredibly unusual setting. It is also the story
of one girl’s deep-seated desire for normality—a desire that enabled her
to risk everything, overcome adversity and achieve her dreams.
What I Have To Say:
This was a compelling read. Cea does a great job of sharing her unconventional childhood, and in a way that makes you want to keep reading. While it was an interesting read, there were also points that were sad and made you really feel for this child. This is a memoir, but the characters and experiences are so out there, it's hard to believe they aren't made up.
Final Verdict:
Fascinating is the best way to describe this book.
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