This one came recommended to me not through the publisher or a publicist, but from an almost 13-year-old who had just finished a Kindle version of the book.
The tale is set in a fictional town of Braxton, a tourist town with a year round Christmas theme. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and just be in a happy mood.
If you like alternating viewpoints then look no further as there are plenty. The four middle school main characters take the lead in the majority of the chapters:
DANIEL FORD When not in school he is one of the town’s tour guides, leading tourists through the many wonders Braxton offers,. He loves his job, the town, and idolizes the original founder.
KEELEY FILTON She loves nature, but has grown tired of the everyday holiday theme the town promotes. Keeley is also quite athletic.
CINDY BLOOM Her Christian faith drives her personality as does a sense of fashion.
ADRIAN POMLER The obnoxious one of the bunch, He’s a bully and never calls the other three by their real names, instead choosing Tourist Trap, Nature-Nut, and Goodie-Goodie.
The plot takes off when Daniel finds an old scroll that makes him reluctantly question whether Braxton is really such a great place. He sets out to prove the scroll wrong with the help of Keeley and Cindy. A trail of clues lead them to a long-lost artifact that supposedly can grant one’s deepest wish. Whoever touches it and accepts the consequences will be the victor. Or will they?
Bully Adrian is also after it along with Trent Braxton, the wealthy current leader of Braxton, and his hit man. The fast pace will appeal to readers as will the mystery. A nice stepping stone to a discussion about teamwork, idols, and understanding yourself. I’m glad to have received the recommendation to read MISGUIDED. Well worth my time.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MISGUIDED by David Meyer
- Adrian is not at all likeable at first, but his character arc brings a little bit of redemption and compassion.
- Daniel was my favorite as he was forced to question his entire existence. The true hero of the story.
- I’m not a big fan of more than 2 alternating viewpoints, but this way of story telling worked quite well here.
- Daniel’s dad makes a yearly appearance as Santa Claus and does he ever make a memorable entrance!
- Cindy has to be perfect while keeping her faith private. Having to lie so many times was so against her beliefs, and her dialog perfectly captured each moment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Meyer
I love Christ and seek to glorify Him. I also love to create. Besides writing, I enjoy journaling, drawing, building playsets and marble mazes, and coming up with funny voices for my kids. Regardless, my faith flows through everything I do, often in ways I don’t recognize until long after the fact.
I love my family and togetherness. And I do everything I can to resist the spirit of atomization that animates our age. Every day, I count myself blessed to call Julie my wife. We have two wonderful children, Ryden and Ember, and make our home in the second largest city in northern New England (i.e. the very small city of Nashua, New Hampshire!).
For more about David and his books visit his website.
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Always in the Middle... 
It’s always fun when students recommend books to me, but they are often ones that would be hard to get for the library. This one looks intriguing, but isn’t available from Follett. I’m sure the 13-year-old was very glad that you read and reviewed the book!
That’s great that this was recommended by a 13-year-old. I’m okay with more than two POV characters. This sounds like an intriguing story. Thanks for sharing it this week.
thanks for highlighting this book. It sounds awesome!
How exciting to get the recommendation, I’m sure your review was much appreciated. Thanks for sharing, will see if it’s in our library.
Four viewpoint characters is a lot. I’m not sure I’d like that. I do like the idea of the Christmas-themed town. I can imagine it would get really old living in such a place. Thanks for an interesting review.
A Christmas town! Sounds like a fun location. (I know a couple real-life Christmas towns.) Four viewpoints is a lot, but it can be well done. I’m curious about the dad who makes the Santa appearance!
How fun that a kid recommended the book to you!
I think this story sounds an interesting premise, and given the recommendation (from both you and the almost-13 year old) I will add to my TBR!