Stephanie S. reviewed on + 168 more book reviews
I like Gary Paulsen's writing style. His word choices are simple and non-taxing, but perfectly describe scenes and and feelings without any unnecessary gush. For instance:
While still back home and before deciding to return to the wild, Brian is accosted by a bully: "Brian came off the ground like a spring. His eyes, his mind, searched for a weapon, something, anything that he could use but there was nothing; pavement, a brick wall, a glass door. Nothing loose. It didn't matter. The thought did not slow his movement, and he had himself. He had his hands." Brian's resiliency--and his core being--shine through, yet the sentences are simple and unfussy. I appreciate that.
Even better, this story of his decision to return to the woods, possibly for good, is believable and interesting from start to finish.
***1/2 Three and a half stars!
While still back home and before deciding to return to the wild, Brian is accosted by a bully: "Brian came off the ground like a spring. His eyes, his mind, searched for a weapon, something, anything that he could use but there was nothing; pavement, a brick wall, a glass door. Nothing loose. It didn't matter. The thought did not slow his movement, and he had himself. He had his hands." Brian's resiliency--and his core being--shine through, yet the sentences are simple and unfussy. I appreciate that.
Even better, this story of his decision to return to the woods, possibly for good, is believable and interesting from start to finish.
***1/2 Three and a half stars!
