Northwind, (Hardcover)

Set along the Norwegian coastline, Northwind is the story of young Leif, raised on a ship by Old Carl, and later sent away to avoid The Death. As he takes to the water in a small canoe, he only knows Old Carl's final instructions: "Go North." But where? How far? How will he know when he gets there? And what will it take for him to survive? Written by renown survival/adventure author Gary Paulsen, Northwind is the story of a young boy on an incredible journey of adventure and self-discovery. Part survival, part nature study, part spiritual journey, Northwind plays with a poetic, semi-melodic tone. The first several chapters, in particular, are somewhat vague, as if the reader himself is in a dream. This book is labeled as a middle school reader, marketed to ages 10-14. However, I'm not sure that most middle schoolers would be captured by the beginning of the book. Rather, although the protagonist is young, the themes of life and death, and knowing oneself would be better suited for an older audience. The plot of Northwind is essentially quite flat, and the resolution almost doesn't exist. It simply ends. While I generally appreciate Paulsen's focus on nature, Northwind isn't my favorite book from his body of work. Hatchet is a much better introduction to his writing. *Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.