What an incredible memoir. What an incredible life. Difficult, raw, honest, heartbreaking, uplifting, funny. I really loved this memoir and was spellbound by his resilience. (I need to look to see if Gary Paulsen has discussed why he used third person to tell his story.)

Gary Paulsen can tell a story. Gone to the Woods is a memoir about Paulsen's experiences growing up. Many of his experiences are heart wrenching. There are a number of instances throughout the book that my heart broke.
This is a great read to learn more about this author's life and overcoming obstacles.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this enthralling memoir of his childhood and young adult life, Gary Paulsen describes the hardships he endured as a neglected child of alcoholic parents. Although he spent much of his childhood in harsh situations, there were kind, compassionate people in his life who gave him the resources for survival. His aunt and uncle provided him with a nurturing, loving environment and the knowledge and resources for survival on his own. A kind librarian saw his potential as a writer and gifted him the pencil and notebook that started a long, successful career. This engaging memoir reads like an action novel with U.S. history woven into the narrative.

Gary Paulsen is synonymous with middle grade adventure survival stories such as Hatchet and Woods Runner, but in his memoir Paulsen writes a collection of short stories about his childhood through adulthood. If not for the woods, a librarian and the military, Paulsen would not be the author we know today. This is great for those who want an insight into the mind of this amazing and prolific writer and to remind librarians why we do what we do. Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Grab your copy January 12.

Gone to the Woods is a memoir of the author's rough childhood and adolescent years. As a parent, it is an incredibly difficult read. Beautiful writing, but very, very heartwrenching content. As a librarian, this book made me remember why I do the work I do. Right now (September 2020), library work is often difficult and exhausting; everything is upside down as it is for everyone else in the world. But hearing Mr. Paulsen describe his introduction to the library as a haven and books as food was another reminder that the work we do matters, and every child we encounter matters, whether we realize it or not. I wonder if the librarian in his book ever knew the impact she had on his life.

This is my #1 favorite for 2020.