Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen

A mesmerizing memoir from a literary legend, giving readers a new perspective on the origins of Hatchet and other famed survival stories.

His name is synonymous with high-stakes wilderness survival adventures. Now, beloved author Gary Paulsen portrays a series of life-altering moments from his turbulent childhood as his own original survival story. If not for his summer escape from a shockingly neglectful Chicago upbringing to a North Woods homestead at age five, there never would have been a Hatchet . Without the encouragement of the librarian who handed him his first book at age thirteen, he may never have become a reader. And without his desperate teenage enlistment in the Army, he would not have discovered his true calling as a storyteller.

An entrancing account of grit and growing up, perfect for newcomers and lifelong fans alike, this is the famed author at his rawest and most real.

Paperback, 368 pages

Published January 10, 2023

 by Square Fish

4/5 stars

Gone to the Woods was my first real experience with Gary Paulsen’s writing, even though his books were a big part of my kids’ reading growing up. I went into this memoir not quite knowing what to expect, but it didn’t take long to realize this was going to be a honest, no-frills look at the life behind his stories.

Paulsen writes about a childhood filled with neglect, instability and he doesn’t soften it. The woods weren’t just a setting for him, they were an escape and in many ways, a way to survive. Seeing how nature, books, and eventually writing became lifelines added a lot of depth to the story.

This isn’t a light or nostalgic memoir, some parts are tough to read, especially with his straightforward approach. That being said, there’s a quiet strength that runs through this book, especially in how Paulsen reflects on the role storytelling played in shaping his life.

Gone to the Woods is a compelling and eye-opening introduction to his stories.  I have already read a couple and will most likely continue and introduce him to my grandkids.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge  (#43)

The Girls Trip by Ally Condie

From the author of  The Unwedding comes a novel of suspense and friendship as three friends decide to disappear from their lives for a few days while on a trip to a national park—only to have one of them vanish.

Hope, Ash, and Caro met at an online book club. Over the past two years, they’ve been there for each other in every way—except in person. When each of their lives reach a crossroads, they decide to meet in real life at the gorgeous Sonnet Resort at Eden National Park.

Hope, an actress, has become entirely too famous and needs to get away from it all. Ash, a successful online entrepreneur, isn’t sure what has happened to her marriage. Caro, a doctor, has lost a patient and doesn’t know if she wants to carry on or start all over.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication April 7, 2026

by Grand Central Publishing

2.75/5 stars

The Girls Trip was my first time reading Ally Condie,  the premise hooked me immediately. Three friends vanishing from their everyday lives for a few days. With no phones, no explanations and no one knowing where they’ve gone, felt like the perfect setup for a tense, escapist read. The opening delivered on that promise, I was genuinely intrigued about what was taking place.

As the story moved, things began to feel a bit disjointed. It wasn't until the last third or so that personal histories and background layers really come into play. But unfortunately by that point, I found myself wishing those elements had appeared earlier to deepen connections and give the twists more impact. There are also several red herrings sprinkled throughout, some more effective than others.  

While the concept is compelling and the early chapters pulled right me in, the uneven pacing and later structural shifts held this one back for me. But I did finish since I was intrigued enough to know what was going on.

My thanks to Grand Central Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake-and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure.

 Brian had been distraught over his parents' impending divorce and the secret he carries about his mother, but now he is truly desolate and alone. Exhausted, terrified, and hungry, Brian struggles to find food and make a shelter for himself. He has no special knowledge of the woods, and he must find a new kind of awareness and patience as he meets each day's challenges.

 Is the water safe to drink? Are the berries he finds poisonous? Slowly, Brian learns to turn adversity to his advantage-an invading porcupine unexpectedly shows him how to make fire, a devastating tornado shows him how to retrieve supplies from the submerged airplane. 

Most of all, Brian leaves behind the self-pity he has felt about his predicament as he summons the courage to stay alive. A story of survival and of transformation, this riveting book has sparked many a reader's interest in venturing into the wild.

Paperback, 186 pages

Published January 1, 1987

 by Scholastic

4/5 stars

I picked up Hatchet after reading Gary Paulsen’s Gone in the Woods, his autobiographical look at the childhood experiences that shaped him. Having that background made Brian’s story even more compelling, so many of the themes in Hatchet echo moments from Paulsen’s own life, especially his resilience and deep connection to the natural world.

In Hatchet, I watched as Brian was stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, armed with nothing but a hatchet and his own determination. Paulsen’s writing is spare but vivid, capturing the rawness of survival - the hunger, the hope and the sheer grit it takes to keep going. The wilderness feels alive on the page, and Brian’s growth is both believable and satisfying.

While some moments move quickly, the emotional weight and survival tension make this a standout adventure story. Reading it after Gone in the Woods gave it an extra layer of meaning, and I appreciated the story all the more.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#48)

The Bookbinder's Secret by A.D. Bell

Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.

A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.

Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder.

Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit.

Lily's search leads her from the eccentric booksellers of London to the private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, deep into the heart of the mystery. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything for the books, Lilian’s world begins to fall apart and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth the risk to her own life.

Kindle Edition, 391 pages

Expected publication January 13, 2026 

by St. Martin's Press

3.5 stars

The Bookbinder’s Secret was my first time reading A.D. Bell,  I was instantly drawn into the early 1900s setting and the dusty, bookish theme. It releases in a months time.

Following  Lily, a skilled bookbinder who uncovers clues to a mystery dating back over fifty years. As she starts piecing together a past that was mysteriously woven into the binding of an old book her life takes a turn of intrigue, mystery and ultimately danger.  This danger has her traveling far and wide, searching and running. 

Where the novel didn’t land as strongly for me was in the romantic thread. It felt underdeveloped and because of that, I struggled to connect with Lily on a deeper emotional level. The plot held my interest, but the character dynamics didn’t quite resonate.

Still, the atmosphere, unique plot, and compelling old mystery made this a solid, enjoyable read. Honestly though I would have loved more of the past story to even things out a bit.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst

A re-release of a fully updated and expanded edition of THE LOST, with a brand-new ending. Against the backdrop of a desolate and mystical town, this arresting, fantastical novel explores one woman’s impossible journey—and her quest to find her fate.

Lost your way?

Your dreams?

Yourself?

Welcome to Lost.

It was supposed to be a small escape. A few hours' driving before turning around and heading home. But once you arrive in Lost…well, it's a place you really can't leave. Not until you're Found. Only the Missing Man can send you home. And he took one look at Lauren Chase and disappeared.

So Lauren is now trapped in the town where all lost things go—luggage, keys, dreams, lives—where nothing is permanent, where the locals go feral and where the only people who don't want to kill her are a handsome wild man called the Finder and a knife-wielding six-year-old girl. The only road out of town is engulfed in an impassable dust storm, and escape is impossible…

Until Lauren decides nothing—and no one—is going to keep her here anymore.

Kindle Edition, 340 pages

Published November 11, 2025

 by MIRA

3.5/5 stars

The Lost is a a compelling blend of YA fantasy and magical realism, a re-release by one of my favorite go-to authors.  Sarah Beth Durst builds worlds that are unique, kinda quirky and delivers relevant subject matters.

Built around a quietly unsettling premise: a town where lost things and sometimes lost people, seem to gather. When Lauren stumbles into this place, her ordinary life slips away, replaced by strange rules, unusual residents and a sense that nothing quite behaves as it should.

On one hand the atmosphere is almost dreamlike and kinda disorienting yet it is grounded enough that Lauren’s emotional journey remains relatable. It was mysterious as well with a cast of characters who each bring their own layers of intrigue and unpredictability.

Even though the pacing drifted in a few spots, overall the story delivers an imaginative escape with touches of whimsy and tension. The Lost is an engaging YA read that blends fantasy and magical realism in a thoughtful, slightly eerie way, perfect for readers who enjoy stories that sit between the real and the impossible.

My thanks to the publisher for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding

A psychological thriller about a couple rocked by infidelity who moves to a villa in Spain’s Costa Brava to rebuild their relationship, only to welcome a pair of visitors who have no intention of leaving.

Sydney Lowe’s life in New York is shattered when her husband, Curtis, admits to a meaningless affair with a client. Begging for forgiveness and vowing to prove his devotion, Curtis suggests the couple retreat to a remote hilltop house in Spain to repair their marriage.

High above the Mediterranean, Sydney and Curtis are working on the isolated property and their relationship when a pair of Australian travelers turns up at their door in dire need of help. Lonely for companionship and desperate for free labor, Sydney and Curtis invite the attractive young couple to stay. But as the days pass, dark secrets come to light, the Lowes’ bond is tested, and not everyone will leave the villa alive.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Expected publication March 3, 2026

 by Grand Central Publishing

4.5/5 stars

Robyn Harding is a Canadian author who has long been an auto-read for me, so I was thrilled to get an early look at Strangers in the Villa, which releases in March...yea I couldn't wait to read it.  I picked it up one evening 'just to start' and before I knew it, I had devoured the whole thing within a couple days.

The story follows Sydney and Curtis, a couple from bustling New York hoping that a dramatic change of scenery and pace will help them reconnect and reset their marriage. Their solution? Buying a secluded villa in Spain, a gorgeous property full of promise, potential, and the hope of second chances. But isolation can be a double-edged sword and when an Australian couple shows up on their doorstep with car trouble, Sydney and Curtis welcome the company… at first. It doesn’t take long before the cracks begin to show, the atmosphere tightens, and the sense of unease slowly but steadily creeps in.

What unfolded was a intriguing and twisty mystery that kept me on my toes from start to finish. Every character comes with their own baggage, some heavier than others - and while I wouldn’t say I sympathized with any of them, that actually worked in the book’s favor. The different povs kept me on alert as to what was slowing playing out.  It was suspenseful with a nice pace, shortish chapters and cliff hanger chapter endings.  Everything I love in a good suspense mystery.

Another winner from an author I’ll always read.

Big thanks to  Grand Central Publishing for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James

Siblings return to the house they fled eighteen years before, called back by the ghost of their long-missing brother and his haunting request to come home.

Strange things happen in Fell, New York: A mysterious drowning at the town’s roadside motel. The unexplained death of a young girl whose body is left by the railroad tracks. For Violet, Vail, and Dodie Esmie the final straw was their little brother's shocking disappearance, which started as a normal game of hide-and-seek.

As their parents grew increasingly distant, the sisters were each haunted by visions and frightening events, leading them to leave town and never look back. Violet still sees dead people—spirits who remind her of Sister, the menacing presence that terrorized her for years. Now after nearly two decades it’s time for a homecoming—because Ben is back, and he’s ready to lead them to the answers they’ve longed for and long feared.

Kindle Edition, 344 pages

Expected publication January 20, 2026

by Berkley

3.25/5 stars

Simone St. James has been one of my go-to Canadian authors ever since The Broken Girls, a book I absolutely loved and continue to recommend every chance I get. Her signature blend of mystery and the paranormal has always worked for me, so I was eager to dive into this her latest, A Box Full of Darkness, which releases next month.

This story follows three adult siblings who return to their childhood home 18 years after the disappearance of their six-year-old brother, Ben. It happened on a snowy winter day during a simple game of hide-and-seek… and then he is just gone. No footprints in the snow, no signs he left the property, nothing. That impossible mystery has haunted them ever since and their return home forces them to confront the truth about what really happened.

St. James leans even more heavily into the paranormal here, weaving an atmosphere that’s moody, eerie, and full of tension. While I enjoyed the setup and her trademark supernatural flare the story didn’t grip me quite as tightly as some of her earlier novels. And I have to admit, the ending did left me with a number of unanswered questions, more than I usually expect from her work.

Still, the central mystery of what happened to little Ben kept me turning the pages. A solid, atmospheric read with that classic Simone St. James chill, even if it isn't my personal favourite. I’ll always be excited for whatever she writes next.

Big thanks to Berkley Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

The Charmed Library, a love letter to libraries, favorite childhood stories, and readers who have fallen for fictional heroes.

Like many other public libraries, the one in Blue Sky Valley, North Carolina, is a haven for readers. But it's also unlike any other. In this library, fictional characters step off the page into real life. Assistant librarian Stella Parker has no idea. Still reeling from her father's death and--more recently--a breakup, she hasn't noticed. All she knows is she's stuck in a job she's overqualified for and stumped about what to do with her life.

Everything changes when she burns her beloved journal.

Words matter to Stella. For as long as she can remember, she's seen them. Words appear--in varying colors and fonts--rising from surfaces, bouncing over objects, and even wiggling out of people. Words give her insight into emotions and untold stories. But the words change for Stella after she burns her journal. Suddenly they're demanding, urgent--and painful.

Then Stella stumbles upon strange characters in the library after hours. One is an oddly familiar World War II soldier who introduces himself as Jack--Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. A fictional hero and Stella's first crush. Standing in front of her in the flesh.

Jack tells Stella about the magic hidden in the library. Skeptical, Stella rashly invites a villain to visit, and chaos ensues. As she discovers the importance of protecting the library's secret and gets to know the real Jack, words continue to appear. What are they trying to tell her?

Much too quickly, Stella is faced with the reality that all stories must end, and magic comes at a price. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. And Jack's time is almost up.

The Charmed Library invites readers to escape to a world where words come alive and book boyfriends leap off the page.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Audiobook, 11 hours, 41 minutes

Expected publication

January 6, 2026 by Harper Muse

3.5 stars

This was my first time reading Jennifer Moorman, I read part on Kindle and listened to part on audio, which made it easy to sink into the story no matter where I was.

The book follows Stella, who’s had a rough go of things lately  - dealing with her father’s passing and a recent breakup. Just when she needs a little light in her life something magical begins to happen, a character from her favorite book comes to life. How could any book lover resist that?

The Charmed Library has a cozy, heartwarming feel that made me think of a Hallmark movie.  The magical realism gave it a whimsical touch and while I’ve read a few stories lately with a similar vibe this one still felt unique and charming in its own way.

A sweet, imaginative read that blends grief, healing and a bit of bookish magic. Perfect for a cozy weekend read when you’re in the mood for something light and hopeful.

My thanks to the publisher (via NetGalley) for both the digital and audio arcs in exchange for a honest review.

Joe & the Wreck of the Tribune by Jacqueline Halsey

Middle grade historical fiction inspired by the real 18th-century shipwreck off Halifax Harbour, and the local boy who risked his life to save those on board.

It's 1797. Joe has lived with Gram ever since the crusty old midwife found him on her doorstep thirteen years ago. He must now earn his keep working as a fisher boy for her bad-tempered bully of a son, Eli. Joe loves the ocean, with its unpredictable moods and rolling waves. Could the Atlantic Ocean be his ticket to freedom? The battered, abandoned rowboat he finds could be his chance to break free from his miserable life and earn his own living. But mysteries surround the boat. The local carpenter is upset at the sight of it, and the initials carved on the boat match those on an old sea chest hidden in the back of Eli's shed. Could this have anything to do with what happened to Joe's parents?

Joe spends his time fixing up the boat and trying to solve these mysteries until a cold, stormy November day when a frigate wrecks at the mouth of the harbour. Joe's neighbours don?t dare launch their boats into the raging storm to save the survivors. Can Joe stand by and listen to the desperate cries of the exhausted sailors, or should he brave the wild Atlantic in his patched-up rowboat and attempt to rescue them?

Inspired by the true story of the shipwreck of the HMS Tribune on the Herring Cove cliffs and the heroism of a boy known as "Joe Cracker," this exciting coming-of-age adventure story is brimming with rich detail and captivating suspense.

Paperback, 175 pages

Published May 27, 2025

 by Nimbus Publishing Limited

4.5/5 stars

Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune is a wonderful piece of Canadian middle-grade historical fiction that completely drew me in. Set in Halifax, this story blends adventure with real moments from our past, giving younger readers (and adults like me) a vivid window into a time and place that doesn’t always get the spotlight.

The story follows Joe, a boy abandoned as an infant on the doorsteps of some cranky people.  But it's his resolute and determination that lead him on a journey of self discovery.  It was this journey that colided with the Tribune wreck.  It was an event that shaped the community and left a lasting mark on Halifax’s maritime past. I loved how the author wove factual history into Joe’s personal journey, making the learning feel natural and engaging rather than heavy or textbook-like. It’s the kind of historical fiction that sneaks in the education, it's not a long book but has depth, adventure and even some mystery.

There’s a great sense of atmosphere here, from the salty air, bustling harbour life, in the year 1797, along with a strong feeling of what it meant to live in coastal Nova Scotia during this era. Joe himself is an easy character to root for - curious, thoughtful and very much the kind of protagonist middle-grade readers will latch onto.

Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune feels like both a history lesson and an adventure. A perfect pick for young readers who enjoy real-world stories, and a great reminder of the rich maritime history in our own backyard.

My thanks to Nimbus Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Wall-E meets Hatchet in this illustrated middle grade novel from Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 7, 2020 

by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

4/5 stars

The Wild Robot is a book I’ve been wanting to read for ages, a recent vacation finally gave me the perfect excuse to dive in. This was my first time reading Peter Brown, I quickly understood why this series is so beloved, I actually picked up Book 2 the moment I finished.

This story follows Roz, a shipwrecked robot who washes up on a remote island with no humans in sight. She has to learn everything from scratch, well she knows a lot just not how to survive, how to communicate with the animals, and ultimately how to carve out a place for herself in this wild, unfamiliar world.  Roz ends up becoming the mother of a gosling, you have to read the book to see why this happens. When this happens things shift, transforming Roz from an outsider into a caregiver and giving the story its beating heart.

I loved the blend of gentle adventure, humour, and unexpected friendships. The island comes alive through short, engaging chapters, and Roz’s journey from mechanical newcomer to devoted mother is both sweet and surprisingly moving.

A delightful start to the series, its warm, charming and full of heart, glad to finally be following Roz on her adventure.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge -#45