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neffcannon's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
cosmoscommmander's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
whitecat5000's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This was a bit too heavy handed in the life lessons dolled out, even for middle grade.
kalynwebb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
lauriehnatiuk's review against another edition
3.0
Lief was an orphan the moment his mother died giving birth. Passed around until he is old enough to work on the fishing boats, Lief's life is not easy. Working on one of the boats, the men suddenly start getting sick and dying. Old Carl, who has taken Lief and a younger boy known as Little Carl under his wing, sends the two boys off in a canoe, telling them to go north and never come back as the men are all dying. Both boys also become ill and drift along the coast, but when Lief awakens from his fever, it is only to find Little Carl has died. Now alone, Lief must learn the lesson of the north to be one with the land and survive.
I, too, see the comparisons to versions of Hatchet with little or no dialogue readers are experiencing the lessons and Lief's perspective as he travels north. It feels a bit like Hatchet on water, where Lief learns first-hand the consequences of not being aware of his surroundings. It is also introspective like Hatchet, as both characters learn to appreciate their surroundings and to become part of them. The setting initially felt like Lief was travelling along the Pacific Coast but dismissed that with mentions of Vikings and fjords, making me think that perhaps Lief was in Scandinavia and would younger readers find this confusing. Thinking this also made me wonder when preparations for winter conditions would begin as he continued northward. The ending certainly left the possibility to continue Lief's journey, which may have been Mr. Paulsen's intention or perhaps left us to think about what Lief would have done. Reading the acknowledgments was both sad and honouring with the recent passing of Mr. Paulsen in October. I think it is fitting that his last story and gift to us was one of survival and being reflective and honouring his grandmother, who he loved and introduced him to the woods.
Fans who love Hatchet and Gary Paulsen will enjoy Lief's adventures and sadly want to know more.
I, too, see the comparisons to versions of Hatchet with little or no dialogue readers are experiencing the lessons and Lief's perspective as he travels north. It feels a bit like Hatchet on water, where Lief learns first-hand the consequences of not being aware of his surroundings. It is also introspective like Hatchet, as both characters learn to appreciate their surroundings and to become part of them. The setting initially felt like Lief was travelling along the Pacific Coast but dismissed that with mentions of Vikings and fjords, making me think that perhaps Lief was in Scandinavia and would younger readers find this confusing. Thinking this also made me wonder when preparations for winter conditions would begin as he continued northward. The ending certainly left the possibility to continue Lief's journey, which may have been Mr. Paulsen's intention or perhaps left us to think about what Lief would have done. Reading the acknowledgments was both sad and honouring with the recent passing of Mr. Paulsen in October. I think it is fitting that his last story and gift to us was one of survival and being reflective and honouring his grandmother, who he loved and introduced him to the woods.
Fans who love Hatchet and Gary Paulsen will enjoy Lief's adventures and sadly want to know more.
thedizzyreader's review against another edition
3.0
Well, that wasn't what I was expecting of a book that supposedly "does for the ocean what Hatchet does for the woods."
candelibri's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.75
missy_littell's review against another edition
3.0
"It might get better or it might get worse. We never know what is coming. All we know is that it will change. And what if it's something good that you miss because you gave up?"
kvcbrunson's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The descriptions in this book are beautiful and really help you see the journey. I enjoyed the journey; I just hoped for more resolution.