Reviews

Northwind by Gary Paulsen

hdcamp's review against another edition

3.0

There were some really nice ideas in here - bonding with whales, realizing how small an individual person is in the grand scheme of things, being a part of the natural world (and the dangers of that sometimes)...

But mostly I'm sleepy. And the ending didn't wow me the way I was hoping. I kept thinking what was going to happen if he kept going north -

Spoiler

and then he just stopped, and that was that.

I can absolutely seeing your adventurous type kids enjoying this, and they should read the author's note too because that's very cool. I think [b:My Side of the Mountain|41667|My Side of the Mountain (Mountain, #1)|Jean Craighead George|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388204221l/41667._SX50_.jpg|2682098] would probably still win in a fight.

How wonderful that Paulsen was able to complete this book before his death. It's clear from the author's note that this book was incredibly personal to him. RIP sir.

shinesalot's review against another edition

4.0

Fans of Hatchet and similar survival stories will enjoy this one that takes place far far north.

Everything you expect from nature writer Gary Paulsen is there and you will feel like you are paddling along with the whales as you read.

barbarianlibarian's review against another edition

2.0

I was hoping for adventure, but this was more of a meditative writing exercise

samofthepnw's review against another edition

5.0

GP’s last book. Sadly he passed away in 2021. He was my favorite author as a child.

This book is similar to Hatchet expect that it’s maybe the 1700s? And instead of taking place on land it takes place at sea.

The author’s note at the end really moved me.

augustreadsbooks's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

dswhite's review against another edition

3.0

This was a pretty good book of boy a lone with nature.

library_kb's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I didn't particularly enjoy Hatchet, and so I didn't enjoy Northwind. I think those that do enjoy Hatchet will also like this book because they have many similar plot beats and the person vs. nature conflict themes are very present in this book as well. For me, personally, books that feature a single character are not very interesting because I want to read about different people navigating life with others. 

kerrifilippazzo's review against another edition

4.0

I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook, but reading this was like taking a break from the modern world.

droar's review against another edition

3.0

Lovely but remarkably slow for a Paulsen. It's got a strong old soul vibe (which I enjoyed) but had so little tension, despite it's technically thrilling plot points, I found it hard to pay attention. certainly don't agree that it does for the sea what Hatchet did for the woods as the flap description claims. Northwind is certainly about survival but it doesn't feel like a survival story, more a communing and connecting with nature kind of deal.

Spoiler

This might be because Leif has no interest in returning to 'civilization' and is so entirely Zen about everything that happens. It's not a bad mindset to have in real life, just a weird one to base a teen survival story around *shrug*

In all: worth a try if you like ocean-y wilderness stories, but if it's not for you in the first 50 or so pages be willing to set it down.

raechsreads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Whoa. This style of book isn't usually my first pick, but Northwind pulled me along Leif's journey. I enjoyed the mix of adventure with coming of age and survival. I'm left wondering what could have happened if he had run into other humans.