A review by eagerreader2022
Brian's Return by Gary Paulsen

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This is the ending I would have hoped for Brian after reading The River and seeing how he might have experienced a winter in the bush.

I loved that Brian just needed some gentle guidance from outsiders to know where he truly belongs. And the guidance was very broad yet covert, such that Brian had to sit with the knowledge gained from such conversations.

The Author's Note at the end from Paulsen is amazing. I would have never known

that Paulsen also went through these experiences.

So far, this has been my favorite of the Brian's Saga novels/novellas.