Though Paulsen has alluded to having a very difficult childhood with alcoholic parents and told bits and pieces of his past in other books, in Gone to the Woods he tells much more. Though this book is considered middle-grade, I would probably put it closer to YA due to the mature content. Paulsen doesn't hold and tells of his mother's promiscuity, his parents' alcoholism, the neglect, witnessing the horrors of war and gruesome deaths and wounds, though he doesn't go into detail, he also refers to prostitutes, sexually transmitted disease, and more very difficult subject matter which could be beyond the maturity or sensitivity of many middle grade readers. However, it could also serve to give hope and inspiration to other children dealing with similar hardships, as Paulsen's story continues through his years in the army, and the moment when he realized he wanted and deserved something more from life.

As a librarian I was particularly touched by his description of how discovering the public library and being gently encouraged and guided by a sensitive and caring librarian made a huge difference in his life and led to his eventually becoming an author.

This book is written in Paulsen's typical straightforward style, no flowery prose, deep insights, or hidden messages. Just a man telling his story-the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I have love Gary Paulsen's books for over 30 years and Gone to the Woods is an instant classic. This book will haunt your heart and linger in your mind. It is as marvelous as it is heartbreaking.

If you read this book, you will understand why Gary Paulsen is such an excellent author. It truly amazes me that a person can survive such a childhood. I have no doubt this will appeal to any reader looking for an enthralling read.

I have enjoyed Gary Paulsen’s books for a long time. I had heard that his childhood was rough, but this autobiography really shows the reader. The story reveals his strong sense of survival, the librarian who showed him the wonderful world of books and reading, and his army years. The language is poetic and at the same time inserts some foul language that I would hesitate to have 3rd and 4th graders reading. Maybe this bookis better suited to middle school readers.

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.

Compelling look into a dysfunctional family, the saving grace of kindness and the power of determination. Paulsen’s gift for effortlessly drawing the reader into the story is on full display here. You are in each moment with him, experiencing with all the senses the challenges he faced from early childhood. Masterpiece.

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.