We Became Wild is an evocative, emotionally charged novel that blends coming-of-age elements with a strong sense of atmosphere and underlying tension.

Set against a vividly drawn natural backdrop, the story follows characters navigating a transformative period in their lives, where freedom and uncertainty go hand in hand. The setting plays a central role, with the wildness of the environment mirroring the emotional intensity and unpredictability of the characters’ experiences.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its exploration of friendship and identity. As relationships shift and deepen, the narrative captures the push and pull between belonging and independence. A particularly compelling thread involves moments where impulsive choices and shared experiences begin to shape who the characters are becoming, often in ways they don’t fully understand at the time.

The writing is immersive and reflective, allowing the emotional weight of the story to build gradually. There’s a steady sense of tension beneath the surface, giving even quieter scenes a feeling of significance.

Overall, We Became Wild is a thoughtful and engaging read that balances atmosphere with character-driven storytelling. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy stories about growth, connection, and the lasting impact of formative moments.

Told with an unflinching teenage vibe in multiple POVs, this is a story of grief, friendship, regrets, abuse, love, and searching. When Val dies from a 30-foot cliff fall, her friends Messina and Lottie suddenly decide they will honor her memory and take her along (via her ashes) on a PCT hike to the Three Sisters mountains in Oregon. Val had planned a PCT hike after reading Cheryl Strayed's Wild, so the friends--both living in abusive home situations--escape their families and hit the trail, woefully unprepared. Val's brother Gabe, who is in love with Lottie, figures out what has happened and sets off in his old truck, hoping to intercept the two friends at an intersate-crossing to hike with them. Not pulling a punch, the author describes the hell the girls experience on the trail, including severe dehydration and hunger, in-fighting, worry for safety from wild animals and other humans, dealing with periods in the wild, and more. As the girls weave their way through the miles, they must find strength they never knew they had, forgiveness for the seemingly unforgiveable, skills to take into the next stages of their lives, and a future that will honor themselves and their lost friend.

a really cool YA type of book about grief and going out into the wild. Lottie's best friend Val dies, and she decides to go out into the wild to cope. Finished this in a single sitting. it was great!

This is like “Wild” the adult novel but for the younger set. It is a great tale of adventure, finding yourself, and working your way through stuff. It is also a great tale of female friendship & survival.

*We Became Wild* by H. D. Carver is a powerful and immersive novel that blends raw emotion with a gripping, atmospheric narrative. We Became Wild pulls you in with its intense storytelling and richly drawn characters, making every moment feel urgent and impactful. The writing is vivid and evocative, capturing both the beauty and chaos of the characters’ journeys. It’s a bold, unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page—an easy five stars.

This is a really powerful YA novel about finding identity through adventure. I found its story of friendship to be compelling and moving, and the nature writing to be really beautiful.

We Became Wild by H.D. Carver is completely engrossing, drawing readers into the complex characters, history of trauma, and hopes for the future. Written from multiple points of view, the story doles out details cautiously, allowing readers to get to know the characters, their strengths, and their flaws, before learning about their pasts. The book is an exploration of young adult conflicts and camaraderie, but it does contain heavy language and even heavier themes and elements.
Val, Messina, Lottie, and Gabe had complex, multi-faceted relationships, packed with hurt and disappointments, but when Val dies in a tragic accident, the other three have to decide how, or if, they will continue their friendships. Abandoning each other seems like a betrayal of Val, but maintaining the friendships seems harder than ever between Gabe's love of Lottie, Messina's traumatic home life and emotional dysregulation, and Lottie's crushing guilt about causing Val's death. When Messina and Lottie run away to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, their friendship suffers, recovers, and suffers again, and when Gabe comes to find them, their fractured loyalties comes to the breaking point. All three have to decide whether the relationships are worth the fight they require, or if Val's loss might have destroyed them past saving.
As a YA/ new adult crossover, this book contains strong language, which could be overwhelming for some readers, as it appears not only in times of trauma or danger, but on every page, even in every paragraph or sentence at times. The topics are weighty and important, but they may trigger some readers with the references to domestic abuse, unwanted sexual advances, poverty, and the loss of loved ones. While the story is ultimately uplifting, empowering, and encouraging, many may struggle with the weight of the pain and trauma. For those who read it completely, they will come to see all four characters are unlikely role models who have real weaknesses and flaws but who persevere. The problems are not easily or neatly resolved, but the characters' resilience and ability to persist in the face of trauma are admirable and empowering and the story is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of friendship.

We Became Wild by H. D. Carver is an emotional and beautifully written novel that completely draws you into its world. The story feels intense and authentic, with characters that are flawed, compelling, and easy to connect with. I especially loved the atmospheric writing; it perfectly captures both the chaos and tenderness woven throughout the journey. It’s the kind of book that stays on your mind after finishing, and for me, it absolutely lived up to the hype. Definitely a five-star read. Lottie and Messina have a special place in my heart

This book had such a unique and engaging style of writing! I felt immersed in the world and the story from the first page. The author did a good job with a tricky multiple POV narration. Thoughtful, interesting writing throughout!

WE BECAME WILD – by H.D. Carver

‘Seventeen-year-old Lottie Mitchell is a liar. She might also be a horrible person―because someone good wouldn't have caused the death of her best friend, Val. Messina, Lottie's other best friend, has her own secrets to worry about―she's running from her terrifying, abusive stepfather. When the friends learn that Val had planned to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, they set off into the desert with Val’s ashes and her beloved copy of WILD to fulfill her dream.’

I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying—My Heart!

I Love Everything About This Book . . .

Highly Recommended!

Thank you, NetGalley and Norton Young Readers, for providing me with an eBook ARC of WE BECAME WILD at the request of an honest review.

Grade: 9 and up
Reading Age: 14 -18

Scheduled For Release: June 23, 2026 (Subject To Change)

I loved this book, the writing was so intriguing and catching and the storyline was amazing. Seeing each of the characters grow throughout the book was lovely and it was written in such a great way! This book even inspired me to watch and read ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed, also the ending to this book was so satisfying to read and I’m glad it worked out that way.