Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen*

 Surviving a Lost Childhood

If I had had the time, I would have read this book in one sitting.  The writing is beautiful and the story compelling. Gary Paulsen shares his personal story of survival, beginning when he was four years old.  Since his parents were alcoholics, he roamed the streets for food, shelter, and distraction.  Although he experienced horrors and neglect, a couple of people impacted his life in a positive manner-an aunt and uncle and a librarian.  Reading this story, I was incredulous that a child and then a young man had to endure such abuse and neglect.  But the three people who interacted with him in a positive manner, sprinkled in hope . . .small gestures of kindness may truly affect someone's life in a huge way.  

*Highly recommend (see warnings).

-Borrowed from the library.

This book is only appropriate for teens and adults, but for those sensitive teens and parents: . . . . Warnings/points to discuss: can infer that his mother would make herself available to men at bars, parental neglect/abuse, alcohol-abuse, graphic war violence, he watches a woman at a carnival strip (no details were given, but it is clear what he is doing) and referred to the incident as learning about Life  from a woman named Wanda-pg. 315, minimal swearing-just a couple of words, when in the army, he shares how the medical personal examined his scrotum and penis with a tongue depressor (not abuse-just routine check-up)