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Woodsong

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Woodsong by Gary Paulsen is an autobiographical account that delves into the author's experiences living in poverty, raising a dog sled team, and embarking on adventures in the wild, including his first Iditarod Race in Alaska. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of wilderness, endurance, and dogs, showcasing the author's journey of learning to run dogs and training pups for the harness. The narrative is a blend of humor, pathos, and bittersweet moments, providing insights into the author's respect for animal nature and his interactions with the wild Minnesota setting.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is highly descriptive, combining humor with serious reflections, creating an engaging and immersive experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot unfolds in two parts, detailing the author's personal experiences with dog sledding and his challenges in a major race.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the wilderness landscapes of Minnesota and Alaska, vividly portrayed through descriptive imagery.

Pacing:

The pacing alternates between slower, descriptive sections and fast-paced action during the race.
Gulled by Disney and others, I believed Bambi always got out of the fire. Nothing ever really got hurt. Though I hunted and killed it was always somehow clean and removed from reality. I killed yet th...

Notes:

Woodsong is both an autobiography and a memoir by Gary Paulsen.
The book is divided into two parts: one about Paulsen's life as a dog sledder and the second about his experience in the Iditarod.
Paulsen shares humorous and adventurous anecdotes about his interactions with his dogs.
The Iditarod race described in the book lasts for 17 days, with almost every chapter focusing on a single day.
Paulsen reflects on the challenges of dogsled racing and the relationships he develops with his sled dogs.
He emphasizes themes of respect for animal nature and acknowledges his own ignorance in handling dog sledding.
The book paints vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the beauty of winter camping.
Paulsen's writing includes both light-hearted moments and harsh realities of wilderness life, including graphic animal interactions.
The narrative engages readers with a blend of adventure, humor, and poignant reflections on survival and companionship with dogs.
Many readers appreciate how the book appeals to both nature lovers and fans of adventure stories.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic descriptions of animal behaviors and sometimes violent encounters, which may not be suitable for all younger readers.

From The Publisher:

The award-winning creator of popular survival stories turns his attention to his own real life adventures in Minnesota and Alaska as he prepares for the grueling Iditarod sled dog race.

"The lure of the wilderness is always a potent draw, and Paulsen evokes its mysteries as well as anyone has since Jack London." (The Horn Book)

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About the Author:

Gary Paulsen is the distinguished author of many critically acclaimed books for young people, including three Newbery Honor books: The Winter Room, Hatchet, and Dogsong. He won the Margaret A. Edwards Award given by the American Library Association for his lifetime achievement in young adult…

 
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