Suhailah's Reviews > Brian's Return

Brian’s Return follows Brian as he comes back to “normal life” after his wilderness experiences in the previous three books. He struggles to adapt to home and school life again and feels like something is missing. He also struggles to accept that men kill animals for sport and trophies and not for means of survival. He soon becomes known as the “animal-boy” as his nature and survival instincts no longer match his surroundings.

“Once you have the woods in you, you’re never the same.”

Fighting to find himself in his conflicted predicament, Brian learns the only way to do so is to return to the wilderness.

“It’s time for you to go back, to find what you’re looking for.”

So back to the woods he goes…Does he find himself? Does he find the answers he so desperately seeks? It’s definitely worth a read to find out. There are more skillful survival moments and a lot of introspection.

"What you didn't think would get you, would get you."

What I Really Enjoyed:
~ The character Billy and his symbolism to Brian’s future

~ The storm scene and bear encounter

~ Author Gary Paulsen’s Note: He begins by telling the readers, “Virtually all that happens to Brian in these books has happened to me at some point in my life.” He also decided at that time this would be the last book in the Brian Saga; however, in 2003 Brian’s Hunt was released! What a nice surprise! At this time, that is still the last book of the series, so I can’t wait to officially complete the series!