This novel is book five in the Wilder Good series.

Wilder has a goal--replace what he has broken--and he has a plan he’s been developing for about a year. Wilder loves the outdoors and has been taught to respect it, knowing how to survive. Expecting to spend an extended period of time camping, hiking, and fixing what he broke, Wilder explains to his parents that he’s leaving for much of the summer. They offer a few stipulations: carry a SAT phone and take a friend and a new kid. Wilder isn’t happy about taking Corndog. He had planned on being alone to conquer his goal. After all, that would prove true survival skills and ability: man against (or with) nature.

As the three boys tackle this journey, they discover truths about themselves and each other. Wilder is a bit cocky, insisting on his way and being “fake nice” to Corndog. It’s only after Wilder creates a problem that he takes a step back and thinks about his actions and how he’s treating these friends. Big is the always understanding best friend who offers strength both physical and emotional as well as common sense to balance Wilder. Corndog seems naive and over-enthusiastic as well as ignorant of wilderness survival, making him appear to be somewhat of a burden on this journey. It’s only out in nature that people find who they truly are--Wilder, Big, and Corndog rely on each other and end up confiding in each other. Ultimately, this experience brings them together like brothers, appreciating their differences, their abilities, and their friendship. This experience they have reflects true life-- camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing in the wilderness as well as how we treat each other and make assumptions only to learn we are wrong.. If you wonder what a prolonged trip is like in the mountains, this novel relates the struggles, joys, messiness, fun, and courage it takes to commune with nature and with our own friends.

I enjoy the outdoors, so I enjoyed this novel. I couldn’t go so long without bathing and brushing my teeth, however! I also do not have the skills Wilder has. Ultimately, the novel is about what we owe each other as civilized humans as we explore this world together. Our acceptance of differences, strengths, and weaknesses from within and from others makes us stronger people. It’s in nature where this journey can be most truthful--the battle to survive with others. Do we strike out on our own? Help each other? Accept help? The wilderness is an exploration both physical and mental where the exporer must find his truths and accept and own up to the choices made that affect our lives and each other. It’s the courage to keep going or the courage to know when to backtrack. Read the book, go outside and take a walk listening to the wind in the trees and the birds chirping--maybe even plan a hike with friends. You’ll feel closer to yourself and closer to your friends. ( )