I Am Still Alive

Jess has just survived a car crash that killed her mother and left her body broken. She is forced to go live with a father she has not seen in years. But he is hiding in the Canadian wilderness from a troubled past. Jess isn't interested in that life, learning to hunt and fish and survive winter in a cabin. She is certain that she can convince her father to let her go back to civilization. He asks her to give him a year and then he will take her back. When his past catches up to him, Jess is left alone to try and fend for herself with only her dog as company. All the while she is plotting revenge against those who took her father from her. She fights through a rough winter with only her wits keeping her alive. I liked this book, it was sad and depressing at times but showed what determination and ingenuity can do in difficult circumstances. Jess is no damsel. She gets up each day and faces what comes at her with strength and pride. If you liked Hatchet as a younger reader, this is a more advanced version of that story with more adult themes. Wear a warm coat while reading! Happy reading my friends.