By: Katherine Center
“I had finally come to understand that not getting what you want is actually the trick to it all. Because not getting what you want forces you to appreciate what you already have.”
Helen Carpenter is 32 years old, divorced, and doesn’t know what she is doing with her life. Her brother Duncan, 10 years her junior, suggests going on a wilderness survival course. What she wasn’t prepared for was that her brother’s friend, Jake, was also going. She was annoyed because she wanted to use this trip for her own personal growth. But she embarks on it anyway. From mosquitos, to no showers, to using the wilderness as her bathroom, a summer snow, and much more, Helen is tested along the way. And while she felt left out in the beginning of the journey, by the end, she became friends with the others on the three week trip. By the end, the lessons she learns are invaluable.
I read this as a book club pick and I’m SO glad that I did! This is a beautiful book about Helen’s journey of finding herself, of learning about herself and what she thought her life was, and seeing things through a different view. The lessons that she learned along the way from various characters, especially Jake and Windy, were lessons that I think everyone can learn from. And while there is a bit of romance in this book, it’s not the main story.
Some of the characters were focused on a little more than the others, but all had their place and their purpose. I really enjoyed Jake, Windy, and GiGi (her grandmother). She’s a real hoot! Her grandmother is probably one of the best supporting characters that I have ever read.
I enjoyed that the little bit of romance that there was, was built up. It wasn’t instalove, it didn’t just happen. It snuck up on Helen, yes, but it took time. It really helps with character growth and Helen’s character growth is some of the best that I have read.
I’m going to forever recommend this book.
If you’d like to read it, you can do so here.
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