The Island

By: Gary Paulsen

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

When his family packs up and moves from the city to a small town deep in the Wisconsin countryside, 15-year-old Wil Neuton makes an exhilarating discovery. He finds a small island on a nearby lake, a place where he can be alone and learn to know nature—and himself. On his island, he can write, paint, and watch the loons and fish in the lake. Wil can’t stay away from the outside world forever, though. Sooner or later, he must return and face the bully determined to fight him and his bickering parents, who worry when Wil decides to stay on the island indefinitely. Can Wil bridge the growing gap between himself and the rest of the world? Lyric and reflective, Newbery Honor-winner Gary Paulsen’s tale displays all the adventurous spirit and wholesome optimism that have made his books so popular.

©1988 Gary Paulsen (P)1994 Recorded Books

Makes u think

My 9 year old granddaughter began me listening to Paulsan. For some reason or other she began to tell me about "The Hatchet". It took me awhile to understand that it was an audible book that she and her dad had listened to.
With me growing up in the 60s and 70s as a country boy. Doin all the great stuff that city kids never get too do. I began to listen to the story.
I could not put the work of Paulsan away. As a grown man now, I spend a goodly part of my work day driving, alone, from job to job.
Ii guess that in my audible library, most of my books are Paulsans. The Island, made me think. Think of the things that I learned in my country youth , how much it has helped me as an adult. I can attribute so much of who I am, what I have been able to achieve, experience, to live, the foundation was layed growing up in exploration of my own thought and not so much of others

Inspiring!

Inspiring because it connects me to what my childhood was. The was I was at a place. not observing or taking notes but there, where I felt peace. Congratulations Gary Paulsen. The best author ever! Amazing!!! also the narration was a thing to count on because I really helps to appreciate the book and how the story evolves.

loved it overall

very intriguing and I connected with the protagonist easily. it was an easy read and kept me interested

I’m Left Speechless…

I’ve been down with the fever for the last two days now and out of curiosity listened to Mr. Tucket, the first of the series from Tucket’s adventures. I had read all the books I could from the series and enjoyed them so much. While listening I was carried away into the story. Then once those books ran out I looked for other books by this author and found this one. I just couldn’t put it down, I felt myself being sucked away from my world and into Will’s life on the island and to go through what he went through. Listening to this book not only helped Will learn life itself but helped me too. After listening to this book I felt like I understood life in the way Will understood life. This book was one of the best ever. If this book was this good I can’t wait to listen to Hatchet which I hear is even better!

Being a person that sits and watches nature, this book talks about doing that a lot and enjoying the new experiences.

A beginning book about finding yourself in meditation and nature. Ages 6 to 100. A lovely book for any person.

Very relatable

Reminds me of how I figure out the world. Always in nature. It’s a must read.

A story with heart and depth.

Very few books have I read that touched my heart like this one. This is not a shallow book, this book is deep, and the author does well to cut past all the fluff. The mini riders used to get to the heart of the matter. And that’s where you end up, at the heart. At the heart, it’s a story of discovery, and wonder and connection. If you have any love at all for nature, and any love at all for people in your lives, this is definitely, a book that will open your eyes. Well acted well Red. Overall solid buy!

Everything always.

Gary Paulsen never disappoints. I have some books I like more than others, but they always have a good story line and a great lesson to learn, truly one of the best.

Good story...a little philosophical

Great story, not what I was expecting at all from the title. The philosophical side can get a little tiresome, but I actually tried the blanking of the mind during his meditation and it helped me get back to sleep! So for that, it is worth the read! All Paulson is good. Narrator did a fine job.

Excellent Author

The story, like Hatchet, puts you right on the island as a spectator. I enjoyed when he got the best of the bully. Also, the mom's disdain with the spit was hilarious.