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Nicole B. (New York, New York)
As a first-timer with this author I was thoroughly impressed...
This was my first foray into Scott Spencer and I was really impressed with the strength and finesse of the writing that was on display in each page of this novel. Amazingly nuanced characterizations, and the taut and suspenseful plot examining morality, anger, impulse decisions and faith kept me riveted throughout. Scot deftly examines the intricate decisions, responsibilities and compromises which comprise family life and the lengths to which people will go when comfort and security are threatened. The intense psychological suspense was hard to bear (in the best way!) and I read the book with the distractingly
…more delicious feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. (less)Man in the Woods is a well-written story involving God and/or fate - the characters are developed through their morality and their dialogue is at times inspiring or heartwarming but always deep and articulate. I loved the writing style of the author, his poetic descriptions and bits of humor. The story is thought provoking in the simplest of ways - how our lives change by the smallest decisions we make daily.
UrbanReader
A Perfect Book
Like other books around, Man in the Woods is the story of a killing and its aftermath. But here the suspense is terrific because the people and what they do and why they do it (or don't) is always completely true to life. The writing is beautiful (without being pretty) and the pacing is quick and the cop is amazing and, yeah, the dog rocks.
Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ)
Man in the Woods
A crime occurs very early in "Man in the Woods", but this is not a police procedural. In fact, the investigative works occurs mainly in the background and is presented in relatively short chapters throughout the book.
What this book is all about are relationships -- man/woman, mother/daughter, brother/sister and the key one -- man/dog and how the crime and its aftermath, along with other life issues (including the highly anticipated Y2K -- the book takes place in late 1999) impacts those relationships. Scott Spencer has a tremendous ability for character development (I had not read his previous novel, "A Ship
…more Made of Paper" in which two of the characters first appeared) and his literary descriptions around even a simple event, like a winter sunset, are exceptional and very visual. Yet one of the most interesting characters is the hapless dog, Shep, who plays a pivotal role throughout and is key to the ending, which will likely leave many a reader speechless. I strongly recommend. (less)This is a well written fast-paced page turner revealing one man's quandaries as he grows from being an independent teenager into a many-talented man. Along the way he is confronted with people he meets and decisions to make which will affect his entire future.
Spencer's writing takes us along on Paul's journey to selfhood as he seeks to find the true essence and purpose of his life.
A really good read from first to last page
Lucy B. (Urbana, Ohio)
Paul's Undoing
Man in the Woods had my attention from beginning to end. It just goes to prove that it only takes a moment for something to happen to you that changes your life, in this case not for the better. Including the dog in the story provided some heartbreaking but also some lighter, tender moments. I have not read any other books by Scott Spencer, but I definitely will be reading others.
Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
What a Wonderful Read!
The beautiful writing of Scott Spencer makes this book a very enjoyable read. The descriptions of the characters, relationships and events are superb. The ending, although not a surprise, leaves you thinking and feeling about the reading experience for a while. After finishing this book, I intend to read all of Scott Spencer's previous writings.
Shawna L. (Idaho Falls, Idaho)
Man in the Woods by Scott Spencer
The acclaimed author of 'Endless Love' and 'A Ship Made of Paper' delivers a gripping and provocative psychological thriller of morality and manhood, choice and fate. Paul has been on his own since he was a teenager. He has done it all, hunted for food in Alaska, fought forest fires, and been deputized in a manhunt for a kidnapper in South Dakota. He has often thought his life had no particular rhyme nor reason, touched only by transient strangers. Then he meets the beautiful, intelligent, loving Kate and her daughter, Ruby, who offer order and stability to his world. But Paul is a man of deep convictions, and
…more the compromises we all make to get along in the world elude him. On his way home after getting fired from his job remodeling a luxurious Manhattan apartment, Paul stops off at a camp grounds along the highway to gather his thoughts. Instead of peace, he finds a man savagely beating his dog, forcing Paul to make a fateful decision that will change everything.
With the psychological acuity and razor-sharp prose for which he has been celebrated. Scott Spence takes us on an unforgettable journey of manhood lost, and found. (less)
