The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling was likened to Hatchet – one of my favorite books as a kid. So I knew this would be right up my alley!
A quick synopsis: one year after her mother is killed by a random shooter, Nora and her father are still tormented by fear and anger. For her birthday, they take a rock climbing trip to a canyon in the Arizona desert. Their family has always been the adventurous sort: traveling, hiking and climbing, and learning about the natural world around them.
But when a flash flood in the canyon carries her father away, Nora must find the will to survive alone in the harsh climate of the unforgiving desert.
*I received this book for free from the publisher (Little Brown Books for Young Readers) in exchange for an honest review.
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The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling: My Thoughts
The Canyon’s Edge is a quick read that packs an emotional punch. I read it in one sitting. In fact, I don’t even remember coming up for air the entire time, it was so engrossing.
I loved the simple, lovely writing in this YA story. It’s very poetic – which makes sense, since most of it’s written in different forms of verse.
The desert setting was as brutal as it was beautiful. I couldn’t help but root for Nora as she grappled with both inner turmoil (over the tragic loss of her mother) and exterior adversaries like poisonous snakes and dehydration.
So unique, raw, and gripping, The Canyon’s Edge is well worth the read. Highly recommended, especially for fans of wilderness survival stories like Hatchet!
Rating: 4.5 (out of 5) stars
Publication date: September 8th, 2020
Looking for more great book recommendations? Check out my list of awesome September 2020 book releases!
