Wild Things
by Clay Carmichael

    WILD THINGS by Clay Carmichael
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  5/2009
    Publisher:  Front Street
    Reviewed by:  Andrew S. Cohen
    Rating:  5 Stars


    In WILD THINGS, protagonist Zoe no longer trusts anyone.  Both her parents have now left her; her father left at
    an early age, and now her mother, an irresponsible mother and slob, has died.  As a result of her traumatic,
    unbelievably self-sufficient childhood, Zoe trusts only herself.

    To begin, Zoe goes to live with her uncle, Dr. Henry Royster, a surgeon.  In his house she finds massive sharp metal
    sculptures dangling in a room, as she finds out her uncle is a famed sculptor.  Though reluctant to trust Henry
    because everyone else in her life has failed her, Zoe finds much in common with him, especially their equally broken
    hearts.  

    All the while, Zoe meets a cast of friendly, curious characters who are loyal to Henry and begin to mend her heart,
    along with a wise cat and a mystical boy in the nearby forest.  Zoe's curiosity, as she explores the woods, leads to
    adventure, heroism, and more as she unmasks the boy's identity, defiles a local lie, and more through her Wild
    Spirit.  The tale of WILD THINGS is a wondrous page-turner.

    What a phenomenal debut book by Ms. Carmichael.  Throughout the story, I was stunned by the depth of the
    characters, and how I truly connected with many of them.  My favorite part was the added perspective of the
    narrative of the wild cat, which adds an excellent dimension to this book.  Carmichael, inspired by her actual
    husband, also a metal artist, skillfully weaves this story and interesting characters together to create the masterpiece
    that is WILD THINGS.  

    A must-read for all readers!