Perspective

The book is told from Gary Paulsen's point of view. He writes in the first person so that the reader feels as if he is looking over Gary's shoulder throughout the entire story. Gary pulls the reader into his experience with intense clarity and personality. Gary's wife, Ruth, adds a touch of wit and practicality to the story. Gary has a nonchalant attitude that emanates from his narrative. At times the reader becomes more frantic than Gary. Since there is a distance between the reader and the events of the story, the reader is impacted by the immediate situation while Gary does not realize what has happened to him until some time later.

Gary has a true love of his team that the reader immediately picks up on. The warmth and respect with which Gary comes to view his team is movingly conveyed to the reader. The dogs...