Eastern Sun, Winter Moon: An Autobiographical Odyssey [Paperback]

Gary Paulsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 1995

In this memoir of a World War II childhood, Paulsen paints a haunting self-portrait of a young boy drawn helplessly into the physical and emotional violence of the adult world. “An indelible account...hallmarked by Paulsen’s sinewy writing” (Kirkus Reviews).

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Author Paulsen recounts the horrors of his childhood during WWII in which he and his mother travel to the Philippines to join his father, an army officer.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In 1945, at age seven, author Paulsen and his mother traveled to battle-scarred Manila to join his father, a military officer who had been absent from Paulsen's life since before World War II. Here, Paulsen vividly chronicles the high adventure of a boy's journey by car from Chicago to San Francisco, his voyage across the Pacific, and his arrival in the Philippines, a feat accomplished in large part by his mother's willing and serviceable promiscuity. Although Paulsen's memory is so vivid that credibility is sometimes strained, his memoir is wonderfully readable. The book is also an interesting portrait of adults as viewed by a child from whom little of the adult world is hidden. Paulsen's prose, usually exercised in novels for young adults, is colorful but unadorned; his story is overfull of drama. Recommended for popular collections.
- Tim Zindel, Sacramento, Cal.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (June 9, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156002035
• ISBN-13: 978-0156002035
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,126,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Paulsen is one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers. He has written more than one hundred book for adults and young readers, and is the author of three Newberry Honor titles: Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He divides his time among Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, and the Pacific.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well developed account of Paulsen's childhood., January 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Eastern Sun, Winter Moon: An Autobiographical Odyssey (Hardcover)

Eastern Sun, Winter Moon by Gary Paulsen is a well-written,detailed account of Paulsen's childhood. Set in post World War II times, Gary Paulsen delivers astonishing and often vividly dramatic stories from his life. From his early exposure to sex to biting his tongue off or witnessing a shark attack after a plane crash, Paulsen's early life is filled with plenty of experiences to keep any reader interested. This book has a great deal of adult material and would be suggested for mature readers.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and moving, September 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Eastern Sun, Winter Moon: An Autobiographical Odyssey (Paperback)

This is one of the most remarkable pieces of non-fiction I have ever read. It turned me into a real Gary Paulsen fan, despite the fact that most of his stuff is written for teenagers. If you are an adult, find his other non-fiction. It is all powerful and very worthwhile.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!, June 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eastern Sun, Winter Moon: An Autobiographical Odyssey (Hardcover)

Gary Paulsen is truly a rare talent. Your right there where ever he is, smelling the sea, the jungle, he draws you in and keeps you right along side him!