My Abandonment Paperback – 1 Apr 2010

It was like the film to start with. Then about 70 pages or so it changed. You find out the reasons why she was with her dad in the park. You also find out her father has a lot of problems mentally,same as the film. But you do start to feel for the young girl.When her father dies(different from the film) you wander if she actually be alive in the end of the book. I brought the book because I can understand why people want to break away from the normal life. Someone who loves the earth spending time with her/him is very important. It is worth getting because it is different from the film. Enjoy I would give 7/10

Taking as his starting point a true story, Peter Rock has produced a haunting novel. Caroline's narration, sometimes naive, sometimes wise far beyond her 13 years, is captivating. The writing is crystal-clear and hypnotic, yet certain questions seem to remain unanswered (which could either delight or frustrate the reader!).I'm tempted to say that the 1st two thirds of the book are the best, but I loved it to the end nevertheless.

Caroline and her father live in a forest park just outside Portland, Oregon. Her father has taught Caroline how to survive without technology or man-made things. She does not go to school - instead she learns from reading an old set of encyclopedias. Caroline plants a garden, observes wildlife from the tops of tall trees, and accompanies her father into the city when they run low on supplies.They are usually ignored, and are careful not to draw attention. It is almost inevitable that Caroline makes a mistake. Father and daughter are taken into police custody and given the opportunity to lead "normal" lives. This type of normalcy is not welcome, and the two flee in search of a simpler existence once again.I will be honest; it was difficult for me to become attached to the story. The dialogue between Caroline and her father is choppy and sporadic at times. It was difficult for Caroline's father to express himself; therefore, he relied on the words of someone else, a famous author, like Thoreau, for instance.At first, I felt nothing for Caroline, but that changed as I followed her on this strange journey. Caroline's father obviously loved her, but could not come to terms with his own inner demons. Caroline's story is beautiful, bizarre, and surreal.MY ABANDONMENT will make you think, and perhaps be grateful for what you already have.Reviewed by: LadyJay

Caroline and her father have a self-made life, living in an urban forest and leaving little trace, either physically or emotionally. Eventually the 'system' discovers them, investigates and decides on a new life for them on a farm. It gradually becomes clear that all is not as it seems, particularly from the perspective of Caroline's father. This is a tale of a family, of damage and of love and protection - but most of all it is about perception.This is a stunning, challenging book. I originally bought it because it takes place in my 'home' territory in Oregon (which I left nearly 40 years ago); ironic in itself, as the narrator of the story questions the feeling of 'home' and belonging with acute intensity. It is based on a true story, though it is not clear how closely it follows those happenings.