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The Many Lives of Wolf #1
She Named Me Wolf
Wolf is just a toddler when the ghost of a Japanese girl appears in his crib. As he grows older, she never leaves his side, helping him to cope and survive his unpredictable, alcoholic father. Eventually, Wolf must make a life-changing decision, and only his unique friends, powerful imagination, and recollections of his past life as a samurai warrior can guide him to choose the right path.
She Named Me Wolf is book one of six in the series The Many Lives of Wolf and is the first glimpse into one soul's travels through many lifetimes, seeking out the light in the darkness.
She Named Me Wolf is book one of six in the series The Many Lives of Wolf and is the first glimpse into one soul's travels through many lifetimes, seeking out the light in the darkness.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2020
3 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Tenkara Smart
3 books169 followersTenkara Smart grew up surfing in San Diego, California, even once having a close encounter with a hammerhead shark while surfing near the Mexican border, causing her to exit pronto! Now, living in Australia, where the sharks are generally larger, (and seemingly have more close-encounters with humans), she doesn’t surf - but she loves to kayak, paddleboard, walk/hike, and spend any minute she can with her husband. Together, they travel often, especially to Japan, where her heart feels at home.
To keep up on my fav book recommendations, visit @TenkaraSmart.com.
To keep up on my fav book recommendations, visit @TenkaraSmart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 23, 2025
Choices on the path
A very good but dark story. Shown main through the eyes of an abused child. There are a lot of emotions and feelings that need to be processed. Also, the imagination parts of the book need to be shown as escapism is a big part of how people deal with abuse. Also, the effects on the rest of the family are shown by how other members of the family deal with things.
This book covers the more spiritual side of martial arts. Strong spirits and wisdom. The physical side, as much as I would have like Wolf to fight alto earlier in the book, I appicare the realism of Martial Arts taking years to learn to be effective, daily practice to home instincts as well as physically developing into the right physical frame. As a personal preference, I would like to see more of the martial arts side coming up in the next books.
A part of the book that really rang a bell with me is defending yourself at school, but getting in trouble for it. I am sure everyone has a story like that. I can't wait to see where the next part of Wolf's past, present, or future lives is.
A very good but dark story. Shown main through the eyes of an abused child. There are a lot of emotions and feelings that need to be processed. Also, the imagination parts of the book need to be shown as escapism is a big part of how people deal with abuse. Also, the effects on the rest of the family are shown by how other members of the family deal with things.
This book covers the more spiritual side of martial arts. Strong spirits and wisdom. The physical side, as much as I would have like Wolf to fight alto earlier in the book, I appicare the realism of Martial Arts taking years to learn to be effective, daily practice to home instincts as well as physically developing into the right physical frame. As a personal preference, I would like to see more of the martial arts side coming up in the next books.
A part of the book that really rang a bell with me is defending yourself at school, but getting in trouble for it. I am sure everyone has a story like that. I can't wait to see where the next part of Wolf's past, present, or future lives is.
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March 12, 2025
Four Stars 🧨🧨🧨🧨 - "I Really Enjoyed It!"
She Named Me Wolf (The Many Lives of Wolf, #1)
by Tenkara Smart - Kindle - 336 pages - read on iPad Pro
Author and GR friend, Tenkara Smart, is now a resident of Melbourne (Vic. not Fl.) and after seeing a comment about "She Named Me Wolf" elsewhere on GR, I became interested in reading her book.
This is not a book that I would normally have chosen. I do not normally read fantasy, or young adult, and this was my assessment, rightly or wrongly, after reading quite a few reviews of Tenkara's book. Nonetheless, I still wanted to read it.
Actual 'reading' is not easy for me, which is why most of my library consists of audiobooks. However, by buying it direct from Amazon and having it sent to my iPad Pro, I was able to read this Kindle book in an enlarged format and I enjoyed it so much, I finished it in two sittings!
I am not going to attempt a 'review' of "Wolf, #1", but I want GR readers to know that this is a sensitively written, enchanting story about the growing-up of a young boy, badly mistreated and abused by his alcoholic father, with little intervention by his mother, herself a victim of her husband's abuse, and ignored by an older brother who doesn't suffer any of these hardships.
This is not a story of child abuse per se, but much more a heart-warming story of how a very young boy copes with the distress and misery he experiences at the hands of his father. I really liked this book!
She Named Me Wolf (The Many Lives of Wolf, #1)
by Tenkara Smart - Kindle - 336 pages - read on iPad Pro
Author and GR friend, Tenkara Smart, is now a resident of Melbourne (Vic. not Fl.) and after seeing a comment about "She Named Me Wolf" elsewhere on GR, I became interested in reading her book.
This is not a book that I would normally have chosen. I do not normally read fantasy, or young adult, and this was my assessment, rightly or wrongly, after reading quite a few reviews of Tenkara's book. Nonetheless, I still wanted to read it.
Actual 'reading' is not easy for me, which is why most of my library consists of audiobooks. However, by buying it direct from Amazon and having it sent to my iPad Pro, I was able to read this Kindle book in an enlarged format and I enjoyed it so much, I finished it in two sittings!
I am not going to attempt a 'review' of "Wolf, #1", but I want GR readers to know that this is a sensitively written, enchanting story about the growing-up of a young boy, badly mistreated and abused by his alcoholic father, with little intervention by his mother, herself a victim of her husband's abuse, and ignored by an older brother who doesn't suffer any of these hardships.
This is not a story of child abuse per se, but much more a heart-warming story of how a very young boy copes with the distress and misery he experiences at the hands of his father. I really liked this book!
June 24, 2020
*three and a half stars, rounded up to four*
I was very excited and honored to read this novel. Its length and content are perfect for anyone who likes the YA genre. There are plenty of fantastical elements for those interested in fantasy/sci-fi, and integration of both Australian and Japanese cultures. I was able to dedicate myself to reading this book in one day thanks to rainy weather at the campground.
Mrs. Smart did well in writing about a young boy living in an abusive household. It’s never easy to write about this topic and toe the line of physical violence being “too descriptive” vs. “not descriptive enough”. I thought that she handled the balance perfectly and although what Wolf went through was harrowing, I never felt overwhelmed by it, and it did not affect my ability to continue reading. The way that Wolf escapes reality seems very authentic for a victim of abuse, and I commend the author for her ability to write about a tough subject.
In future novels for the series “The Many of Lives of Wolf”, there are a few issues that I would love to see addressed. I felt that the few spelling and grammatical errors were distracting and took away from my personal reading experience. I mostly noticed mistakes ranging from the wrong “your/you’re” and “to/too” to mixing of Australian vs. American English (mainly with “colour/color”). Additionally, I felt that the pacing at the beginning and end of the book was a little frantic. The author could have easily added a few chapters to allow for more cohesion and less rushing. I would also like to see some more structure in future books - perhaps the chapters could be divided into “parts” if there are time jumps.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a few distracting details. I look forward to reading more in this series, and by Tenkara Smart.
I was very excited and honored to read this novel. Its length and content are perfect for anyone who likes the YA genre. There are plenty of fantastical elements for those interested in fantasy/sci-fi, and integration of both Australian and Japanese cultures. I was able to dedicate myself to reading this book in one day thanks to rainy weather at the campground.
Mrs. Smart did well in writing about a young boy living in an abusive household. It’s never easy to write about this topic and toe the line of physical violence being “too descriptive” vs. “not descriptive enough”. I thought that she handled the balance perfectly and although what Wolf went through was harrowing, I never felt overwhelmed by it, and it did not affect my ability to continue reading. The way that Wolf escapes reality seems very authentic for a victim of abuse, and I commend the author for her ability to write about a tough subject.
In future novels for the series “The Many of Lives of Wolf”, there are a few issues that I would love to see addressed. I felt that the few spelling and grammatical errors were distracting and took away from my personal reading experience. I mostly noticed mistakes ranging from the wrong “your/you’re” and “to/too” to mixing of Australian vs. American English (mainly with “colour/color”). Additionally, I felt that the pacing at the beginning and end of the book was a little frantic. The author could have easily added a few chapters to allow for more cohesion and less rushing. I would also like to see some more structure in future books - perhaps the chapters could be divided into “parts” if there are time jumps.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a few distracting details. I look forward to reading more in this series, and by Tenkara Smart.
January 23, 2022
She Named Me Wolf is a synchronistic blend of mystic themes combined with raw and real emotion. Once I took the time to become fully immersed in this coming-of-age story, I couldn't put it down. I read it over an entire weekend.
As a clinical and Jungian psychologist, as well as a fellow creative writer of fantastic/magical realism young adult prose, I see many of Jung's themes in Tenkara's poignant novel.
In an illustration of Jungian choice and consequence, the importance of a connection to nature and the duality of the physical and metaphysical experience, Tenkara's leading character, a boy named Wolf, can speak with animals. He was also a Samurai warrior in a past life and a natural-born karate champion in this one. If that's not an interesting enough plot, Wolf also has a friend...a helpful and supportive ghost named Polly. She encourages him to make positive choices when his mother and brother, sadly, fail to help him to cope with an utterly unpredictable alcoholic father.
What does it mean to live in a tumultuous family? Through exploring the 'lived' experience of Tenkara's well-developed characters, the reader can answer this question for themselves. With much material to consider, this moving story will make you laugh as well as cry. Beautifully written, I would highly recommend a read. You will be glad you did.
As a clinical and Jungian psychologist, as well as a fellow creative writer of fantastic/magical realism young adult prose, I see many of Jung's themes in Tenkara's poignant novel.
In an illustration of Jungian choice and consequence, the importance of a connection to nature and the duality of the physical and metaphysical experience, Tenkara's leading character, a boy named Wolf, can speak with animals. He was also a Samurai warrior in a past life and a natural-born karate champion in this one. If that's not an interesting enough plot, Wolf also has a friend...a helpful and supportive ghost named Polly. She encourages him to make positive choices when his mother and brother, sadly, fail to help him to cope with an utterly unpredictable alcoholic father.
What does it mean to live in a tumultuous family? Through exploring the 'lived' experience of Tenkara's well-developed characters, the reader can answer this question for themselves. With much material to consider, this moving story will make you laugh as well as cry. Beautifully written, I would highly recommend a read. You will be glad you did.
July 24, 2022
What I Did Like:
-Tackling big topics in an interesting way. This book is essentially a contemporary story about a boy dealing with serious abuse and coping by using his imagination in a fantastical way. I love books that don’t shy away from tough topics.
-Wolf is a great character. He’s learning inner strength and struggling with who he wants to be. He reminds me of so many kids I’ve known over the years and I instantly wanted great things for him. He is curious, which often gets him into trouble. Honestly this book is a great lesson on how some adults treat curiosity as a bad thing and why that can be so harmful.
-Japanese teaching. I liked the look into Japanese culture and how open Sensei was to discussions with Wolf. I’m not an expert so I can’t speak to the accuracy, but I enjoyed it!
Who Should Read This One:
-Readers who aren’t afraid of tough subjects and want this blend of fantasy through the eyes of a child.
My Rating: 4 Stars
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
-Tackling big topics in an interesting way. This book is essentially a contemporary story about a boy dealing with serious abuse and coping by using his imagination in a fantastical way. I love books that don’t shy away from tough topics.
-Wolf is a great character. He’s learning inner strength and struggling with who he wants to be. He reminds me of so many kids I’ve known over the years and I instantly wanted great things for him. He is curious, which often gets him into trouble. Honestly this book is a great lesson on how some adults treat curiosity as a bad thing and why that can be so harmful.
-Japanese teaching. I liked the look into Japanese culture and how open Sensei was to discussions with Wolf. I’m not an expert so I can’t speak to the accuracy, but I enjoyed it!
Who Should Read This One:
-Readers who aren’t afraid of tough subjects and want this blend of fantasy through the eyes of a child.
My Rating: 4 Stars
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
June 5, 2021
Amazing, I loved this book. It was inspirational and really moral.
I loved the way it ended, it shocked me.
This book talks about our imagination, how it helps us to get out of the problem.
I loved the way it ended, it shocked me.
This book talks about our imagination, how it helps us to get out of the problem.
August 25, 2020
A tremendous novel that read that mixes the tremendous styles of Bridge to Terabithia with Miso Soup. It is a magical tale of childhood play mixed with the hardship of abuse and the confusion of broken family. I loved it!
August 15, 2020
She Named Me Wolf is different from the usual genre I read. The blurb hinted at physical abuse and a ghostly presence, and I felt intrigued enough to read the book. I give the book 4.5 stars.
Although the main character is a child at the start of the book and a teenager at the end, I would not say this is a children's book. It might be confronting or scary to a young reader. Yet, I felt the author handled the physical abuse in the story in a gentle way (except for a couple of places, I'll get back to these parts later). This might help a young reader experiencing something similar. However, I believe the two exceptions and swearing indicate the book is aimed at the young adult audience.
Swearing is frequent in today's life. Although I'm not a person who swears myself, I believe the words used in the book would mirror what would typically be said in an abusive household. In fact, I think they have been watered down a lot. Just to be clear, the book starts out with name-calling and swear words are introduced as the story nears its end. To me, the terms are used in context, and it was not a shock to read them. To be honest, in this case, I feel it gives the storyline authenticity.
The two exceptions I mentioned earlier had a real impact on me. One spoke to me because of personal experience, and I reacted to the words I read seeing another face rather than Wolf's. The other filled me with real fear. I must give credit to the author for her craft in writing these two scenes. To invoke such a strong reaction and incredible fear in me is no mean feat. In fact, it's impressive.
The two main character's, Wolf and Polly, are a perfect mix. Both are smart beyond their years, yet children all the same. I enjoyed reading Wolf's story. I felt connected to him, and that forced me to keep turning those pages. I was not surprised when Wolf excelled at his "secret" activity. I wanted to learn more about his "travels". And, although I will never understand why, just like Wolf didn't understand, I could accept how difficult it must have been for his mother. I'm a firm believer that we don't know how we will react to something until we experience it ourselves.
Another thing about the book is there are a lot of uplifting phrases and sayings scattered within the chapters. The words tell a story about abuse, but they also give hope. I found the mix to be well balanced.
The only negative thing I can say is that there was a mix of American and Australian grammar/spelling/words, hence the 4.5 stars. At one point, the use of a non-Australian word jolted me out of the storyline altogether. It was like a slap in the face. A non-Australian reader may not notice this, but for me, it's essential to be consistent.
She Named Me Wolf left an impression on me, so I have no trouble in recommending it.
I received a review copy of this book, and this is an honest review.
Although the main character is a child at the start of the book and a teenager at the end, I would not say this is a children's book. It might be confronting or scary to a young reader. Yet, I felt the author handled the physical abuse in the story in a gentle way (except for a couple of places, I'll get back to these parts later). This might help a young reader experiencing something similar. However, I believe the two exceptions and swearing indicate the book is aimed at the young adult audience.
Swearing is frequent in today's life. Although I'm not a person who swears myself, I believe the words used in the book would mirror what would typically be said in an abusive household. In fact, I think they have been watered down a lot. Just to be clear, the book starts out with name-calling and swear words are introduced as the story nears its end. To me, the terms are used in context, and it was not a shock to read them. To be honest, in this case, I feel it gives the storyline authenticity.
The two exceptions I mentioned earlier had a real impact on me. One spoke to me because of personal experience, and I reacted to the words I read seeing another face rather than Wolf's. The other filled me with real fear. I must give credit to the author for her craft in writing these two scenes. To invoke such a strong reaction and incredible fear in me is no mean feat. In fact, it's impressive.
The two main character's, Wolf and Polly, are a perfect mix. Both are smart beyond their years, yet children all the same. I enjoyed reading Wolf's story. I felt connected to him, and that forced me to keep turning those pages. I was not surprised when Wolf excelled at his "secret" activity. I wanted to learn more about his "travels". And, although I will never understand why, just like Wolf didn't understand, I could accept how difficult it must have been for his mother. I'm a firm believer that we don't know how we will react to something until we experience it ourselves.
Another thing about the book is there are a lot of uplifting phrases and sayings scattered within the chapters. The words tell a story about abuse, but they also give hope. I found the mix to be well balanced.
The only negative thing I can say is that there was a mix of American and Australian grammar/spelling/words, hence the 4.5 stars. At one point, the use of a non-Australian word jolted me out of the storyline altogether. It was like a slap in the face. A non-Australian reader may not notice this, but for me, it's essential to be consistent.
She Named Me Wolf left an impression on me, so I have no trouble in recommending it.
I received a review copy of this book, and this is an honest review.
March 29, 2021
A very solid novel, the first I've read from this author, and it won't be the last. A mix of Japanese and Australian culture, it's got less to do with mysticism and the supernatural--although those elements are there--and more to do with survival in the face of abuse.
What I liked about the book. it had a steady pace, never lingering too long in any one chapter. The dialogue was good, realistic, and even though some Aussie slang was mixed in with American slang, it didn't bother me. It was a little abrupt, but it didn't change my enjoyment of the novel.
The characters of Wolf and Polly were well-rounded. Overall, a most enjoyable read.
Recommended.
What I liked about the book. it had a steady pace, never lingering too long in any one chapter. The dialogue was good, realistic, and even though some Aussie slang was mixed in with American slang, it didn't bother me. It was a little abrupt, but it didn't change my enjoyment of the novel.
The characters of Wolf and Polly were well-rounded. Overall, a most enjoyable read.
Recommended.
December 30, 2020
Was very intrigued by the storyline. The type of behavior/abuse that Wolf was subjected to is more common than we’d like to believe. Wolf having his Sensei, animal friends and best friend Polly to help him through may give others in his situation inspiration to find something to focus on to help them through their tougher times. There was also some real-life teaching throughout the book as Tenkara used and provided definition of the Japanese words used in and outside of the martial arts training Wolf received. The ending was such a surprise and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
August 6, 2022
Simple yet beautiful
I wasn't sure what to expect in this novel, but it took me by surprise with its beautiful simplicity. The way the story is crafted to show Wolf's incredible imagination (who among us didn't have imaginary friends growing up?). The author tackled the tough subject of Wolf's family dynamic with grace and respect for those who have suffered similarly. A brilliant first book in a series sure to uncover more about the boy named Wolf.
I wasn't sure what to expect in this novel, but it took me by surprise with its beautiful simplicity. The way the story is crafted to show Wolf's incredible imagination (who among us didn't have imaginary friends growing up?). The author tackled the tough subject of Wolf's family dynamic with grace and respect for those who have suffered similarly. A brilliant first book in a series sure to uncover more about the boy named Wolf.
December 6, 2020
I came across She Named Me Wolf by
Tenkara Smart, after a quick search. She Named Me Wolf is Tenkara Smart’s debut novel. It is also the first in The Many Lives of Wolf series.
Book Summary
Indulge me as I attempt to write my own synopsis for the book 😊
Wolf is a beautiful boy with a beautiful soul. Like kids his age, he dreams. But his dreams aren’t ordinary, they are fantastic! In fact, Wolf’s wonderful life is just one of many, and together with Polly, his closest companion, he visits and interacts with previous versions of himself, including Junsaku, a samurai who lived during the Edo era. Wolf’s other friends accompany him on a lot of his adventures, helping him navigate through many of life’s difficulties and challenges, such as growing up in an abusive home.
What to expect?
She Named Me Wolf is truly remarkable. The author guides you through the complex life of Wolf, the protagonist, and his relationships with his companions as well as his previous incarnations.
Wolf’s major challenge is his abusive father. The ill treatment he experiences in his home is fully described at various points in the story. Readers should be prepared. I was not ready for the strong emotions that arose within me. I occasionally clenched my fists, thinking of how I would react if I were in Wolf’s shoes or if I were present to defend him from his father. Oh, if only I could crawl into the book!
Expect a beautiful read. The writer builds anticipation in readers as they accompany Wolf on each of his adventures; riding into Indian territory, defending a helpless yabby from a predatory eagle, following a group of ants on a reconnaissance mission.
Expect to be engaged with Wolf’s many friends. I quite enjoyed trying to figure out the many riddles of Koji and Master Kelly.
Who can read?
The book is suited for adults. However, because of the clear description of abuse, some may find parts of it disturbing.
Excerpts
The book if full of gems. Here are a few that I loved.
Master Kelly confronts Wolf after his student lies to him.
“Wolf, you made a choice today to not pull a weed, and then you made another choice to lie to me. What do you think about the choices you’ve made?”
“They were dumb,” Wolf sighed, still looking down.
“Why?”
“Because I feel horrible, so that makes me know they were bad decisions. I should have picked the weed like I promised you, and never lied when I didn’t”
“Your feelings are your gauge. If you don’t feel good when you’ve made a choice, then you’ve made a poor choice. So, what are your choices now?”
After disobeying one of his father’s many instructions, Wolf takes a trip with his father.
READERS BE ADVISED THAT THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT IS OF A SENSITIVE NATURE
As his dad stared out the front window, he said, “Get out, go stand with your back to that tree, and don’t move.”
Wolf exited the car, stepping onto the dry, crackly leaves that carpeted the ground. His mouth was dry as he walked towards the tree. He looked around, searching for Polly, but he couldn’t see or smell her. When he arrived at the tree, he turned and backed his body up against the trunk until his shoulder blades touched the bark.
When Wolf had his back to the tree, his dad got out of the car and opened the boot, and Wolf could hear him moving things around as he whistled. Suddenly, Wolf realised what his father had put in the boot earlier. Wolf knew that the long, narrow item wrapped in the blanket was one of his dad’s rifles. He swallowed hard as his eyes filled with tears and his body trembled, and his full bladder pressed on his abdomen as he waited for his father to take aim and shoot him dead.”
The Characters
The characters of She Named Me Wolf are rich with flavour. You cannot help but fall in love with Wolf, the main protagonist. You can sense his struggle. He yearns to be accepted by his father and cannot understand why he is being ill-treated. It’s also beautiful to read how he relates with his companions. They provide the support and guidance that he doesn’t receive from his family. Wolf learns valuable lessons in his journey and grows in confidence.
Apart from Wolf, the book is full of three-dimensional characters. There’s Polly, the ghost, whose appearance changes relative to how she is feeling. There’s Lizzie, Wolf’s mother, who absolutely loves him yet feels powerless to protect him from his father’s abuse. And let’s not forget Wolf’s imaginary friends and acquaintances. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between Wolf and Walter the eagle, as well as that between Wolf and Wellington the Wombat.
The only character I felt was not explored fully is Wolf’s older brother Orville. Other than the occasional dialogue, his love for a variety of sports and the special treatment he receives from his father, there’s not much else there. He was clearly his father’s favourite. I would have loved to read and understand his relationship with the rest of the family, especially with Lizzie with his mother.
What Could Have Been Better
There were a few parts of the story where I felt like I had no idea what was going on. As Wolf constantly engaged with actual people, ghosts and imaginary friends, it was difficult sometimes telling one from the other.
What I loved
I have already hinted at various aspects of the novel I enjoyed. I loved the characters and their complex personalities. With such an imagination, I think the author would be also successful in writing children’s books. It will be easy for children to enjoy the personalities of Wolf’s childhood friends.
The Cover! Beautiful! I was immediately drawn to the book’s appearance. I love the colour mix and the use of negative space and silhouette in the image of wolf and his friends.
The story is very captivating, and the ending is perfect, setting the tone for the next book in the series. It is important a story ends well, and this book does not disappoint. The book is also cinematic. If it were ever adapted into film, I would definitely give it a watch.
Final Comments
She Named Me Wolf is a captivating novel, touching on the issue of physical and emotional abuse, and a boy’s journey to overcoming his fears. Wolf’s circumstance is one that a considerable number of people will relate to. I highly recommend it.
Tenkara Smart, after a quick search. She Named Me Wolf is Tenkara Smart’s debut novel. It is also the first in The Many Lives of Wolf series. Book Summary
Indulge me as I attempt to write my own synopsis for the book 😊
Wolf is a beautiful boy with a beautiful soul. Like kids his age, he dreams. But his dreams aren’t ordinary, they are fantastic! In fact, Wolf’s wonderful life is just one of many, and together with Polly, his closest companion, he visits and interacts with previous versions of himself, including Junsaku, a samurai who lived during the Edo era. Wolf’s other friends accompany him on a lot of his adventures, helping him navigate through many of life’s difficulties and challenges, such as growing up in an abusive home.
What to expect?
She Named Me Wolf is truly remarkable. The author guides you through the complex life of Wolf, the protagonist, and his relationships with his companions as well as his previous incarnations.
Wolf’s major challenge is his abusive father. The ill treatment he experiences in his home is fully described at various points in the story. Readers should be prepared. I was not ready for the strong emotions that arose within me. I occasionally clenched my fists, thinking of how I would react if I were in Wolf’s shoes or if I were present to defend him from his father. Oh, if only I could crawl into the book!
Expect a beautiful read. The writer builds anticipation in readers as they accompany Wolf on each of his adventures; riding into Indian territory, defending a helpless yabby from a predatory eagle, following a group of ants on a reconnaissance mission.
Expect to be engaged with Wolf’s many friends. I quite enjoyed trying to figure out the many riddles of Koji and Master Kelly.
Who can read?
The book is suited for adults. However, because of the clear description of abuse, some may find parts of it disturbing.
Excerpts
The book if full of gems. Here are a few that I loved.
Master Kelly confronts Wolf after his student lies to him.
“Wolf, you made a choice today to not pull a weed, and then you made another choice to lie to me. What do you think about the choices you’ve made?”
“They were dumb,” Wolf sighed, still looking down.
“Why?”
“Because I feel horrible, so that makes me know they were bad decisions. I should have picked the weed like I promised you, and never lied when I didn’t”
“Your feelings are your gauge. If you don’t feel good when you’ve made a choice, then you’ve made a poor choice. So, what are your choices now?”
After disobeying one of his father’s many instructions, Wolf takes a trip with his father.
READERS BE ADVISED THAT THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT IS OF A SENSITIVE NATURE
As his dad stared out the front window, he said, “Get out, go stand with your back to that tree, and don’t move.”
Wolf exited the car, stepping onto the dry, crackly leaves that carpeted the ground. His mouth was dry as he walked towards the tree. He looked around, searching for Polly, but he couldn’t see or smell her. When he arrived at the tree, he turned and backed his body up against the trunk until his shoulder blades touched the bark.
When Wolf had his back to the tree, his dad got out of the car and opened the boot, and Wolf could hear him moving things around as he whistled. Suddenly, Wolf realised what his father had put in the boot earlier. Wolf knew that the long, narrow item wrapped in the blanket was one of his dad’s rifles. He swallowed hard as his eyes filled with tears and his body trembled, and his full bladder pressed on his abdomen as he waited for his father to take aim and shoot him dead.”
The Characters
The characters of She Named Me Wolf are rich with flavour. You cannot help but fall in love with Wolf, the main protagonist. You can sense his struggle. He yearns to be accepted by his father and cannot understand why he is being ill-treated. It’s also beautiful to read how he relates with his companions. They provide the support and guidance that he doesn’t receive from his family. Wolf learns valuable lessons in his journey and grows in confidence.
Apart from Wolf, the book is full of three-dimensional characters. There’s Polly, the ghost, whose appearance changes relative to how she is feeling. There’s Lizzie, Wolf’s mother, who absolutely loves him yet feels powerless to protect him from his father’s abuse. And let’s not forget Wolf’s imaginary friends and acquaintances. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between Wolf and Walter the eagle, as well as that between Wolf and Wellington the Wombat.
The only character I felt was not explored fully is Wolf’s older brother Orville. Other than the occasional dialogue, his love for a variety of sports and the special treatment he receives from his father, there’s not much else there. He was clearly his father’s favourite. I would have loved to read and understand his relationship with the rest of the family, especially with Lizzie with his mother.
What Could Have Been Better
There were a few parts of the story where I felt like I had no idea what was going on. As Wolf constantly engaged with actual people, ghosts and imaginary friends, it was difficult sometimes telling one from the other.
What I loved
I have already hinted at various aspects of the novel I enjoyed. I loved the characters and their complex personalities. With such an imagination, I think the author would be also successful in writing children’s books. It will be easy for children to enjoy the personalities of Wolf’s childhood friends.
The Cover! Beautiful! I was immediately drawn to the book’s appearance. I love the colour mix and the use of negative space and silhouette in the image of wolf and his friends.
The story is very captivating, and the ending is perfect, setting the tone for the next book in the series. It is important a story ends well, and this book does not disappoint. The book is also cinematic. If it were ever adapted into film, I would definitely give it a watch.
Final Comments
She Named Me Wolf is a captivating novel, touching on the issue of physical and emotional abuse, and a boy’s journey to overcoming his fears. Wolf’s circumstance is one that a considerable number of people will relate to. I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2021
This is not a children’s book, even though the book follows a character going through the transition between child and teen. The author may have written about the physical abuse in the story in a way that can be seen as gentle but it is still too frightening a story for a young reader. As well as this the swearing and a couple of darker scenes indicate towards the book being aimed at a young adult audience. However, I can see how this book may help a young reader who is experiencing something quite similar. Although I do not swear myself I can admit that swearing is quite frequent in today’s society. I do believe that the author's use of swearing in the book makes the story more realistic as it mirrors what would typically be said in such an abusive household. The book begins with name-calling and swear words are introduced further long and near the end of the storyline. To be honest, the words used were used in context and they do give the storyline authenticity. I could even say that the author watered down a lot of the terms that she used. She Named Me Wolf is a story of friendship and growth. It has unforgettable characters and brings a new light on abusers and victims alike. The main character, Wolf, has a very difficult life at home, and the person - or should I say ghost - that helped Wolf cope and survive was a phantom by the name of Polly. As well as this Wolf has a very strong relationship with his martial arts instructor who is committed to helping Wolf defend himself. As we go further into the story, we also find out that Wolf believes that he was a samurai warrior in a past life, which is how the author explains him excelling at karate at a young age. The author does a wonderful job of writing about his adventures with his imaginary friends and the positive experiences that Wolf experiences even whilst writing about such a tough topic. The book is inspiring, uplifting, and even educational as readers watch Wolf and Polly grow. The book is the first in a series by Tenkara Smart and I would definitely recommend it.
November 24, 2025
I read the second book in the series and really enjoyed learning about the Japanese life of a Samurai. I was hoping this book would satisfy some unanswered questions I had after reading that book. For the most part, it did.
At first, I thought Wolf was the boy that visited Junsaku as a child in the last book, but this was not the case. Though there is an Irish wolf-hiund in this book, Wolf travels with a ghost named Polly, not a dog. Polly and Wolf do visit Junsaku though...and I'm thinking they are the black shadow Junsaku sees more often as an adult.
There is a very touching story about the struggles a boy has in an abusive household and can only escape through his imagination. Later his mom signs him up for martial arts and that provides some escape as well. That whole part of the story was amazing and made this book worth the read.
On the other hand, Wolf talks to animals...and they talk back. I keep telling myself I wasn't really meant to buy into that and I'm just supposed to think it was part of the boy's imagination, but the author has scenes where Wolf brings a koala into the house for lunch and there is an ant that wears actual clothing (thankfully the only animal wearing clothes) and lives for many more years than I think any ant would. For whatever reason, it seemed natural to me that Wolf could speak to spirits, but the conversations with his other friends (all the animals) seemed too far fetched for me.
Read the book. It's worth it. As with the last book, the ending leaves you feeling there is more to come!
At first, I thought Wolf was the boy that visited Junsaku as a child in the last book, but this was not the case. Though there is an Irish wolf-hiund in this book, Wolf travels with a ghost named Polly, not a dog. Polly and Wolf do visit Junsaku though...and I'm thinking they are the black shadow Junsaku sees more often as an adult.
There is a very touching story about the struggles a boy has in an abusive household and can only escape through his imagination. Later his mom signs him up for martial arts and that provides some escape as well. That whole part of the story was amazing and made this book worth the read.
On the other hand, Wolf talks to animals...and they talk back. I keep telling myself I wasn't really meant to buy into that and I'm just supposed to think it was part of the boy's imagination, but the author has scenes where Wolf brings a koala into the house for lunch and there is an ant that wears actual clothing (thankfully the only animal wearing clothes) and lives for many more years than I think any ant would. For whatever reason, it seemed natural to me that Wolf could speak to spirits, but the conversations with his other friends (all the animals) seemed too far fetched for me.
Read the book. It's worth it. As with the last book, the ending leaves you feeling there is more to come!
October 28, 2025
As a fellow author, I approached ‘She Named Me Wolf’ with curiosity about how Tenkara Smart would balance realism and spirituality, and I came away deeply impressed. This isn’t just a story about surviving abuse; it’s a study in how imagination can become both refuge and resistance.
Wolf’s voice feels authentic from the very first page. Smart manages that delicate shift from childhood innocence to emotional awareness without ever losing the rhythm of his perspective. The scenes of violence are painful but measured, handled with restraint and empathy rather than shock value. What lingers is not the cruelty but the resilience, the way Wolf’s friendship with Polly, his ghost companion, and his connection to animals and past lives illuminate the endurance of hope.
From a writer’s standpoint, I admired how the magical realism is interwoven rather than imposed. The transitions between the tangible and the spiritual feel organic, as though both exist on the same plane. That’s not easy to pull off, and it gives the book its quiet power.
There’s a simplicity to the prose that lets the emotion breathe. It reads like a memory being carefully unpacked rather than a performance, which makes it all the more affecting.
‘She Named Me Wolf’ is a brave and tender debut. It’s the kind of story that reminds us why we write in the first place: to turn pain into meaning, and to give voice to those who might otherwise stay silent.
Wolf’s voice feels authentic from the very first page. Smart manages that delicate shift from childhood innocence to emotional awareness without ever losing the rhythm of his perspective. The scenes of violence are painful but measured, handled with restraint and empathy rather than shock value. What lingers is not the cruelty but the resilience, the way Wolf’s friendship with Polly, his ghost companion, and his connection to animals and past lives illuminate the endurance of hope.
From a writer’s standpoint, I admired how the magical realism is interwoven rather than imposed. The transitions between the tangible and the spiritual feel organic, as though both exist on the same plane. That’s not easy to pull off, and it gives the book its quiet power.
There’s a simplicity to the prose that lets the emotion breathe. It reads like a memory being carefully unpacked rather than a performance, which makes it all the more affecting.
‘She Named Me Wolf’ is a brave and tender debut. It’s the kind of story that reminds us why we write in the first place: to turn pain into meaning, and to give voice to those who might otherwise stay silent.
March 4, 2021
Magical, thrilling and captivating!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'She Named Me Wolf' by Tenkara Smart. The story of a young boy, Wolf, and the way he perceives this reality, while tapping into other realms of existence and bonding together the physical and the non-physical, sends the reader on the journey of exploration and wonder.
The author has done a wonderful job, talking about a sensitive subject of child abuse, which isn't always easy to to do. The main character, Wolf, is growing up in a home with an abusive father and a fearful mother. He is navigating through this challenging journey the best way he possibly can. Even though his life at home isn't ideal, he finds joy in everyday life by focusing his energy on things that matter to him. He doesn't really get on with other children, but has a other-worldly best friend, a ‘ghost’ of a young girl, as well as many amazing friends from within the animal kingdom.
I found the book very touching and I love the way the author described every step of Wolf's journey in such a colourful and detailed way, as he is exploring the physical world and the realities beyond our comprehension.
The main character is a true warrior and it’s incredibly inspiring to follow his journey, as he is learning so many powerful lessons along the way and coming to so many personal realisations, while stepping into his power by making courageous choices.
I absolutely loved reading this book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'She Named Me Wolf' by Tenkara Smart. The story of a young boy, Wolf, and the way he perceives this reality, while tapping into other realms of existence and bonding together the physical and the non-physical, sends the reader on the journey of exploration and wonder.
The author has done a wonderful job, talking about a sensitive subject of child abuse, which isn't always easy to to do. The main character, Wolf, is growing up in a home with an abusive father and a fearful mother. He is navigating through this challenging journey the best way he possibly can. Even though his life at home isn't ideal, he finds joy in everyday life by focusing his energy on things that matter to him. He doesn't really get on with other children, but has a other-worldly best friend, a ‘ghost’ of a young girl, as well as many amazing friends from within the animal kingdom.
I found the book very touching and I love the way the author described every step of Wolf's journey in such a colourful and detailed way, as he is exploring the physical world and the realities beyond our comprehension.
The main character is a true warrior and it’s incredibly inspiring to follow his journey, as he is learning so many powerful lessons along the way and coming to so many personal realisations, while stepping into his power by making courageous choices.
I absolutely loved reading this book!!
June 15, 2021
Beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, depressing, and uplifting
This book is like nothing I've read before. It starts as a children's book with lots of supernatural and magical moments. Only that Wolf's life is not a fairy tale. His coping mechanism to abuse from his family brings to life a series of animals. The interactions between Wolf and his imaginary friends are hilarious and heartwarming. The writing style is gorgeous, and at times I has no idea what was going on in the story, but I felt compelled to read just for the beautiful flow and style of the story.
I loved how the author used Japanese culture and martial arts and made them part of the story. We all make choices, and there are no bad ones, just choices - I love this! Don't let the choices of others define you, and you are not responsible for others' choices.
The story gets very dark, and I admit I had to skim over some passages; they were painful to read. However, as much as I hate the father's abuse and the mother's passivity, I had to keep in mind that in the '70s, access to parenting, counseling, and the internet weren't available as today.
I look forward to the next book by Tenkara Smart.
This book is like nothing I've read before. It starts as a children's book with lots of supernatural and magical moments. Only that Wolf's life is not a fairy tale. His coping mechanism to abuse from his family brings to life a series of animals. The interactions between Wolf and his imaginary friends are hilarious and heartwarming. The writing style is gorgeous, and at times I has no idea what was going on in the story, but I felt compelled to read just for the beautiful flow and style of the story.
I loved how the author used Japanese culture and martial arts and made them part of the story. We all make choices, and there are no bad ones, just choices - I love this! Don't let the choices of others define you, and you are not responsible for others' choices.
The story gets very dark, and I admit I had to skim over some passages; they were painful to read. However, as much as I hate the father's abuse and the mother's passivity, I had to keep in mind that in the '70s, access to parenting, counseling, and the internet weren't available as today.
I look forward to the next book by Tenkara Smart.
October 1, 2025
"She Named Me Wolf" is a captivating YA novel that explores the complexities of childhood trauma, friendship, and self-discovery. It’s about Wolf, a solitary little boy dealing with an alcoholic father, and his unique coping mechanisms—an active imagination, a ghostly friend named Polly, and the wisdom from his karate teacher. As Wolf matures and is faced with a life-altering decision, the story brilliantly intertwines his present struggles with the mystical elements of his past life as a samurai warrior. It makes for a compelling blend of reality and the supernatural.
There are themes of resilience, inner strength, and the transformative power of the imagination, culminating in a surprising and uplifting ending that leaves a lasting impression.
The characters are well developed and the writing style is right on the mark. The book is written for young adults, but I think that older readers like me will enjoy it as well.
There are themes of resilience, inner strength, and the transformative power of the imagination, culminating in a surprising and uplifting ending that leaves a lasting impression.
The characters are well developed and the writing style is right on the mark. The book is written for young adults, but I think that older readers like me will enjoy it as well.
October 20, 2025
For a coming of age novel, She Named Me Wolf does not hold back when depicting the brutal reality of parental abuse. Reading about the trauma Wolf endures at such a young age is genuinely sickening at times. But it’s also understandable human. Smart takes strides to show you his dad’s not a monster, just a drunken, broken mess. As Wolf begins learning karate, you find yourself holding your breath waiting for that moment where he finally stands up for himself.
But those heavy themes are also balanced by innocence and wonder. Wolf’s conversations with animals may seem whimsical, but also add a layer of comfort and childlike novelty that keeps the story from getting too dark.
The supernatural elements were beautifully done. Especially the concept of reincarnation and inherited memories from past lives. And even though I’d read His Name is Junsuka before this, the twist still managed to surprise me.
But those heavy themes are also balanced by innocence and wonder. Wolf’s conversations with animals may seem whimsical, but also add a layer of comfort and childlike novelty that keeps the story from getting too dark.
The supernatural elements were beautifully done. Especially the concept of reincarnation and inherited memories from past lives. And even though I’d read His Name is Junsuka before this, the twist still managed to surprise me.
February 16, 2021
Let's start with the book title and cover, I thought both were unique and captivating. I finished this book in about two sitting and couldn't put the book down because I really wanted to know who Polly was, how Wolf would deal with things at home and if Wolf would find a way through his challenging situation. Wolf is such an interesting character and I applaud the author for managing to tackle a difficult topic wonderfully. I enjoyed reading about all the shenanigans Wolf got into and I felt like I could relate to each characters emotions through out because of how well each scene was described. Can't wait for the rest of the series to release. I'm hooked now and am a huge fan.
August 1, 2022
A Great Story
I really enjoyed this tale of Wolf, a young boy abused by his alcoholic father, whose relationships with a ghost, his animal and bug friends, and a martial arts instructor, help him through childhood and early adolescence, until he finds the strength and courage to stand up for himself and his mother, who is also abused. The reader must reconcile Wolf's torture with the magic of Polly and the bugs. A great story.
I really enjoyed this tale of Wolf, a young boy abused by his alcoholic father, whose relationships with a ghost, his animal and bug friends, and a martial arts instructor, help him through childhood and early adolescence, until he finds the strength and courage to stand up for himself and his mother, who is also abused. The reader must reconcile Wolf's torture with the magic of Polly and the bugs. A great story.
July 4, 2025
She Named Me Wolf, by Tenkara Smart is a great read. I enjoyed the paranormal effects that add a delightful element of the supernatural to the story that drew me in. The character advancement of Wolf, both mentally and physically, made him a nice hero. The book ended with a good conclusion, but with a perfect tease to compel further reading about the next adventure on the horizon.
July 28, 2022
Emotional captivating story
Wow this book is nothing like I've read before. The author weaves a beautiful but heartbreaking story at times. It gives you so many emotions, captivating you from the very first chapter. I can't wait to read where wolfs path in life will go.
Read as part of a book club
Wow this book is nothing like I've read before. The author weaves a beautiful but heartbreaking story at times. It gives you so many emotions, captivating you from the very first chapter. I can't wait to read where wolfs path in life will go.
Read as part of a book club
June 17, 2025
This is a story of a boy, Wolf, growing up in an abusive household. While it's primarily a coming-of-age story, it has many elements of a slice-of-life story too, along with a bit of magical realism: Wolf can talk with the insects, animals and birds in his backyard, and his best friend is a ghost.
Elements I liked:
This book is a laudable tale of personal growth, overcoming fear and learning who you're becoming. Wolf's home life was realistically presented, right down to the fear that family members lived with and the excuses and silence around the abuse. The story includes some valuable messages, such as "everyone makes choices." It wonderfully blurs 'reality' with the magical - are Wolf's adventures pure imagination or do they really happen?
Elements I struggled with:
The story jumped around in time, making the flow choppy and too-frequently confusing while trying to follow Wolf's age and events. It didn't help that Wolf pretty much sounded the same, no matter his age. Some flashbacks were intrusive, breaking the story's flow at those points. And the story glossed over some important events in Wolf's life as he grew older. Finally, some characters were mentioned with the reader having no idea who they were - and that wasn't clarified at that point. It was only later that the reader learned their connection or importance to Wolf.
Overall, this imaginative story of growing beyond adversity likely will appeal to readers who relish coming-of-age and slice-of-life stories.
3.5 stars rounded up
(I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.)
Elements I liked:
This book is a laudable tale of personal growth, overcoming fear and learning who you're becoming. Wolf's home life was realistically presented, right down to the fear that family members lived with and the excuses and silence around the abuse. The story includes some valuable messages, such as "everyone makes choices." It wonderfully blurs 'reality' with the magical - are Wolf's adventures pure imagination or do they really happen?
Elements I struggled with:
The story jumped around in time, making the flow choppy and too-frequently confusing while trying to follow Wolf's age and events. It didn't help that Wolf pretty much sounded the same, no matter his age. Some flashbacks were intrusive, breaking the story's flow at those points. And the story glossed over some important events in Wolf's life as he grew older. Finally, some characters were mentioned with the reader having no idea who they were - and that wasn't clarified at that point. It was only later that the reader learned their connection or importance to Wolf.
Overall, this imaginative story of growing beyond adversity likely will appeal to readers who relish coming-of-age and slice-of-life stories.
3.5 stars rounded up
(I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.)
October 12, 2020
"All our emotions come from within, happiness, calm, and love come from the same place as unhappiness, fear and hate and the emotions you feel are dependent on how you react to things." - She named me Wolf
Tenkara Smart slowly pulls you into a world of mystery and inner strength, and it captures the essence of past lives so beautifully. Our main character is introduced as a scared (but loveable) boy, and we witness a formidable growth arc and journey through his friendship with a ghost. It is quite an emotional read as it deals with abuse, but I love how the author has managed to weave it purposefully into the overall story. I was transported from the Australian capital to a dojo in Japan to the African Savanah. The end was the icing on the cake, and I can't wait to pick up the next book as I am genuinely intrigued to know about the many lives of Wolf!
Highly recommend.
Tenkara Smart slowly pulls you into a world of mystery and inner strength, and it captures the essence of past lives so beautifully. Our main character is introduced as a scared (but loveable) boy, and we witness a formidable growth arc and journey through his friendship with a ghost. It is quite an emotional read as it deals with abuse, but I love how the author has managed to weave it purposefully into the overall story. I was transported from the Australian capital to a dojo in Japan to the African Savanah. The end was the icing on the cake, and I can't wait to pick up the next book as I am genuinely intrigued to know about the many lives of Wolf!
Highly recommend.
January 7, 2021
In her novel “She Named Me Wolf,” author Tenkara Smart excels at exploring darker themes such as child abuse and the depression that happens as a result. The story starts when Wolf is a young boy of five years, and ends when he is fifteen. Quiet young Wolf is considered odd, for although he has many friends, he is the only one who can hear them talk. His best friend is the spirit of a young girl named Polly, who stays by his side through his dark childhood. Wolf’s father is a violent drunk, and he often hits Wolf as a child and forces him to spend all night in a box. He is also abusive towards Wolf’s mother, Lizzie, who is often seen with bruises. But Wolf has been training in karate since he was six years old, waiting for the day when he is old enough, brave enough, and strong enough to stand up to his abusive father at last.
I loved this book. It was though provoking, and the end completely stunned me. I felt connected to Wolf and was proud to see him progress over the course of the novel. I hope there will be more to this series.
* i received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *
I loved this book. It was though provoking, and the end completely stunned me. I felt connected to Wolf and was proud to see him progress over the course of the novel. I hope there will be more to this series.
* i received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *
November 21, 2020
This book is well worth a read. In She Named Me Wolf, Tenkara Smart creates a unique fantasy world that draws you in and you actually forget that it is a fantasy world.
Whilst not the cheeriest of settings we follow a young boy named Wolf who is in a constant fear of violence at home. This threat of violence does not over power the story, but serves as the backdrop to some imaginative escapism that Wolf employs to create a life that makes him happy.
I loved Polly. Everyone should have a friend like Wolf’s imagined friend Polly. Polly keeps things light and helps Wolf make sense of, and survive in, his world.
This is more than a book about survival. It’s about one young boy’s journey to make sense of the world around him and it is Wolf’s imaginary world that makes this book a great read.
My only complaint is that the book ended before the story reached a conclusion, but then I remembered this is book one and the story will continue. Bring on book two!
Whilst not the cheeriest of settings we follow a young boy named Wolf who is in a constant fear of violence at home. This threat of violence does not over power the story, but serves as the backdrop to some imaginative escapism that Wolf employs to create a life that makes him happy.
I loved Polly. Everyone should have a friend like Wolf’s imagined friend Polly. Polly keeps things light and helps Wolf make sense of, and survive in, his world.
This is more than a book about survival. It’s about one young boy’s journey to make sense of the world around him and it is Wolf’s imaginary world that makes this book a great read.
My only complaint is that the book ended before the story reached a conclusion, but then I remembered this is book one and the story will continue. Bring on book two!
March 12, 2021
Tenkara Smart hits us with a beautiful look at a boy overcoming hardship with the power of imagination in She Named Me Wolf! After suffering abuse from his father, young Wolf searches for a better life with the help of his imaginary friends. This book is heart wrenching and tragic in parts, but it’s beautiful thanks to the uplifting journey Smart sets Wolf on! It’s a testament to perseverance and the power of the human spirit to endure anything. I loved Wolf’s imagination and was pleasantly reminded of the Life is Strange series. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, come hang with some koalas and ghosts in She Named Me Wolf!
March 22, 2021
"A spiritual coming-of-age story"
Tenkara Smart draws on Aboriginal and Japanese samurai culture to show how the main character, Wolf, deals with the many obstacles of growing up in an abusive family. With the help of talking animals and a ghost best-friend, Wolf realizes he has the strength to seek a better future for himself. Looking forward to this writers next work.
Tenkara Smart draws on Aboriginal and Japanese samurai culture to show how the main character, Wolf, deals with the many obstacles of growing up in an abusive family. With the help of talking animals and a ghost best-friend, Wolf realizes he has the strength to seek a better future for himself. Looking forward to this writers next work.
January 26, 2021
Glorious, thrilling and amazing!
🐼BOOK REVIEW / “She Named Me Wolf”/ Tenkara Smart🦘
___
Genre: YA Novel
Pages: 329
Language: English
Release date: 2020
🦘Reading this book was like having a tea ceremony on the top of Mount Fuji with panda, kangaroo, ants, and young sportsman, who can see invisible things and reveal their secrets to you.
🐎The Plot: The glorious YA novel tells us a story about a boy named Wolf who was unlucky to be born in a family where a father is an alcoholic. His older brother also treats Wolf in a horribly disrespectful way. Simultaneously, Wolf has a sort of magic powers; he can see that nobody sees and talks to animals and ghosts. So, the boy finds an escape in a friendship with ghosts, animals, and karate training that his mother finds for him. Whether Wolf can withstand injustice? Whether his friendship with ‘imaginary friends’ and extraordinary abilities can save his life? Whether he can find his own path despite the challenging chapter of his life? All the answers and more amazing things you can find out while reading this fantastic novel.
🐶The Writing Style: I adored the writing style of this writer from cover to cover. It seems that all the novel is written in a ‘karate training’ style. Some chapters are leisurely paced as if preparing for a brisk move, after which the pace is picking up the speed and takes your breath away with emotional twists.
🐼The Characters: The number of characters isn’t numerous. The writer managed to depict all of them flawlessly in all aspects. One of the things I loved the most is that how accurately their habits were described. One more thing that stole my bookish heart is how brilliantly animals’ perspectives and voices were presented and how they interacted with the main character.
💙My Favorite Quote: There are many quotes in this book that I wrote out for myself. One of them is “…the emotions you feel are dependent on how you react to things…”
🌝Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!
🌟My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🐼BOOK REVIEW / “She Named Me Wolf”/ Tenkara Smart🦘
___
Genre: YA Novel
Pages: 329
Language: English
Release date: 2020
🦘Reading this book was like having a tea ceremony on the top of Mount Fuji with panda, kangaroo, ants, and young sportsman, who can see invisible things and reveal their secrets to you.
🐎The Plot: The glorious YA novel tells us a story about a boy named Wolf who was unlucky to be born in a family where a father is an alcoholic. His older brother also treats Wolf in a horribly disrespectful way. Simultaneously, Wolf has a sort of magic powers; he can see that nobody sees and talks to animals and ghosts. So, the boy finds an escape in a friendship with ghosts, animals, and karate training that his mother finds for him. Whether Wolf can withstand injustice? Whether his friendship with ‘imaginary friends’ and extraordinary abilities can save his life? Whether he can find his own path despite the challenging chapter of his life? All the answers and more amazing things you can find out while reading this fantastic novel.
🐶The Writing Style: I adored the writing style of this writer from cover to cover. It seems that all the novel is written in a ‘karate training’ style. Some chapters are leisurely paced as if preparing for a brisk move, after which the pace is picking up the speed and takes your breath away with emotional twists.
🐼The Characters: The number of characters isn’t numerous. The writer managed to depict all of them flawlessly in all aspects. One of the things I loved the most is that how accurately their habits were described. One more thing that stole my bookish heart is how brilliantly animals’ perspectives and voices were presented and how they interacted with the main character.
💙My Favorite Quote: There are many quotes in this book that I wrote out for myself. One of them is “…the emotions you feel are dependent on how you react to things…”
🌝Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!
🌟My humble rating is: 5.5/5
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