Outside: A Novel

by Sean McCammon

Tense and emotionally gripping, Outside is the story of a teacher's escape to Japan from classroom, country, and self in the wake of a small-town Ontario tragedy.

David Woods arrives in Japan with a suitcase full of pharmaceuticals and nightmares that leave him drenched in sweat. A tragic incident has led him to leave his family, his teaching job and his girlfriend, Joanna. With his once-charmed life in shambles, David seeks anonymity in a Kyoto guest house, but instead finds friendship with an eclectic group of world travelers.

As a teacher, David fought to take his students into the woods, convinced that they would learn more on the trails than within the confines of the classroom. In Japan, he turns to nature again, hiking the mountains of Kyoto, visiting Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, trying to make sense of an incident born of randomness.

Outside is an ode to the responsibility of the teacher, the healing power of friendship, and the search for meaning in a haphazard world.

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2021

Reviews

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I edited the book, but even if I hadn't, I would still think it was great!

[Rosemarie Châles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside, A Novel by Sean McCammon is a true and refreshing delight. If you're looking for a captivating, solidly written read, I highly recommend this powerful book. I can personally assure you that you will love every word of this masterly crafted story simultaneously set in Ontario and Japan. Every single character is described in a way that makes you think you know or at least, have met them, and if you are wondering about Japan, its culture and its spirituality, you'll wonder no more and most probably will want to visit this magical country and learn about its delightful customs. Outside is a novel about events that can happen to each and everyone of us and about how to cleanse your mind and body from tragedy. A brilliant book and an absolute must-read, this is the debut novel of author Sean McCammon, a phenomenal storyteller who leaves you hungry for his next chef-d'œuvre. An indisputable and well-deserved five-stars! 

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

David is an elementary school teacher who travels to Japan to escape the pain and guilt of a tragedy that has occurred with one of his students. The novel moves smoothly back and forth from the present time in Japan to his life as a young, enthusiastic teacher and the events leading to the tragedy. The tension builds as the reader follows those past events knowing that things are going to go very wrong. Meanwhile, in Japan, David hikes to the temples and forests of Japan and begins to reluctantly form friendships. Through the restorative powers of nature, spirituality and friendship, David becomes able to return to Canada to face the events of the past and to rebuild his life. The author has shown great skill in avoiding making the story bleak and depressing, by always conveying an underlying sense of hope and optimism.

[Suzanne Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Outside is an ode to the responsibility of the teacher, the healing power of friendship, and the search for meaning in a haphazard world."

From the shrines and haunts of Kyoto to the woods and community of a small town in eastern Ontario, the settings are lovingly described, both familiar and magical in turn. As we encounter children and parents, friends and mentors, we are drawn in as the threads of past and present are woven together.

While this is a debut novel, I am certain it is just the beginning of a series of successes for Sean McCammon. I am already looking forward to his next offering.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Woven into a great story were numerous examples of the issues outdoor educators face in taking students outside today.

Teachers (and everyone else) need to talk less and let kids learn more through experiences and personal challenges. Outside is the best place to do this.

Climbing logs and wading through streams and mud teach us how to navigate life's obstacles, to celebrate our achievements and to learn how to fall.

In a quote from his book Mr McCammon reminds us;
"Most of the world is outside".

[Shadoh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. 100% enjoyed

[VanessaMarie83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing look at the risks v. rewards of experiential learning. Very philosophical.

[Ann Kadey]

I really enjoyed this book, even though I don't usually like stories that go back and forth.
It was a good story and I enjoyed the details about living in Japan. It is well written.