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We the Wild Things
Peter is lost. The last time he felt found was when his mother was alive. Before bad things started to happen. Before hopping from foster home to foster home. But he has a plan. All he has to do is find Neverland - find his mother - and everything will be alright again. First, he has to get rid of his new foster family.
Ruth is tired. Tired of being left behind, the outcast, the misfit. Tired of the way people look at her out of the corners of their eyes. Tired of feeling like she doesn't belong. When Peter comes along, the stories he tells her seem too good to be true. But she's just desperate enough to listen.
William is scared. Scared of what would happen if his sister knew the truth. Scared he'll lose her, lose everything. Scared that, every time he closes his eyes, he'll see the face he just wants to forget. Then, along comes Peter. Peculiar, hopeful Peter with his promises of wonder and adventure and a magical place called Neverland. Will doesn't believe it, but when it comes to his sister, Ruth, he'll do anything.
Dark and surreal, Peter Pan meets Bridge to Terabithia in this young adult contemporary novel that explores the cavernous depths of family, pain, and learning to navigate a world where not all things are as they seem.
Ruth is tired. Tired of being left behind, the outcast, the misfit. Tired of the way people look at her out of the corners of their eyes. Tired of feeling like she doesn't belong. When Peter comes along, the stories he tells her seem too good to be true. But she's just desperate enough to listen.
William is scared. Scared of what would happen if his sister knew the truth. Scared he'll lose her, lose everything. Scared that, every time he closes his eyes, he'll see the face he just wants to forget. Then, along comes Peter. Peculiar, hopeful Peter with his promises of wonder and adventure and a magical place called Neverland. Will doesn't believe it, but when it comes to his sister, Ruth, he'll do anything.
Dark and surreal, Peter Pan meets Bridge to Terabithia in this young adult contemporary novel that explores the cavernous depths of family, pain, and learning to navigate a world where not all things are as they seem.
327 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2021
4 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Brian McBride
14 books271 followersBorn and raised in the misty mountains of Oregon before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Brian has been writing since he was old enough to hold a pen and has been reading for even longer. A profesionnal multi- tasker, Brian has built a Tiny House on Wheels, started a small business, launched his own publishing house, and serves as pastor at his church. His growing list of interests include but are not limited to: his goofy German Shepherd, Arlo, iced tea, tropical getaways, and angsty teen dramas.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2021
This book, man. I'm not usually into Peter Pan retellings, but this one was amazing. Weaving fantasy with the everyday, not to mention the themes on mental health, recovery, and finding our identity after it's been taken from us by circumstances out of our control -- McBride wraps all these things up with a neat little bow, eloquence, and compassion. I love it.
June 24, 2021
Maybe the universe isn't calculated. Maybe it's big and mysterious and full of things that I could never hope to understand. Perhaps that's how it ought to be. Perhaps in relegating things to atoms and molecules, we lose sight of the heart of the thing itself. Maybe things are just wonderful, and that's all they ever have to be.
I'm a character-driven reader. Give me good characters, and I'll fall happily into your story. Brian McBride has created some great ones here. This is a story about Peter, Will, and Ruth. Three kids who have seen too much, who set off to make more of themselves than what they've been.
But more than that, it's a story about grief and fear and trauma; friendship and family and how the things that we go through make us who we are, but we choose actively that we are more than our worst moments. It's heavy and it's heartbreaking and it's hopeful - ultimately, it's just beautiful.
It held reminiscences of some of my favorite books - Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool, and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - while holding true to the Peter Pan and Bridge to Terabithia influences. It has a middle-grade feel with young adult problems, reading almost like a fairytale for those old enough to start reading them again.
Basically, it was perfect. And made me cry. So... there's that.
Content warnings for child abuse, non-explicit mention of sexual assault, mention of substance abuse
Definitely five stars from me, and it has a good chance of being one of my favorites of the year.
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
I'm a character-driven reader. Give me good characters, and I'll fall happily into your story. Brian McBride has created some great ones here. This is a story about Peter, Will, and Ruth. Three kids who have seen too much, who set off to make more of themselves than what they've been.
But more than that, it's a story about grief and fear and trauma; friendship and family and how the things that we go through make us who we are, but we choose actively that we are more than our worst moments. It's heavy and it's heartbreaking and it's hopeful - ultimately, it's just beautiful.
It held reminiscences of some of my favorite books - Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool, and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - while holding true to the Peter Pan and Bridge to Terabithia influences. It has a middle-grade feel with young adult problems, reading almost like a fairytale for those old enough to start reading them again.
Basically, it was perfect. And made me cry. So... there's that.
Content warnings for child abuse, non-explicit mention of sexual assault, mention of substance abuse
Definitely five stars from me, and it has a good chance of being one of my favorites of the year.
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
April 22, 2021
Can't wait for ya'll to read this one!
August 1, 2021
Such a unique adventure story. If you asked me to describe this book in two words, I'd say "introspective" and "magical." Three friends run away to seek Neverland, each one struggling with their own crippling hurts and past baggage. I was so impressed by the way Brian tackled heavy topics like rape with such tact and empathy. We need more stories like this, that bring hope to such tragic events.
The only thing I didn't like was that in one part of the story, he has the underaged characters drinking alcohol portrayed in an enticing, fun light. While I'm not blind to the fact that many teenagers drink, I don't believe it should be glorified, especially not in a clean novel.
In summary, this was an unexpected book that dealt with hard issues. The ending was utterly beautiful, but there was a lot of darkness to pass through to get there. I'd recommend this novel for older YA and to read with discretion.
The only thing I didn't like was that in one part of the story, he has the underaged characters drinking alcohol portrayed in an enticing, fun light. While I'm not blind to the fact that many teenagers drink, I don't believe it should be glorified, especially not in a clean novel.
In summary, this was an unexpected book that dealt with hard issues. The ending was utterly beautiful, but there was a lot of darkness to pass through to get there. I'd recommend this novel for older YA and to read with discretion.
July 5, 2021
Such a surreal adventure filled with so much heart! The journey these characters go through is so heart-warming, it definitely reminds you of all the good things you may have around you. There's never a dull moment with the three main characters: Peter, Ruth, and Will. The way they work with each other and form such a strong bond is a definite highlight.
But you can't forget the amazing, and often dangerous, events they go through! Action-packed with a nice pace. This will be a book I will reach for over and over again.
Finally, I think this book will leave you saying: "it's all in the journey, not in the destination."
But you can't forget the amazing, and often dangerous, events they go through! Action-packed with a nice pace. This will be a book I will reach for over and over again.
Finally, I think this book will leave you saying: "it's all in the journey, not in the destination."
June 3, 2022
The concept of a Peter Pan retelling was what originally snagged my attention, and since I’ve read and loved two of the author’s other books, I was eager to dive into this one. Brian has quickly become a favourite author of mine in his ability to portray deep emotions in a raw and real way. Though there is a gritty darkness to the story, there is still hope.
Peter, Ruth, and Will’s POVs each have a different unique voice and yet similarities that bring them together. Personality-wise, I related to Will most of all.
There’s a mix of reality and fantasy in this story, much like in Peter Pan or Narnia, and often the lines between the two felt blurred.
But despite the fantasy, there’s quite a level of truth to be learned from the dark side of Neverland. And this is where once again, Brian nails the emotional depths and hits close to home. There is something to be said for childhood and remembering because grown ups forget. And some of the things we forget, we would do well to remember.
My favourite part was the thread about facing our nightmares, but we can’t truly be free until we do so.
There are some stories that you read, enjoy, and then move on. They don’t reside in your mind. However for me, Brian’s books stick around. They make me think, and I don’t forget them in a hurry.
Note: below are some slightly spoiler-y content warnings, so if that’s not your thing, don’t read ahead. 😉
Content: mention of a foster dad making advances on a foster girl but nothing happened; it’s revealed a boy was sexually abused by a foster dad and a fellow foster boy as a means of saving his sister from being abused instead; mention of a boy being beaten by his alcoholic father; underaged drinking
Peter, Ruth, and Will’s POVs each have a different unique voice and yet similarities that bring them together. Personality-wise, I related to Will most of all.
There’s a mix of reality and fantasy in this story, much like in Peter Pan or Narnia, and often the lines between the two felt blurred.
But despite the fantasy, there’s quite a level of truth to be learned from the dark side of Neverland. And this is where once again, Brian nails the emotional depths and hits close to home. There is something to be said for childhood and remembering because grown ups forget. And some of the things we forget, we would do well to remember.
My favourite part was the thread about facing our nightmares, but we can’t truly be free until we do so.
There are some stories that you read, enjoy, and then move on. They don’t reside in your mind. However for me, Brian’s books stick around. They make me think, and I don’t forget them in a hurry.
Note: below are some slightly spoiler-y content warnings, so if that’s not your thing, don’t read ahead. 😉
Content: mention of a foster dad making advances on a foster girl but nothing happened; it’s revealed a boy was sexually abused by a foster dad and a fellow foster boy as a means of saving his sister from being abused instead; mention of a boy being beaten by his alcoholic father; underaged drinking
June 28, 2021
*Thanks to the author for letting me read an early copy! All opinions are my own.*
We the Wild Things is an adventurous, speculative novel full of wonder and magic. It's like stepping through into fairytales, dreams you may have had as a kid, and all your favourite childhood stories - all wrapped into one big nostalgic hug. But it's still very hard hitting, and deals with mature sensitive topics.
It's about facing your fears and healing as much as it is about imagination and belief. It's the kind of story where your heart will be thrilled to the core, broken and put back together again. It's ultimately hopeful and will make you feel like you've been on a journey with the characters.
I loved it. Recommend to fans of surrealist fiction and multiple perspective stories or if you like Peter Pan, Bridge to Terebithia, Where the Wild Things Are and other similar stories.
We the Wild Things is an adventurous, speculative novel full of wonder and magic. It's like stepping through into fairytales, dreams you may have had as a kid, and all your favourite childhood stories - all wrapped into one big nostalgic hug. But it's still very hard hitting, and deals with mature sensitive topics.
It's about facing your fears and healing as much as it is about imagination and belief. It's the kind of story where your heart will be thrilled to the core, broken and put back together again. It's ultimately hopeful and will make you feel like you've been on a journey with the characters.
I loved it. Recommend to fans of surrealist fiction and multiple perspective stories or if you like Peter Pan, Bridge to Terebithia, Where the Wild Things Are and other similar stories.
June 29, 2021
I recently had the opportunity to read an eARC of Brian McBride's We The Wild Things, and oh my word. This was my first time reading one of McBride's novels, and it was absolutely wonderful.
We The Wild Things follows the story of three foster kids: Peter, Ruth, and Will. Peter is determined to reach Neverland and find his mother. Ruth is desperate to be more than the 'astronomy geek' and wants to be accepted. Will is terrified of his secret being discovered and is focused only on playing it safe, for his sake and Ruth's. All of that changes though when Peter comes along and leads them on an adventure to Neverland.
To start with, I want to say that Brian McBride is excellent at crafting realistic characters, ones that hope and hurt and feel as if they could walk off of the page. I fell in love with Peter, Ruth, and Will from the very beginning. Watching them grow throughout We the Wild Things and face their fears was absolutely wonderful. You'll find yourself rooting for them, laughing with them, and crying with them.
In a way, We The Wild Things is very much like growing up. One moment the story is filled with fun and feels like your flying, and the next it is dark and intimidating. Through it all, however, Brian McBride weaves a feeling of wonder and hope. We The Wild Things explores themes of hope, facing fear and overcoming trauma, found family, and having hope that there is light beyond where you might be in this moment in time. We The Wild Things will break your heart and then soothe it like a salve. With that said, We The Wild Things does tackle some heavy topics, but they are handled with grace. I also really appreciate how evident it is in We The Wild Things the heart Brian McBride has for foster kids.
Another thing I loved about We The Wild Things was the way Brian McBride weaved elements and references to childhood stories throughout the novel. It gives the story a wonderful nostalgic feeling. Peter Pan has long been a dear story to me, and so I really enjoyed the elements from it within the novel. Along with that, the surrealism in the story and McBride's writing style give this novel an old fairy-tale feeling. Without a doubt, We The Wild Things has become one of my favorites.
I give this story five stars. Definitely pick up this wonderful novel and meet Peter, Ruth, and Will. You won't regret it.
*I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
We The Wild Things follows the story of three foster kids: Peter, Ruth, and Will. Peter is determined to reach Neverland and find his mother. Ruth is desperate to be more than the 'astronomy geek' and wants to be accepted. Will is terrified of his secret being discovered and is focused only on playing it safe, for his sake and Ruth's. All of that changes though when Peter comes along and leads them on an adventure to Neverland.
To start with, I want to say that Brian McBride is excellent at crafting realistic characters, ones that hope and hurt and feel as if they could walk off of the page. I fell in love with Peter, Ruth, and Will from the very beginning. Watching them grow throughout We the Wild Things and face their fears was absolutely wonderful. You'll find yourself rooting for them, laughing with them, and crying with them.
In a way, We The Wild Things is very much like growing up. One moment the story is filled with fun and feels like your flying, and the next it is dark and intimidating. Through it all, however, Brian McBride weaves a feeling of wonder and hope. We The Wild Things explores themes of hope, facing fear and overcoming trauma, found family, and having hope that there is light beyond where you might be in this moment in time. We The Wild Things will break your heart and then soothe it like a salve. With that said, We The Wild Things does tackle some heavy topics, but they are handled with grace. I also really appreciate how evident it is in We The Wild Things the heart Brian McBride has for foster kids.
Another thing I loved about We The Wild Things was the way Brian McBride weaved elements and references to childhood stories throughout the novel. It gives the story a wonderful nostalgic feeling. Peter Pan has long been a dear story to me, and so I really enjoyed the elements from it within the novel. Along with that, the surrealism in the story and McBride's writing style give this novel an old fairy-tale feeling. Without a doubt, We The Wild Things has become one of my favorites.
I give this story five stars. Definitely pick up this wonderful novel and meet Peter, Ruth, and Will. You won't regret it.
*I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 12, 2021
I have now read three Peter Pan "retellings" in 2021, and this one hit me hard. We follow three stories of foster kids who long for something more. The catch is that the "something more" they long for is simple: to be loved and accepted. This book delves deep into the minds of foster kids in a way that is unexpected and heart breaking. We hear stories of foster kids and the sometimes horrific journeys they take as they bounce from home to home, family to family, never truly finding the one place they can call home. We never truly stop to think about what is really going on in their hearts and minds. This book does just that.
Though whismical on an enormous scale, this story also keeps you grounded to reality. For the kids in this book, finding an escape is as simple as allowing their own imaginations to become that reality. When life is really that bad for them, they find a way to navigate through the world by simply making their own way, and that way brings them back around to finding what they always truly wanted and needed, a family to call their own. All three of them think that finding Neverland is the solution to all their problems, but throughout the journey, they discover that they always truly had what they needed within themselves.
I did find it somewhat difficult at first to navigate the three different POV's, but as i got through chapter after chapter, the voices were so unique that it became much easier to do so. The only complaint I would have is that in many chapters, the characters all repeat the same themes almost every time. Now, while that's not necessarily a bad thing, at one point i had to say, "Ok, I get it! She's said that 3 times now!" BUT, it does serve to bring home the impact of how the characters are feeling in the moment. So if you run into that as well, please do what I did and appreciate the message for what it is worth.
Overall, this is a book I strongly recommend to any and all readers. My kids will be reading this book as well because I think it's important for them to see what they have in their lives and appreciate every day for what it is.
Though whismical on an enormous scale, this story also keeps you grounded to reality. For the kids in this book, finding an escape is as simple as allowing their own imaginations to become that reality. When life is really that bad for them, they find a way to navigate through the world by simply making their own way, and that way brings them back around to finding what they always truly wanted and needed, a family to call their own. All three of them think that finding Neverland is the solution to all their problems, but throughout the journey, they discover that they always truly had what they needed within themselves.
I did find it somewhat difficult at first to navigate the three different POV's, but as i got through chapter after chapter, the voices were so unique that it became much easier to do so. The only complaint I would have is that in many chapters, the characters all repeat the same themes almost every time. Now, while that's not necessarily a bad thing, at one point i had to say, "Ok, I get it! She's said that 3 times now!" BUT, it does serve to bring home the impact of how the characters are feeling in the moment. So if you run into that as well, please do what I did and appreciate the message for what it is worth.
Overall, this is a book I strongly recommend to any and all readers. My kids will be reading this book as well because I think it's important for them to see what they have in their lives and appreciate every day for what it is.
July 4, 2021
Beautiful.
I'm not generally one for fantasy. And that's okay, because this book wasn't really fantasy at all. It was truth; it spoke of incredible, heart-wrenching truth, and above all, hope and belonging.
After reading Every Bright and Broken Thing, I'm not sure I'll ever love a Brian McBride book more than I did that one. But this book was still utterly beautiful.
It took a while for me to accept that this book wasn't completely set in reality, because it's not something I'm used to, not something I was expecting, but the messages and themes were ones that are so very real. It showed the terrible pain that some experience, how facing our fears is all it takes to overcome them, and how love can make all the difference.
I loved the characters' journey, I loved the adventure, I loved that the story moved along quickly. I loved Ruth and Will and Peter all for their own reasons.
Would highly recommend this book.
Content:
Language: None
Sex: Mentions of a man raping a male child (the trauma is graphic, but not the description)
Violence: Fear, danger, feelings of peril, possibly blood mentioned, nothing graphic.
Songs That Remind Me of This Book:
Wander Anymore/ Dunes by Cody Fry
Skipping Stones & Fireflies by Cody Fry
Matter by For King and Country
I'm not generally one for fantasy. And that's okay, because this book wasn't really fantasy at all. It was truth; it spoke of incredible, heart-wrenching truth, and above all, hope and belonging.
After reading Every Bright and Broken Thing, I'm not sure I'll ever love a Brian McBride book more than I did that one. But this book was still utterly beautiful.
It took a while for me to accept that this book wasn't completely set in reality, because it's not something I'm used to, not something I was expecting, but the messages and themes were ones that are so very real. It showed the terrible pain that some experience, how facing our fears is all it takes to overcome them, and how love can make all the difference.
I loved the characters' journey, I loved the adventure, I loved that the story moved along quickly. I loved Ruth and Will and Peter all for their own reasons.
Would highly recommend this book.
Content:
Language: None
Sex: Mentions of a man raping a male child (the trauma is graphic, but not the description)
Violence: Fear, danger, feelings of peril, possibly blood mentioned, nothing graphic.
Songs That Remind Me of This Book:
Wander Anymore/ Dunes by Cody Fry
Skipping Stones & Fireflies by Cody Fry
Matter by For King and Country
June 12, 2021
I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to give a good review.
I recently discovered McBride's other books and am so excited to see another one coming out!
And it lived up to my expectations-- yet was nothing like I expected XD
This was a beautiful, beautiful story full of so much wonder and imagination and pain and hope and love.
I loved the characters- Ruth, Will, and Peter. They were all so wonderfully unique and offered such different perspectives. their struggles and fears were hard. but I enjoyed so much seeing what would happen with them-- I wanted to go through every moment too to find what they were searching for.
I loved the elements of fairytales and nightmares... and the relationships... siblings, found family...
*i could say so much more but i don't want to risk spoilers XD*
I recently discovered McBride's other books and am so excited to see another one coming out!
And it lived up to my expectations-- yet was nothing like I expected XD
This was a beautiful, beautiful story full of so much wonder and imagination and pain and hope and love.
I loved the characters- Ruth, Will, and Peter. They were all so wonderfully unique and offered such different perspectives. their struggles and fears were hard. but I enjoyed so much seeing what would happen with them-- I wanted to go through every moment too to find what they were searching for.
I loved the elements of fairytales and nightmares... and the relationships... siblings, found family...
*i could say so much more but i don't want to risk spoilers XD*
October 23, 2021
This book is amazing. It's first and foremost about broken characters finding healing and learning how to trust and to be a family, all wrapped up in a journey to discover 'Neverland', a place for lost children of all kinds. Will, Peter and Ruth definitely quality as lost children, burdened with dark pasts that they're struggling to heal from. 'We The Wild Things' touches on some difficult subjects, but does it with a lot of grace, and always has that touch of light and hope that keeps them from being overwhelming and oppressive. This book grabbed me from page one and I read it so quickly. It's got such a cosy vibe to it, you really need to sit in your most comfy armchair under the golden glow of a lamp, with a fresh pot of tea, and a while evening stretching ahead of you as you read 'just one more chapter'.
March 18, 2022
We the Wild Things is yet another beautiful book from Brian McBride. This time, he tackles the foster system and three kids who've been through their own hells in it. Each of them comes face to face with their fears as they travel to the magical "Neverland." With themes of found family and enduring love, it's utterly enchanting and heartwarming.
January 6, 2024
This book was good! The story is interesting and different, and Brian is one of my absolute favorite indie authors. I do think that it kind of dragged on a bit, and sometimes was a little “hokey” in terms of the internal dialogue each character had as well as the way they spoke to each other though. It really pulled from the story when their words or thoughts felt like a hastily-written motivational speech. But overall this was an interesting twist on Peter Pan 🗝️✨🐋
September 5, 2021
An enjoyable and unique read. The characters are three-dimensional and I would like to be friends with them in real life. Ruth is my favorite. There were several typos per chapter, though, so it could have used another round of editing. It's hard to define the genre of this one. Magical realism, I think.
February 21, 2026
The vibes are immaculate.
Stumbled upon McBride after backing a kickstarter, and I think I’ve struck gold.
Stumbled upon McBride after backing a kickstarter, and I think I’ve struck gold.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews