Grandfathers' Cave

Great weaving of fiction and non-fiction. As one who has been a buckskinner reinactor for years, many of the skills that the "boy" learns are authentic (even under the unusual circumstances involving the wolves).

Not only a great and memorable story, but I also learned some things about primitive skills. It's like "The Hatchet" on steroids!

Kirby Records has been a student of primitive skills for many years. In “Grandfather’s Cave”, Kirby weaves together his experiences into a very well written story. I particularly like the way he addresses one scene from 2-3 viewpoints helping the reader to be more informed about the process of reasoning involved in developing skills needed to survive in the wilderness.The story of how “Boy” obtains knowledge and further develops his skills, brings him into manhood through often dangerous experiences, which kept me intrigued throughout the story. Descriptions were well developed and made it possible to feel the journey. It is a good 'trail guide' for a youth wrapped into a great story. As well as learning to make tools for survival "Boy" learns many life lessons of respect, trust, and importance of family along his journey as he gains strength and wisdom.Very well written and a story for young adventurous souls…including adults.

A good story well told -- yes, in the same vein as Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, and My Side of the Mountain, but with the welcome addition of good teachers, who make the hero's journey into manhood credible and perhaps more authentic. There is no such thing as a solo adventure, as anyone who reaches the age of speech has already learned enough to learn more. But we all need teachers, and the boy in this story learns from wolves as well as humans. And by the end of the story, he's clearly ready to make the next leap. I hope Kirby's working on the sequel.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, the first novel written by an in-law I've yet to meet. There's a good storyline injected with lots of knowledge about surviving in the wilderness of the wild west. I couldn't put it down.