Jenny from my small SCBW critique group finished the manuscript and wrote:

Related to your story on many fronts, as I grew up in the same time period, spent a lot of time in colorado and my heavily drinking mother died of cancer, etc…

Entertainment Executive/Producer Donna Roth wrote:

I just finished Wild Life,(space between words) and I had such a great time reading it.  Wow…what a life…you must be the bravest person that I know.  You write with a wonderful combination of poignancy and humor, and I can see that you lived your life in the same way…vulnerable and tough at the same time.   I was very moved by it, and pretty enthralled as well.

My first publishing biz critique came from Ken Salicoff, who for many years has read manuscripts for Scott Rudin, helping to choose properties for the blockbuster producer to turn into films. Here is one of his comments on the book:

“Amy’s descriptions of the natural world rival those of Jon Krakauer’s ‘Into the Wild’ for their spectacular beauty.”

Weighing in next was publishing siren Alexandra Machinist:

“As promised, your story is fascinating, engaging and heart-wrenching. You do an incredible job of delving into this part of your 16-year old psyche without being at all self-indulgent with it in the process.”

Editor Susie Carrington wrote:

“Wild Life is a treasure to read and rich with emotional detail and beautiful descriptions, some of which I have singled out in my notes on your manuscript. The writing is taut, with no wasted words, and shows a keen depth of thinking about life and relationships.

“You have a great beginning to the book. It really draws the reader i to the story ahead. Frankly, I couldn’t put it down once I began. I kept wanting to know what adventures would befall the two female characters at the tepee, and later inthe story what events would lead them back to their summer retreat and what secrets eventually would be revealed.”

Entertainment executive Laurie Hansen states:

“This affecting, redemptive story traces a teen’s search for self amid abusive dependence on alcohol, drugs and food, set largely against an awe-inspiring natural landscape. It has prmising potential as s well as a film, combining the risk-filled, coming of age territory explored in “Thirteen” set against a wild backdrop reminiscent of “Into the Wild”. Amy’s quest to discover who she is and what she stands for, despite a pathetic lack of guidance, takes on the resonance of a Hero’s Journey.”

Sarah Pinder writes:

“I thought the book was a great read, and a fascinating look into adolescent independence in the 70s. It was a great story about two girls, who had bonded over their similar life circumstances and for each I think the tipi represented a way to escape those sad situations. Also, it is a testament to how low a young girl can spiral into her own world, hating herself and those around her. Each person along the way has abandoned her.

“The story of what you guys did that summer is amazing, especially since when I look at the picture, you’re SO young. I love that it’s not a runaway story, but a tale of making a new home and a very poignant one. Everything that happens in the book is believable. Sometimes, even when you read a true story, you can find yourself not believing what is happening. I think you do a nice job of making it all seem real and very touching.”