The Woods Are Always Watching

 

Bibliography
Perkins, Stephanie, 2021. THE WOODS ARE ALWAYS WATCHING. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN 9780525426028

Plot Summary
Best friends Neena and Josie have just graduated high school and are about to go their separate ways for college. Neither seem to be handling the situation well. Neena suggests the girls take a hiking trip as one last chance to spend time together before the end of summer. While Josie is reluctant, she agrees to join. Little do the girls know there is horror and uncertainty awaiting them in the outdoors, the only question left is, will the girls and their friendship survive the trip? 

Critical Analysis
Perkins writes about best friends, Neena and Josie, taking one last trip before they both attend colleges miles apart. Josie, who has experienced heartbreak early with the passing of her father and mother overcome with depression, is afraid of change. Neena, whose parents have immigrated to the United States and have worked endlessly, is headstrong and ready to experience the world. Both girls aren't quite ready to face the inevitable, hence the hike into Pisgah National Forest. While neither girls have much experience hiking, they embark on this adventure anyways, just as a young adult would. As they begin their hike, the girls are joking around, taking pictures, and enjoying themselves. As they continue on the trail, they become extremely frustrated and impatient with each other. The long hike, small supply of water, unsatisfying food, and cold weather will put their friendship to the test. By the second day, both girls are ready to go home and are too stubborn to admit it. However, they will both regret this decision as Josie falls into a hole and injures herself. Without working phones, they are unable to get her out or heal her leg, so Neena leaves her behind to hike many miles back to the car and call for help. While they are separated, both girls run into suspicious men and empty campsites. What started off as carefree adventure, turns into a chilling, horrifying night. A completely relatable event, in a setting parents would be afraid to let their teenagers navigate independently. These young adults do their best to remain calm and sharp to survive the night and escape this nightmare.

Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "The scares here are authentic, and the details meticulous, driven by a smart, distinct narrative voice."
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "... Perkins doesn't linger on gratuitous gore, focusing instead on establishing tension and emotion in the rapidly paced dark thriller." 

Connections
- Thriller, suspense fans will get caught up in the chase and be on the edge of their seats to find out how this story ends.
- Young adults who enjoy hiking as a hobby will be able to relate to the uncertainty that awaits one in the outdoors. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Perkins, Stephanie, 2018. THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE. ISBN 9780142424988. 
Stine, R. L., 2022. NIGHT GAMES (FEAR STREET SERIES #40). ISBN 9781665921022.

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