Review of Racing the Wild

[tarafarah7]

Today's BOTD is a coming-of-age novel that follows Chris, a teen strugglng with an abusive home life working under his demanding father, a renowned racehorse trainer, while finding comfort in art and new friendships. When both him and his horse are threatened, he sets out on a journey of self-discovery through the Australian bush seeking freedom and healing. This sounds like an emotional, yet meaningful, story. I've downloaded my copy. Thank youi!

[SophiaNd]

"Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship" by Rosanna Andrea Feeken powerfully portrays the resilience of young Chris as he navigates the challenges of a new school and the oppressive environment of his home under an abusive father and bullying brothers in the Australian bushland. The review highlights the novel's focus on personal freedom and friendship, suggesting a moving story of a teenager's struggle against adversity.

[EVALINE MAGWAMU 1]

I have really enjoyed going through this review.Good work done author Rosanna Andrea Feeken.This young adult story is so thrilling.My applause goes specifically to young Chris who portrays a strong character of resilience and determination.Despite the fact that he goes through a harsh childhood through the hands of his cruel father and two bullying twin brothers,he finds solace in what he loves doing;sketching.His emotions are expressed in the art as he focuses on the next move.Another trait that makes him outstanding is his value for friendship.Realising that the young horse he had been training had disappeared and could be in danger he decides to search for it in the dangerous Australian bushland.Important lessons for us to have hope and be optimistic always.The book really deserved to be the BOTD.

[Macel A]

Abusive household really affects the mind of both children and young adults and is truly like to read and learn how Chris navigated through his journey and his bond with his horse that he would do anything to protect. Thanks for the great review.

[Chris Agbara]

"Racing the Wild" by Rosanna Andrea Feeken is a captivating and emotionally charged young adult novel that explores themes of freedom, friendship, and resilience, set against the vivid backdrop of the Australian bushland. With its rich character development, immersive world-building, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for those seeking a poignant and uplifting journey.

[Wamboi Susan]

A compelling read and insightful review that celebrates the transformative bond between humans and animals.The review has captured author's work of vivid story telling combined with emotional depth and thrilling experiences.

[Khushi Dawar]

Book Review: Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship

Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship is an adventurous and heartwarming tale that captures the thrill of the wild and the deep bonds forged through challenge and survival. The story follows a group of young adventurers who are thrown into the heart of untamed nature, where they must navigate physical obstacles, unpredictable weather, and emotional turmoil. At the core of the book lies a beautiful exploration of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery.

The author does a remarkable job of balancing fast-paced action with moments of reflection and connection between characters. The descriptions of the natural landscapes are vivid and immersive, painting scenes that feel both beautiful and dangerous. Readers will find themselves holding their breath during tense moments and smiling during scenes of camaraderie and shared triumph.

What makes this book stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just about racing through the wild; it’s about what the journey teaches each character about trust, courage, and the importance of leaning on others.

Perfect for middle-grade readers and fans of outdoor adventure, Racing the Wild is an inspiring read that will stay with you long after the last page.



1. Sage (The Protagonist):
Sage starts off as a determined but somewhat impulsive character, driven by a need to prove herself. She struggles with self-doubt and often acts before thinking, especially when under pressure. As the journey unfolds, she learns to trust not just her instincts, but also the strengths of her team. By the end, Sage grows into a thoughtful leader—resilient, empathetic, and grounded.

2. Leo (The Loyal Friend):
Leo is the quiet backbone of the group—always dependable, but often overshadowed. Early on, he tends to follow rather than lead, hiding his own ideas. Through the challenges they face, Leo begins to speak up, take initiative, and believe in his own worth. His arc is a subtle but powerful shift from support role to active contributor.

3. Jaya (The Wild Card):
Jaya is bold, fiercely independent, and a bit reckless. Her go-it-alone mentality creates tension in the group, especially when things get tough. However, the wild forces her to confront the limits of isolation. By the end, Jaya learns that vulnerability isn't weakness—and that real strength comes from connection.

4. Mateo (The Brain):
Mateo starts as the over-planner, relying heavily on logic and facts, often getting frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. Nature forces him out of his comfort zone and teaches him adaptability. His growth lies in embracing uncertainty and learning to balance head with heart.

Each character’s arc mirrors the theme of the wild itself—unpredictable, demanding, but ultimately transformative. That’s part of what makes the book so impactful.

[Soma Ezenwanne]

Racing the Wild by Rosanna Andrea is a fascinating book and I love that the book highlights the resilience and determination of Chris.

[Victory Ositaorah]

Racing the Wild by Rosanna Andrea sounds interesting. I want to read it and learn about Chris' journey, friendship, and how he stays strong with challenges.

[Seamstress]

Definitely not my cup of tea, because the stories about any type of abuse in a family turn my stomach. Even sibling rivalry is a foreign concept to me, so bullying is altogether out of the question. Country life is not my thing anyway, so I prefer to skip, but congrats with BOTD!

[Alissa Deann Devargas]

'Set against the backdrop of the Australian bushland, this story delves into themes of personal freedom, friendship, and the struggle against adversity.'
I'd like to read the book because of the Australian setting.

[Gayatri Tripathi]

Thank you for such a thorough and heartfelt review. I was especially moved by your mention of Chris's sketching as a form of emotional escape—it's powerful how something so simple can serve as a lifeline in such a harsh environment. The contrast between the oppressive atmosphere at home and the freedom Chris finds in the Australian bushland sounds incredibly well done. I’m also intrigued by how the landscape is described as almost a character in itself, mirroring Chris’s internal struggles. It’s inspiring to hear that despite the abuse and challenges, the story ultimately emphasizes hope, resilience, and the value of friendship. This review has definitely encouraged me to pick up the book!

[Love Ukaegbu]

"Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship" by Rosanna Andrea Feeken got me rooting for Chris as he navigates family, friends and personal development. There is a lot to learn from this. Congratulations on the book of the day.

[Creole]

"Racing the Wild" by Rosanna Andrea Feeken is a young adult novel that tells the poignant story of a teenager, Chris, whom his father and twin brothers abuse. As he tries to navigate life, he is tested through friendships, family and self-discovery. I am eager to see how he fares. I'm grateful for your engaging review.

[Isaac Ozo-okafor]

The very inspiring life of Chris makes this book an irresistible read for me, despite all that he experiences every other day, you'd still find in him bravery and the resolve to fight for what he believes in. I'm sure I'm going to love what becomes of Chris.