Savi from Gary Rodriguez's 'Escape Through the Wilderness'

We’re thrilled to be talking to Savi Evans from Gary Rodriguez,’ Escape Through the Wilderness. It is a pleasure to have her with us today at Pimp That Character!

Thank you for your interview, Savi. How old are you and what do you do for a living?

I’m sixteen years old and am still in school. Occasionally, I work part-time at a small ice cream shop in the square of my hometown, which is Oxford, Mississippi.

Can you tell us about one of your most distinguishable features?

My friends say I have penetrating hazel green eyes.

What would I love the most about you?

You would quickly discover that I’m a very loyal friend. I choose my friends wisely because the people you hang out with say a lot about you. But once we’re friends I’ll stand up for you and defend you even if others turn against you.

Where do you go when you are angry?

If I’m home, I head for my room. When I’m out, I look for a quiet place to chill alone. Once I’ve cooled down, I figure out what to do next.

What makes you laugh out loud?

I have a couple of friends who make me laugh even when I don’t want to. Even when we’re not together, they’ll send funny stuff on my phone. 

What is in your refrigerator right now?

My mom keeps a pretty health fridge but I do have some Fig Newton cookies, a big pitcher of sweet tea, and a stash of ice cream sandwiches in the freezer.

What is your most treasured possession?

A pearl ring my grandmother gave me before she died.

What is your greatest fear?

Definitely, snakes!

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

I do think I was portrayed fairly and accurately throughout the book.  I believe I am a strong and compassionate person who values friendships and holds deep spiritual convictions.  The book did a good job of showing my inclination toward leadership, my passion for faith, and my feelings about friendships.  The story also revealed why I've been carrying some deep hurt inside of me the last several months.

I'd also like to make sure the readers know that I feel badly about what I did to Jade during the elk stampede.  Especially, after I found out all she'd been through before arriving at Camp Arrowhead. I wish there was a way I could take that moment back.  That was a real low point for me.

What’s your idea of a perfect meal?

My perfect meal would be a summer evening with family and friends on the back patio eating mom‘s shrimp and grits with plenty of biscuits and honey on the side.

About the Author:

My name is Gary Rodriguez, and I live in California. I'm the president of LeaderMetrix Inc., a consulting company that specializes in senior-level executive coaching, organizational development, and conflict resolution.

Previously, I worked for eighteen years in the radio business as an executive where I spent several years as one of the original managers of Infinity Broadcasting.

Following a successful radio career I became the president of a non-profit organization for a season. 

As a young man, I spent a tour of duty in the U.S. Army where I was recognized as the youngest Drill Instructor in the Army's history at age 18 years. I was also awarded the Silver Star (the nation's third highest award for valor) while serving in a combat zone.

Over the past few years, I've written three non-fiction books and then I decided to write a novel.

My first book, Purpose-Centered Public Speaking, was published in 2009 and was re-published this summer (2014). Then I wrote a companion workbook designed to help people implement the principles taught in my first book. Next, I wrote Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking. And this past year, I wrote my first novel, Escape Through The Wilderness.  

For More Information

• Visit Gary Rodriguez’s website.
• Connect with Gary on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Gary at Goodreads.
• Visit Gary’s blog.
• Check out Gary at Authors Den.
• Contact Gary.

About the Book:

Title: Escape Through the Wilderness
Author: Gary Rodriguez
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Pages: 254
Genre: Teens/Children
Format: Paperback/Kindle 

Sixteen-year-old Savannah Evans walks with a slight limp thanks to a gymnastics’ accident that dashed her Olympic dreams, but didn’t stop her from attending an adventure camp in Idaho. At Camp Arrowhead, she quickly befriends Jade Chang and Rico Cruz, but Conner Swift taunts Savi because of her injury.

When the four are teamed together for an overnight white-water river rafting adventure, Savi refuses to get in the same raft with Conner. Unfortunately, the director will not reassign her.

A fun expedition down the river turns into a nightmare when their raft slams into a huge rock and their adult guide disappears down the river.

Without their guide and desperately trying to steer an out-of-control raft, they pass the “last chance” marker and enter the larger rapids. With Jade pinned between the raft and a rock, and Rico clinging to a lifeline, Savi must cut the raft free.

When the four drag themselves out of the river, they’re bruised, beaten, lost, and twenty-five miles from camp. Because of late-night campfire tales of Vexel, a vicious animal that roams the nearby woods, Savi and the others are terrified.

Savi becomes the unlikely leader who tries to guide the group back to Camp Arrowhead. Limited supplies, injuries, and the constant threat of Vexel—who Savi fears is stalking them, complicate the harrowing return trip.

Readers will enjoy dramatic survival scenes and the group working together, solving problems, and learning to overcome adversity.

For More Information

• Escape Through the Wilderness is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Purchase at Book Daily.
• Check out the book at Tate Publishing.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.