Hatchet (Gary Paulsen)

A riveting, can't-put-it-down story of a boy's survival in the Canadian wilderness for two months, after crash-landing a small plane when the pilot dies of a heart attack. Very well written, this could be a modern Robinson Crusoe story with a protagonist young enough for its target age to identify with. Brian shows courage, resolve, and creativity in facing the dangers and challenges of his situation, and the ending is quite satisfying. Unfortunately, a sub-plot of the story is that Brian's mother is having an affair, which has led to his parents' divorce. Before the divorce, Brian witnesses a scene he calls "the Secret," which troubles him repeatedly: his mother kissing another man. This betrayal is not dealt with by forgiveness but rather repression, as Brian decides that crying "doesn't work" to help him survive. He instead focuses entirely on his physical survival, deciding that "food is all" (129). At the story's close his parents remain divorced, his mother continues her... Read more

My three children ages 7 through 12 just loved this audio book. They were thoroughly engaged through the whole story! Excellent use of imagery. The life lessons and morals taught in the story are well needed in todays world.

Received the book quickly and in the condition described. The book is very good, a good book for older children and adults.

All Brian wanted was to go see his father, but things don't always go as planned. Especially, for him. His life goes through a loop when his plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. The pilot is dead and the only thing Brian has is his hatchet. He is in for a loop. While trying to stay positive he makes a pretty good home. But as constant stinging memories remind him about "The Secret," everything begins to go even MORE downhill for Brian. He can't catch a break. It's an emotional roller coaster for him. This book contains some life-threatning events for our main character, and it has an amazing ending. You'll have to find out for yourself. - From a student in Mrs. Reynolds' class (A.W.)

Good book, I and my class not to long ago read this.

Brilliant, every kid should read this book in case they get lost as well,and we'll all know who we'll be thanking for saving our lives!

It wasn't the greatest book I have ever read, but it wasn't bad either. It was a pretty good book. I read it for a book report in grade 5. The book is way better then the movie. I would recommend this book to anyone, give it a try if you haven't read it yet.

I despised this book. I want my time reading it back.

I thought that Hatchet was pretty good, but over rated in terms as everyone saw it. A boy's plane goes down over the Canadian wilderness, and the boy must use his survival skills to survive until he is rescued. It has some pretty good ideas on how to survive.

I despise Gary Paulsen. All of his books are exactly the same in every way. Hatchet is no exception. Very boring. A terrible read.

Sort of unrealistic. Not a great work.

I've never understood what the big deal about this is. I remember wanting to read it when I was young, but I only began it, and I read it again in 6th grade and it was interesting at moments but still not as good as everything I'd heard. Perhaps it's because I never got into survival stories.

My son discovered this book during 5th grade and he could not put it down (that has never happened...lol) I read it after he was done and I was blown away. Don't miss "Brian's Winter" which is a supposition on what could have happened if Brian had not been found...excellent read as well.

The movie was pathetic, but how does one compare a movie to a book? I ran into this in fifth grade and I will never forget it.