'Thirteen year old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but the clothes he is wearing and the hatchet (a small axe) his mother gave him as a present, and the secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent's recent divorce. But now, Brian has no time for anger, self-pity or despair - it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive.'
I have just finished reading 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulson, recommended by my sister Melinda as she is reading it to her 10 year old son Cameron. Apparently this is a book that many year 7 and 8's are also reading.
Well, I may not be 10 any more, or in high school, but I loved this book. Impossible to put down and I can't wait to read the follow up books (there are 5 books in total).
It reminded me of the film 'Castaway' with Tom Hanks - written in a very lonely perspective. In a very short time, Brian learns to read nature and see the beauty in it, no matter how hard it can be. He conquers his fears and relies on his own ingenuity. An ultimate tale of survival and nature.
A fantastic read that inspired me to rethink the way I live.
The other books in that "series" are not as good as the original. Maybe because he never planned to write more...
ReplyDeleteOh yay another Bookalicious....
ReplyDeleteCameron & I have just finished reading "The Return" which was quite good as well - yes not as good as the first "Hatchet" but still gets you in... Just great books though, especially for boys who find it hard to find something enjoyable to read. It has sparked Camerons' love of reading which I can thank his fantastic Grade 4 teacher for introducing them to him. She reads chapters out loud in class and the whole class is spellbound...:)
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