Hatchet – Fortress Fiction 11 |SOE 059

Join MJ as he talks about Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (1987) – After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the Canadian wilderness, learning to survive with only a hatchet.

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION

How To Read

The book can be borrowed FREE from CloudLibrary, your local library or purchased from the publisher’s site and many online retailers including in audiobook format as well from KOBO, audible.

Other Works by the Author

Gary Paulsen is a PROLIFIC author. See the full bibliography below this short list.

Brian’s Saga

Hatchet (1987)
The River (Hatchet: The Return) (1991)
Brian’s Winter (Hatchet: Winter) (1996)
Brian’s Return (Hatchet: The Call) (1999)
Brian’s Hunt (2003)

Mr. Tucket Saga

Mr. Tucket (1969)
Call Me Francis Tucket (1995)
Tucket’s Ride (1997)
Tucket’s Gold (1999)
Tucket’s Home (2000)

Murphy series

Murphy (1987)
Murphy’s Gold (1988)
Murphy’s Herd (1989)
Murphy’s War (1990)

Co-authored by Brian Burks

Murphy’s Stand (1993)
Murphy’s Ambush (1995)
Murphy’s Trail (1996)

Alida’s series

The Cookcamp (1991)
Alida’s Song (1999)
The Quilt (2004)

SOURCE – FULL BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blog Version

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen: A Survival Tale of Resilience and Self-Discovery

Welcome to Fortress Fiction, episode 11! I’m MJ, and today we’re diving into Gary Paulsen’s 1987 classic, “Hatchet.”

Synopsis and Initial Thoughts

“Hatchet” follows 13-year-old Brian’s 54-day survival journey in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, armed with only a hatchet. This straightforward premise delivers a compelling narrative about resilience, self-reliance, and the human spirit.

Does “Hatchet” Belong in Fortress Fiction?

Absolutely. While it may not have complex themes or fantastical elements, “Hatchet” offers valuable lessons about survival, resilience, and perspective that make it a worthy addition to our collection.

Key Aspects of the Book

Survival Skills: Brian’s journey from city boy to wilderness survivor is both educational and inspiring.
Personal Growth: The protagonist’s emotional journey, dealing with his parents’ divorce and his own maturation, adds depth to the survival narrative.
Perspective Shift: Brian’s experience changes his view on life, wealth, and what truly matters.
Resilience: The book showcases the human capacity to adapt and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Themes and Reflections

The book prompts reflection on our modern lifestyle and what we might be missing in our comfortable, secure environments.
Brian’s changing perspective on his parents’ divorce illustrates how extreme circumstances can alter our priorities.
The narrative suggests that while we can’t control everything in life, we can control our reactions and efforts.

Gary Paulsen’s Other Works

Paulsen has written numerous other books, including the rest of the Brian Saga and series like the Mr. Tucket Saga and the Murphy series. His extensive bibliography offers plenty more for readers who enjoy “Hatchet.”

Final Thoughts

“Hatchet” may not be a complex moral tale, but its focus on survival fundamentals and personal growth makes it a valuable addition to Fortress Fiction. It’s a quick read that offers important insights about resilience, self-reliance, and perspective.

Until next time, keep reading and stay curious about what the next Fortress Fiction selection might be!

This has been MJ for Story Over Everything. Take care, and keep those pages turning!

Hatchet – Fortress Fiction 11 |SOE 059