Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Adventure
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 8695
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781442403321
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2009-08-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Hatchet celebrates its thirtieth anniversary with a special edition featuring a new introduction and commentary by author Gary Paulsen, along with pen-and-ink illustrations by Drew Willis and a water-resistant cover. This edition is perfect for travelers seeking their own adventures. The story follows Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy who finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. With only a hatchet given to him by his mother, Brian must learn essential survival skills to endure the harsh environment. /n/n As Brian faces the challenges of the wilderness, he discovers inner strength and resilience. The novel explores themes of self-reliance, personal growth, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. Hatchet has been recognized as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read, highlighting its enduring appeal and impact on readers.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-12-22
great 4.50

The book is engaging and suspenseful, with a constant sense of uncertainty that keeps the reader addicted. It's easy to grasp and far from boring.

This Reddit reviewer found the book to be incredibly engaging, with a constant sense of suspense that makes it hard to put down. They particularly enjoyed the uncertainty about what would happen next, which they found addictive. The reviewer appreciates how the book is easy to grasp and far from boring, making it a compelling read. They highlight the book's ability to keep the reader hooked throughout the story, making it a great choice for those looking for an adventurous and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    It was easy to grasp, far from boring, and the constant suspense and uncertainty about what would happen next was truly addicting.

    I'd rate it a 4.5 out of 5.

    The book is engaging and suspenseful.

Jane H Green · Jane H Green · 2022-12-05
excellent 4.50

This book is a thrilling coming-of-age adventure that highlights Brian's resourcefulness and survival skills. It's a clean read full of action and suspense.

Jane H Green highly recommends this book, praising its clean and engaging narrative. She highlights how the story is a powerful coming-of-age tale, filled with action, adventure, and a strong sense of resourcefulness. The constant suspense and the protagonist's journey make it a gripping read that keeps the reader hooked. She appreciates the way the book explores themes of survival and self-discovery, making it a compelling adventure story.

Quick quotes

    It is a very clean read.

    It is full of action, adventure, and resourcefulness.

    It is a coming of age for Brian.

Paper Breathers · 2014-01-19
engrossing 4.00

The book is an enlightening and engrossing read about self-discovery, nature, family, and societal values. It reveals the strong survival instincts of the protagonist.

The reviewer from Paper Breathers describes Hatchet as an enlightening and engrossing read, highlighting its exploration of themes such as self-discovery, nature, family, and societal values. They appreciate the book's ability to reveal the strong survival instincts of the protagonist, Brian, and how his journey is both thought-provoking and inspiring. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the will to survive, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Hatchet is an enlightening and engrossing read about self-discovery, nature, family, and societal values.

    It reveals the strong survival instincts of the protagonist.

    The book is a powerful story that delves into the complexities of human nature.

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