Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - Hatchet

“Patience, he thought. So much of this was patience - waiting, and thinking and doing things right. So much of all this, so much of all living was patience and thinking.”

Brian is a normal thirteen year old boy, on his way to visit his father after his parent's split - when the worst happens. The pilot of the small bush plane he's on has a heart attack and dies in the middle of the flight, leaving Brian to survive crashing in the Canadian wilderness, by himself save for a hatchet strapped to his waist.

I did not remember how freaking intense this book was. I think I read it fairly young, potentially in middle school because it was popular and I read just about everything I could get my hands on, but it doesn't quite register as a child just how WILD this plot is. As an adult, I marveled at the way Paulsen strung this story together, keeping it realistic to what a mostly city-dwelling kid could do to keep himself alive. This book covers so much in barely 200 pages, but what I enjoyed most is that Paulsen didn't shy away from the mental health effects of being stranded in this situation.

My only gripe is the beginning is particularly slow, but it does a decent job of establishing Brian before the crash, compared to who he is at the end of the book. Overall, this was a good read and I'm glad I tapped through it for some research for a project I'm considering writing!

Content warnings: Death (witnessed), Animal death (multiple), Injury/Injury detail (not too heavy on gore), Vomit, Blood, Suicide attempt, Infidelity (mentions in regards to his parents), Suicidal thoughts, Self harm (blood mention)

Content Warnings

thecavewoman's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I found this book for really cheap in a thrift store and it was like something in the back of my brain remembered this book. I couldn't remember much about the book the only thing I did remember was how good it was. I bought it on a whim and don't regret it because I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It is a bit dark and challenging for its age group but I think it's important and while the writing may be a bit childish (no kidding hah) I still found it very gripping and enthralling to read!

Content Warnings