249 reviews for:

The River

Gary Paulsen

3.5 AVERAGE

alids's review against another edition

4.0

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This is hard for me to review this book. I remember REALLY enjoying Hatchet and Brian's Winter. It was only recently that I discovered there were more books in the series. So here I am, YEARS later, trying to finish the series.

I definitely don't enjoy this as much as an adult, but I'm going to try and review this based on how I would have felt reading this at 10 years old.

I think 10 year old me would have been thrilled at seeing how Brian tries to survive voluntarily in the wild with Derek. Brian is a very logical boy and definitely wiser than his years. The things he can figure out at his age...I don't think I could figure out even now.

I actually really appreciate the effect of this trip on Brian's mental health. There were obviously feelings that weren't dealt with on his return in book 1, and I like that the author explored that. It was also interesting how the author said hmmm how I can stress out Brian who has already survived in the wild...and then did!

I'm giving this a 4 star, because younger me would have really enjoyed this. 4 stars because WHY Brian thought it would be a good idea to go through this again...pfft. I get that he wants to help them teach survival skills but, like...buddy no.

thekristi421's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

gatorelgato's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

huhuuuu's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous fast-paced

shinedown's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

locke_reads's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous hopeful informative medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

miggyfool's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kirobunny's review against another edition

3.0

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I recall reading this book after the first for class.. i am sure of it *ponders

Going through trying to remember books. You discover that there was more then these two

mikki_9's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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

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 It felt a bit "sequel-y" in some of the first half, but all is forgiven! The ending was great :) 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Abandonment

Minor: Death, Violence, Excrement

mattstebbins's review against another edition

2.0

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Compared to [b:Hatchet|50|Hatchet|Gary Paulsen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1385297074s/50.jpg|1158125], The River held up to my childhood memories a little better, but still felt dated.

[2 stars entirely for childhood memories.]