Guts

This was a tough book to pinpoint. Gary Paulsen is not your typical writer though. It seems like he could have written a lot of very interesting nonfiction about his life as an adventurous nature dweller (I won't say nature lover because I don't think it's as much about love as it is addictive dependance for him), but he was more interested in relaying his experience through fiction. There are quite a few moments in this book where I cringe, not because the quality of the writing is any less than exemplary, but rather because of the rawness of what he describes. I'm not prepared to think of deer and moose as violent creatures, though I know I probably should after what I've read here. He has come to know the wilderness and human show more mortality in a way in a way that few others ever will and I think he uses that knowledge in the best way that he knows how, by writing about it. show less

I read this to my 11 year old, because I knew he had read Hatchet. Turns out, the 11 year old does not like survivalist stuff. He finds all that death and struggle depressing. I love all the survivalist knowledge, and admire all the things that Paulson has done over his lifetime. My son feels sorry for Paulson, because he didn't have video games. Oy! I enjoyed all of it, except the chapter on hunting which dragged on a bit.

There is very little debate over whether or not Gary Paulson’s books are classics – the realness and heroism of his recurring main character, Brian, in Hatchet and “the Brian Books” has created undying fans throughout the generations. Many wonder how Paulson’s writing can be so harrowing and yet so true – all they need to do is pick up “Guts: The True Story Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books” and find out. Readers discover that so much of Brian’s struggle is so deeply moving because Paulson actually experienced, first hand, many of the trials and tribulations through which he put his courageous main character. He has made his own bow and arrows from scratch, been attacked by wild and crazy moose, and eaten the eyes out show more of a squirrel from hunger – all the while managing to maintain a witty sense of humor that shines through his words and elicits a smile, even amongst all the guts. This is a great find for both boys and girls looking for non-fiction that carries with it all the wonder and magic of a great fictional story. Highly recommended for ages 9-12. show less

This book contains a series of short chapters about experiences in the author's life that he used when he wrote Hatchet. His tales of childhood exploring the woods of northern Minnesota were fascinating. Recommended, especially for those like myself who appreciate his body of works.

The true stories behind events he used in his story Hatchet with the main character Brian. Gary has a great sense of humor and I really liked it when he kicked the bear in the backside.

Move over Bear Grylls. Gary Paulsen, author of the Hatchet Books has soften been asked about his characters. A lot of his characters and their circumstances are based on actual events that have happened to him in real life. When I read about how he had sucked the eyes out of fish or eaten the guts of a squirrel. Maybe this is why my boys find this a really great book. He is a true survivalist and the reader of this book has a lot to learn from him. I enjoyed this book immensely. I realized he did not sugar coat anything. He talked about several instances where he observed people killed. The saddest was the story of the little boy feeding a wild deer and he and his mom didn't understand the signs and the deer kicked the boy killing him show more instantly. It is no wonder that his books are so realistic. They are based on events that actually happened to him. show less