Hatchet Reader Response

1. Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Puffin Books, 1987.

Character: Brian Robeson

2. Thirteen year old Brian Robeson is traveling on a small aircraft traveling to Canada when the pilot has a sudden heart attack leaving Brian in control of the plane. Brian brings the air plane to a crashing landing where he miraculously survives while the pilot has perished. Brian is faced with countless problems involving human survival, extreme isolation, and a dangerous environment around him. In addition, on a personal level, Brian’s parents have gotten divorced which is a traumatic experience for a teenager to have to go through. Hatchet does an excellent job showing the world through the mind of a teenager and how they perceive both positive and negative events around them.

3. Dear Brian,

I know that I am an adult, but I was once to a teenager your age. Those are some of the toughest years of your life where you think you will not be able to survive and keep going. But in the end, these years will only make you stronger. Believe me Brian, you will blink your eyes and become my age and realize the exact same thing.

I can’t imagine how traumatic the experience on your plane ride must have been along with the physical and emotional pain that came as a result. I know you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, desperate, and exhausted. My best advice that I can give you Brian is patience and to also channel all of your negative energy into something positive that can help boost your chances of survival while waiting for emergency help. The patience will help you learn and grow into a young man. I now you can get through this Brian, these physical challenges involve the power of your mind within yourself. Basically, everyday you must have positive thoughts.

Also, I know that your parents have gotten a divorce recently. My parents have also gotten divorced Brian. I can tell you that something I wish an adult had told me was that time can make a difference in anything during your life. Sometimes people need time. As the years go by the pain of the separation becomes tolerable and eventually will be non- existent. I know a couple people in my life who have committed suicide. I strongly believe that if they had given themselves more time to deal with their feelings they would be still standing here today. Give yourself time Brian. All in all, good luck with things and good luck in the future.