Hatchet

By: Gary Paulsen

Narrated by: Peter Coyote

Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Newbery Award-winner Gary Paulsen's best-known book comes to audio in this breathless, heart-gripping drama about a boy pitted against the wilderness with only a hatchet and a will to live.

On his way to visit his recently divorced father in the Canadian mountains, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is the only survivor when the single-engine plane crashes. His body battered, his clothes in shreds, Brian must now stay alive in the boundless Canadian wilderness.

More than a survival story, Hatchet is a tale of tough decisions. When all is stripped down to the barest essentials, Brian discovers some stark and simple truths. Self-pity doesn't work. Despair doesn't work. And if Brian is to survive physically as well as mentally, he must discover courage.

©1992 Gary Paulsen (P)1992 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Brian Robeson, the sole passenger in a single-engine plane, is on his way to visit his father in the Canadian oil fields when his pilot suffers a heart attack. Alone and desperate, Brian guides the plane to a landing on an isolated lake. In a straightforward but compelling narration, Coyote captures Brian's terror, anguish and exultation as he learns to survive alone in the wilderness.... Musical effects underscore an air of suspense, mystery and dread." (AudioFile magazine)

"A dramatic, heart-stopping story." (Publishers Weekly)

wonderful story of survival

a wonderful story of survival that teaches a lot of survival skills. listened with my almost 8 year old and we loved discussing the story and what we would do if in that situation. loved the narration, held our attention and clearly understood. we can't wait to read the next book of the series!

Great for Kids

great for 10 year old boy in the car. keeps him engaged the entire time!

never gets old

I loved this book in school and still do at 35. I wish I could go live in the woods and try this stuff.

Re-Read

I read this book as a young man about that age.

It was such a great read at that age. And still enjoyed listening to it.

Amazing read, not as great on audible.

My 9 year old son read this, and absolutely loved it. Therefore he wanted me to hear it on audible on our recent road trip. While we both loved the story, we were pretty turned off by the weird music. It was really outdated and strange narration. I understand the desire to make it sound authentic, but they missed the mark. Otherwise, excellent story that every kid and parent should read! Inspired my son to want to head to Yellowstone, which we just did for a week.

it was the most amazing book I've ever seen and

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Just as good as it was in Elementary School

25 years later, having first read this in Elementary School, Hatchet is still an amazing book. A short read, excellent to listen to on a road trip, this book still inspires a sense of adventure & freedom I once felt as a boy. Amazing book, absolutely worth the credit.

love it

I've always loved this book, so just listening to it makes me feel very happy

good book for pre teens

great adventure story with easy to follow plot line for kids. Author tends to repeat himself which might be annoying for older readers but reinforces imagery for younger readers.

Great book - Highly recommend

Would you listen to Hatchet again? Why?

It was intense and interesting. Wonderful the way it described survival skills of Brian. Highly enjoyable!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Brian the main character was my favorite because he persevered in the face of difficulty.

What about Peter Coyote’s performance did you like?

Nice voice - nice pace.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me excited for learning more about camping and survival and being prepared for tough situations.