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)

Whole family was in on it

Where does Hatchet rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For the first time, we found an audible story that riveted my husband, son, myself and even (at times) my 5 year old daughter. As family listening goes, this was the best book we've listened to on a long car trip, and Brian's story was discussed on hikes, at meals and long after the exciting conclusion.

What did you like best about this story?

The gradual development of Brian's grit and character through problem-solving, persistence and patience. The gentle repetition of words and ideas in the text works well in an audible format, both dramatically and because you don't miss any crucial points in the story. The words are repeated several times, but with building intensity.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

After the storm, when Brian realizes nature's indifference to his survival, and realizes he can survive it with what he continues to learn in the wilderness.

One of the Best Family Listens

What made the experience of listening to Hatchet the most enjoyable?

I chose this book based on the reviews primarily for my 12-year-old son, but our entire family loved it. My son in particular loved it so much he e-mailed one of his former teachers to tell her he wished he had listened to her recommendation and read the book years ago when she first suggested it to him. The story is so fast-paced and action-packed from the beginning, that it leaves you breathless from the first paragraph. We listened to the majority of the book in the car, and had several "driveway moments," where we sat transfixed at our destination, desparate for just a few more minutes of listening so we could find out what happened next. This is a great book for the entire family to enjoy together.

Great book - had to listen to the sequels

This book is so much better than the movie. The details of how badly he failed at the beginning and how much he learned gave me a feeling of a true survival story. Anyone that dreams of living off the land will enjoy this book. It was so good I had to listen to all the sequels. Awesome reader too.

short but sweet!

it's a little weird to marathon through my favorite children's series in a matter of a few days but I loved it!

great story and performance

great story and performance. entire family loved it. subtle music score is really good

I love the book the best part when it's 20 or do I need to get fish

Great listen

Going to let my son listen.
He’s 11 and this will help with some things I’m currently teaching him about life! Peace & Love!!

Reminiscing with this story

I remember reading this as a kid. It's a good story of survival and is well read! Good book for young adults.

Fun Afternoon Read

Perfect book for younger readers ready for a story about surviving and overcoming emotional and physical hardship.

Amazing plot line

This books plot line was very interesting. It takes many turn you do not expect and it is always entertaining.