Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the tag “Gary Paulsen”

03 Nov 2022
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Reader Round Up: October


Some lovely late autumn days provided moments of sitting in the sun to enjoy my remaining days of reading outside for the season. Reluctantly the hammocks are packed away and I am now reading books in the garage protected from the chill breeze of fall, where just enough sun lands to keep me mollified, provided I bundle up. I have been known to read cocooned in winter clothing and a thick blanket in my quest of al fresco reading time.

During October I read a bit of everything from historical fiction to romance adventure (reading for the adventure aspect), to murder mysteries and children’s fare. Out of sixteen books only three rated a five star read and that would be:

Brian’s Hunt by Gary Paulsen

Brian’s Hunt, the fifth and last installment of the Brian books, is Gary Paulsen’s tribute to both Brian of Hatchet fame and Paulsen’s love and respect for the ebb and flow of the wilderness. While two thirds of the book is deceptively calm, almost transcendental in describing Brian’s canoe sojourn on the river, the last third Paulsen kicks into “Hatchet Mode” and beguiles the reader by creating a memorable adventure tale.
Thoroughly detailed and thought-provoking, Brian’s Hunt is a complement to the Hatchet series, yet it can very much be read as a standalone.

The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope

A Newberry Honor Award that is an older read, one that falls in with Narnia with its medieval world setting and threads of magical realism. A story that starts with Queen Mary on the throne, it centers on young Kate Sutton who is sent away to live at a remote, mysterious castle due to displeasing the queen. Kate is a spunky heroine and she is out to find the truth about the supposed Fairy Folk who reside in the hills. For those who enjoy Mary Stewart’s King Arthur series, this is a consideration, even if it found in the juvenile section.

SIDE NOTE: some of my favorite reads are found in the kids section–have you noticed that as well?

Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld

An unexpected fun read that is also from long ago. Translated from German, this tale transfers well the humor of how a group of Roman schoolboys attempt to solve the mystery of the painted words Caius Adonis Est or loosely translated Caius is a dumbbell. These words get one of the boys thrown into prison (Roman was a tough place, even on kids). His buddies try to get his name cleared in order to free him from the fate of wasting away in the dungeons. An entertaining story that combines laughs and Roman history, an unlikely combination. Some violence, such as cruel imprisonment and a man falling to his death might be a consideration for younger readers. Having taught Julius Caesar for a number of years it’s with regret I found this gem after I retired from teaching sophomore English.

Stay tuned for my post on what makes a book a five star read. Otherwise you might think me a finicky reader.

Any reads that you care to share? Please leave in the comments, as I’m always willing to add to my TBR list.

Posted in Reflections and tagged , , ,
01 Oct 2022
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Author Spotlight: Gary Paulsen


Usually I highlight the five star reads from the previous month as a Reader Roundup.

No five star reads in September.

Yes, this is disappointing to report. I read fifteen books and several were okay, some were meh, and a couple came close being a really good read. Keeping to my standards though, and no five stars.

So–

This post will instead feature a really good author: Gary Paulsen. Yeah, the guy who wrote Hatchet. Yes, that story of a boy whose private airplane pilot dies en route to see his father and they end up crash landing in the Canadian wilderness. He survives moose, mosquitoes, and choke berries with only a hatchet. It’s the book my sophomore boys usually picked to read for their book report even though I know they have read it (again and again). It is a good book, but Gary Paulsen wrote more than Hatchet. In fact, he wrote around 200 books, five being related to Brian of Hatchet.

image: sperrygoodemporium

A phenomenal author who wrote mostly about survival, be it in the wilderness or just making through a dysfunctional life, Paulsen also wrote humorous stories and historical stories. He wrote with insight and knowledge. He was the type of writer who lived his stories which is one reason they are so engaging. He knew what it was like to live in the wilderness. He hunted, fished, sailed—he even ran the Iditarod.

Looking at a photo of him it is difficult to get past his grizzled hermit-in-a-cabin appearance. Yet, he was a wordsmith and loved to read books along with respecting and rejoicing in the wilderness.

image: Wikipedia

Gary Paulsen passed from heart failure at 82 in 2021 and leaves a legacy of books that generations will discover and appreciate. His writing and his storytelling, especially his Brian stories are worthy reads at any age.

My husband, well past his middle school years, is absolutely enthralled with Paulsen’s books. His utterances of “whoa” and “wow” and guffaws of delight make me set aside my “grownup” books and reread Paulsen. I agree with all his observations, and we have great share sessions.

A really good read from a really good author is a treasure.

Posted in authors, Books, literature blogs, Reading, Reflections and tagged , ,

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