Brian's Winter

Brian's Winter is one of several "Brian" books written by Gary Paulsen. Brian's Winter is the alternate ending to the well-known Hatchet book. In Hatchet, Brain was rescued from the woods near the end of the summer months; however, in Brian's Winter he lives through the winter and then returns to "civilization". In Brian's Winter, Gary Paulsen takes you through those cold months in the Canadian bush. Brian learns to weather seal his shelter, make arrows from stone, create clothing for warmth and how to hunt. In the end, Brian meets a trapping family, the Smallhorns, who hunt the area in the winter for food. The Smallhorns welcome Brain into their way of life. When the supply plan flies in to drop off supplies for the family, Brian reluctantly climbs aboard and flies back to civilization.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
It's no secret, Gary Paulsen is one of my favorite authors. In fact, the Brian Robeson series is one of my favorite series. I felt that Brian's Winter was a much better ending to Hatchet. In Hatchet, the end came abruptly and I felt as if I was abandoned. Brian's Winter continued as if Brian did not get rescued by the plane in Hatchet.

I love the mountains, enjoy camping, and am at peace when in the outdoors. I have often fantasized about what it would be like to run off and live off the land in some wilderness far away from civilization. Although this is not practical and I probably wouldn't make it past the first week, I have been able to vicariously experience this through Brain Robeson's fictional life. Gary Paulsen has the unique ability to paint detailed pictures with the words he uses to tell his stories. The words become pictures, these vivid pictures become moving pictures in your mind, and soon you are there with Brian, the bear, the moose or even the wolf. He is an amazing writer who pulls you along in his stories. I highly recommend this series for those who love the outdoors, especially hiking and camping.

Read Hatchet before you read this book. Once you complete Brian's Winter you need to read The River, Brian's Return, and Brian's Hunt (in that order).

AR Quiz: 100%
AR Vocabulary Quiz: 100%

The Brian Robeson series