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  • Hatchet

  • Written by: Gary Paulsen
  • Narrated by: Peter Coyote
  • Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (334 ratings)

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Hatchet cover art

Hatchet

Written by: Gary Paulsen
Narrated by: Peter Coyote
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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

What the critics say

"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

What listeners say about Hatchet

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the best

this has been a favorite book of mine since I was in grade 6... I'm 38 years old now and still love it! will listen to it again and again!

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Great listen with kids

My 10 year old son and I listened to this book together. We enjoy survival stories. My son thought it was particularly clever for the main character to use his hatchet to make fire. There are some disturbing parts involving death, but they were depicted realistically and far less violently than mainstream media for kids these days.

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SHMEYER

One of my favourite books from when I was in grade 6. I didn’t open the book until the night before the final test and read it in one night. Did well on the test and loved the book.

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5.00-5.00

There is a really good book I recommend it enjoyed listening to it I really enjoyed it all

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Hatchet

This book was well written, and the life lessons that were taught are amazing. If you like adventure and the outdoors this book is for you. Our family listened to it and captivated all of our attention. Our children’s ages are 8,10 and 12. We as parents also enjoyed the book.

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Absolutely beautiful

I was hooked the whole way, very knowledgable and immersive! I would highly recommend for the outdoor/survival fanatics.

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Great listen

Awesome book. First time listening to it in many years. I recommend it to anyone

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Good memories

Was at work one day and remembered this book. Listened to it and now have decided to read it to my class in a month or two. 10/10 would recommend!!

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read as a kid in school

only book I ever liked from school brought back memories. great book thank you

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The end of the book

The ending was very bad they didn’t really explain that much of what happened and how he lived after

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