Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen

Brian’s Winter, a fictional story by Gary Paulsen, is a sequel to the survival story Hatchet, where Brian was rescued at the end of the story. But, what if he wasn’t able to trigger a radio signal for the pilot to locate him and what if he was never rescued? In this story, the winter Brian began to fear the most in Hatchet has come to challenge him in more ways than he could ever have imagined.

The story takes place with Brian a thirteen year old boy all alone on the island with just his hatchet and survival pack. He struggles to survive the long hard Canadian winter by learning how to kill animals to eat and to stay warm. Brian experiences many hair raising and life threatening situations. One day, Brian encounters a skunk. He and the skunk become friends and Brian names her Betty because he thinks she looks like his aunt. The skunk eventually saves Brian’s life when a very large and hungry bear comes sniffing around to eat Brian’s food and possibly him. Brian is moments away from death when Betty jumps out and sprays him with a bulls eye aim right in his eyes and the bear takes off running and screaming in severe pain.

Brian’s Winter is a suspense packed story that is being told by Brian as he is living it. He makes you feel like you are on the Island with him. The more you get into the book the harder it is to put it aside because you want to know what happens next. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy adventure and survival books. If you are wondering if Brian survives the winter, you will just have to read it to find out.

Submitted by Ryan