Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Aladdin, 1987.

Simple, straightforward prose and a moving tale of survival.

The prose is almost poetic in its stripped-down simplicity; it mirrors the thoughts (as I imagine them) of a young boy, yet hints at depth in his character that make me willing to spend almost 200pgs with him and no one else.

Very little dialogue, but Paulsen’s quick, easy, evocative prose makes the pace dance.

Details are fabulous. I was surprised to read in the author bio that Paulsen actually tasted turtle eggs as part of his “research” for the book. His background as a survivalist and naturalist show in the intimacy with which he writes about Brian’s struggles.