Group+5-Period+2



"Hatchet" Gary Paulsen, Survival, 289 pages

"Hatchet" may just be the perfect book for our independent reading project. It suits this class very well considering it is a textbook example of transcendental literature. Gary Paulson himself lives in the dangerous wildlife of Alaska. The book teaches needed survival skills as well. This book also won the Newberry Honor award. "Hatchet" being a transcendental piece, compliments junior year of english very well.

There are numerous reasons to why "Hatchet" is our choice of book, the main reason being the interesting story line. "Hatchet" tells a very dangerous and excelling story of a boy named Brian who in a series of events crash lands in the wilderness on his way to Canada. "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." -Peter Coyote He must used his transcendental mind and his basic survival skills to endure the harsh Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet.

Throughout our junior year of English, one of the main topics that we have focused on is Transcendentalism. This books main focus is on a boy of only 13 years of age surviving in the wilderness on his own. Throughout his treacherous journey of survival, he starts to become one with nature and his surroundings. Having these aspects in a book make it more interesting and it also makes the book an easier and more fun read.

Although some may feel that transcendentalism is a past topic and has already been over discussed throughout the year, this book re-enforces and reminds us of the lessons we learned earlier in the year. Transcendentalism has many branches that can be hard to discuss and refer to, however "Hatchet" covers many of the sub-topics of a transcendental mind.

"Hatchet" is a nearly perfect book for our 3rd marking period independent reading. It is a perfect example of transcendentalism. The book teaches the importance of being open-minded to new ideas such as transcendentalism. Sometimes a little bit of courage and an open mind can change your life and help you survive. "Hatchet" is the best book we could possibly read.

-Chris Conti, Jacob Menacker