Gary Paulsen Passed Away

[Nameless Range]

Beloved children's author and wilderness enthusiast Gary Paulsen has died at 82

Gary Paulsen — whose wilderness adventure Hatchet taught generations of kids to survive in the forest — worked as a farmhand, truck driver and satellite technician before turning to writing.

www.npr.org

I saw this on Facebook this morning, and it gave me pause.


A great writer who introduced a lot of the world who also happened to be young to outdoor adventure. He got kids like me to read a book. I think one reason it brought about feelings in me is that last month my son and his grandfather read “Hatchet” together, and both enjoyed it.

 

[Rhcuam]

I bet I read that book 10 times.

 

[Trial153]

Just bought my son the complete Hatchet series. Paulson is classic

 

[rtraverdavis]

Dang. One of my favorites, and without a doubt the author who got me to become a voracious reader as a kid. When I taught sixth grade, I always began the year with Harris and Me, which is still one of the funniest books of all-time. The man lived an incredible life, and has left an equally incredible legacy in his writing. Rest In Peace, Gary.

 

[thomas89]

Absolutely loved his books growing up. I do believe his works certainly helped my love for reading grow.

So many good books other than “Hatchet”. The “Mr. Tuckett” series were also some of my favorites.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Absolutely loved his books growing up. I do believe his works certainly helped my love for reading grow.

So many good books other than “Hatchet”. The “Mr. Tuckett” series were also some of my favorites.

X2

Hatchet, Far north, and all the Tucket books.

 

[406LIFE]

I have the copy of Hatchet my mom gave me when I was 6, 3 decades ago. It was the start of my love for outdoors.

 

[rwc101]

Hatchet, Far North, and My Side of the Mountain were my favorites as a kid.

 

[Indianajoe]

my son who is now 11 has the complete hatchet series. what a great writer who is responsible for getting many young people outside.

 

[Jc2020]

That’s to bad I loved his books as a kid

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

Damn, I read everything he wrote. Might have been my only book reports that were sincerely written and not partially copped off cliffs. Paulsen should be credited with driving axe head sales. I destroyed a few as a kid and no, couldn’t ever get useful sparks.

 

[Salmonchaser]

My side of the mountain is still being passed down through the family, believe it is in the possession of a recent great niece.

 

[Bulldog0156]

I believe I read most of his books when I was a kid. Good writer.

 

[Dougfirtree]

If you haven't read his account of learning to run sled dogs and running the Iditarod, you should definitely read it. Especially the chapter titled, "Major Wrecks."

 

[NoWiser]

He was my second favorite author growing up. My first was McManus and we lost him recently, too.

I read Hatchet many times and just gave a copy to my 10 year old nephew for his birthday a few months ago. I heard he couldn’t put it down. RIP Gary Paulsen. Thanks for sharing your talents with us all.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Absolutely loved his books growing up. I do believe his works certainly helped my love for reading grow.

So many good books other than “Hatchet”. The “Mr. Tuckett” series were also some of my favorites.

My mom was a 4th grade teacher and taught Mr. Tucket… loved that series

 

[Nick87]

His books were the only thing in school I actually enjoyed reading. I hated reading, but always felt like his books were written just for me.

 

[turbobrick]

I loved Hatchet, and for some reason Woodsong really resonated with me. Great author RIP sir.

 

[Nick87]

Which was the one where he stays with his grandparents in the logging camp? That's one of my very favorites.

 

[44hunter45]

I just re-read The Hatchet series this spring. Sad news indeed.