The River

"The River" by Gary Paulson

Brain Robeson a fifteen year old boy who lives with his mom in New York City. Who used to be the average city kid until two years ago on a trip to see his dad in Canada everything appears to be going well until his plane crashes and he is forced to survive the Canadian wilderness. He survives by himself for 54 days until he is found and returned home. The story ends with us asking for more. But what happened after that? This story has all questions answered from the first book and more. I highly recommend this book.

"The River" by Gary Paulson is a sequel to his bestseller "Hatchet" leaves off two years after the first one takes place. Soon after the story begins two government operatives (CIA)inform Brian Robeson that he has to survive in the wilderness again. They say its for research and assign a psychologist named Derek to take notes on Brian's survival skills to teach astronauts and military operatives. At first his mom argues this is not a good idea. Brian ensures her that everything will be alright. They tell Brian he could bring one weapon or item with him, he chooses a hatchet. Soon after they arrive a ferocious thunderstorm hits and Derek is struck by lightning and put into a coma. Brian figures that he will only have six days to live and the only way to save him is find help. The only way to do that is find a way to the nearest town. Since Brain cannot carry Derek he decides the quickest option would be the river. Quickly Brian gathers his resources and begins to build a raft. Will Derek live? Will Brian live?


If you like adventure, survival, or a mystery this book could be for you or if you enjoyed the first one this is a must read. At the beginning of the story they sum up the first book so you don't have to read the first one. There were several times during this story where I would want to read the last chapter to see what happens, it was that exciting.