Dear Gary Paulsen,
Some say that children born in the 21st century don’t come to appreciate the things that they should be, but I came to realize what convenient things I had at my disposal. After reading your book, Hatchet was one of the first times I actually enjoyed eating a proper meal and savoring the taste of every bite. I learned to love the taste of fish and thought about what other things I had easily prepared for me. The struggles Brian faced turned grinds in my head and made me pity myself for feeling like I was competent enough to be independent. I finally thought, “I’m only one more person out on Earth.” For the first time, I appreciated everything I have. Your book, Hatchet turned me into the stingy, food-savoring, can recycling person I am today.
Your use of imagery and extremely descriptive details of situations made me want to imitate Brian’s conflicts and his sense of accomplishment. I realized that I was always taking the life I live and the food I eat everyday for granted. I did not appreciate those that gave up their lives or what other life is suffering due to my actions and wants instead of needs. In a way, we were both only beginning to realize how difficult life actually was because we weren’t being spoon fed everything we want.
Brian is a character that I feel, many developing teenagers can easily relate to due to his both selfish and considerate ideas as well as his mindset. When I first learned about Brian’s relationship with his parents, I felt a sense of mutualism with Brian. I, too have feared speaking to my parents at times. Not only was it because of fear of fights or punishment, but also the guilt of it all. Much like Brian does, sometimes I question myself why life is so unfair at times, but also much like Brian I learned to live as if it were a part of my lifestyle and continued to grow. As I continued reading I learned that due to knowledge, Brian was able to survive. It was one clear example of how knowledge is indeed powerful and it drove me to learn a little bit of everything. Having knowledge in many sets of skills makes me feel unique and more secure about myself as a son of strict parents. Also Brian’s sense of achievement and satisfaction always built up in me. When Brian created his first fire and shelter, I too felt the satisfaction he did, knowing you finished something significant is truly a luxurious reward. That lust for satisfaction helped me get through things and opened up opportunities for me to contribute back to society.
After all these years, I still regard Hatchet as one of the only books I’ve read that has impacted my life. I have become less of a picky eater and I always value what I have. I appreciate everything I am given now, especially the unified family I have. Realizing what satisfaction hard work and struggle can sometimes give you, I was able to accomplish many mini goals I had planned. I believe I owe my current lifestyle and attitude to you, for giving me the knowledge of how valuable life is. Though I still can’t believe that I acquired a taste for many foods due to your divine descriptions of Brian eating.