Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

Guts

Save:
Find on Amazon

'Guts' by Gary Paulsen is an autobiographical account of the author's real-life experiences that inspired his popular novel 'Hatchet' and other adventure books. Through a series of short chapters, Paulsen shares stories of hunting, fishing, survivalism, and wilderness exploration that shaped his writing. Readers get a glimpse into the adventures and challenges faced by Paulsen, which later translated into the thrilling tales of his fictional character, Brian.

Gary Paulsen's writing style in 'Guts' is described as raw, honest, and captivating. offers a mix of real-life anecdotes and humor, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the author's motivations and inspirations. From detailing survival tips to sharing personal encounters with wildlife, 'Guts' immerses readers in Paulsen's adventurous world, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate his body of work.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions and humor, providing an unfiltered look at survival in nature.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features real-life survival experiences and challenges faced by the author, providing a deep connection to the fictional story of courage and resilience.

Setting:

The setting encompasses natural wilderness areas, particularly in Northern Minnesota and Alaska, which are central to the themes of adventure and survival.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, featuring engaging anecdotes and contrasting moments of intensity and reflection.
Perhaps the single most catastrophic event in Brian’s life in Hatchet is when the pilot dies of a heart attack. This forces Brian to fly the plane and land—in little more than an “aimed” crash—in a la...

Notes:

Gary Paulsen's main character Brian in 'Hatchet' has garnered a dedicated fan base across generations.
Paulsen's writing is deeply influenced by his own adventurous experiences in nature.
He has made his own bow and arrows and once ate the eyes out of a squirrel out of hunger.
Paulsen's books are recommended for kids aged 9 to 12 for their engaging storytelling.
He had a challenging childhood where he learned to fend for himself due to his parents' issues.
Paulsen has survived experiences like being attacked by a moose and observing wildlife encounters that inform his writing.
His autobiography, 'Guts', reveals the true events that inspired 'Hatchet' and the Brian books.
The book explores themes of survival, using raw and sometimes graphic descriptions of nature.
He trained sled dogs for the Iditarod, showcasing his survival skills and adventurous spirit.
Paulsen's humor shines through even during intense and challenging narratives.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are some graphic descriptions of hunting and survival that may be disturbing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

Guess what -- Gary Paulsen was being kind to Brian. In Guts, Gary tells the real stories behind the Brian books, the stories of the adventures that inspired him to write Brian Robeson's story: working as an emergency volunteer; the death that inspired the pilot's death in Hatchet; plane crashes he has seen and near-misses of his own.

He describes how he made his own bows and arrows, and takes readers on his first hunting trips, showing the wonder and solace of nature along with his hilarious mishaps and mistakes. He shares special memories, such as the night he attracted every mosquito in the county, or how he met the moose with a sense of humor, and the moose who made it personal.

There's a handy chapter on "Eating Eyeballs and Guts or Starving: The Fine Art of Wilderness Nutrition." Recipes included. Readers may wonder how Gary Paulsen survived to write all of his books -- well, it took guts.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.