Here are the real events that inspired Gary Paulsen to write Brian
Robeson's story in Hatchet, The River, Brian's Winter, Brian's
Return, and Brian's Hunt a stint as a volunteer emergency worker; the
death that became the pilot's death in Hatchet; plane crashes he's
seen; and his own near misses. He takes listeners 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, and how he met the moose who
made it personal.