Here are the real events that inspired Gary Paulsen to write Brian Robesons story in Hatchet, The river, Brians winter and Brians Return: a stint as a volunteer emergency worker; the death that became the pilots death in Hatchet; plane crashes hes seen; and his own near misses. He 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, and how he met the moose who made it personal. Theres a handy chapter titled Eating Eyeballs and Guts or Starving: The Fine Art of Wilderness Nutrition recipes included.