Hiya Jared,
I’m back with another non-Scifi/Fantasy…..more specifically the sequel to the first one, Hatchet. Ya, I should find more survival books because that seems to be the only other genre I can stand. If you have any suggestion please share.
Title: The River
Series: Brian’s Saga; Book 2
Author: Gary Paulsen
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Survival, Canada, Beaver, Whitewater, Lightning, Poop
Synopsis: Brian survived 54 days in the Canadian wilderness. Just when he’d finally adjusted to modern life again, he’s asked to return. And he says yes, but this time he won’t be doing it alone.
Recommendation: Perfect for pre-teens and teens. A short easy read.
So we’re back with Brian in the Canadian wilderness. Of those I’ve read in Brian’s Saga, this book is probably the least interesting. The first is a daring struggle, and the others either carry over that struggle or more deeply explore Brian’s inner struggles and how he reconciles them. This book doesn’t do any of those really. It’s not that it isn’t interesting, just less so.
Brian as a character has grown and he doesn’t revert but at the same time he’s not just a continuation from the last book. It’s well done and flows well. Again, you don’t really explore his inner turmoil and resolution. Yes, you do see hints of inner turmoil but they are mostly on the surface.
The whole thing feels like it was done solely to appease fans.
This book introduces another character, Derek. He’s not a main character, but he’s interesting and I only wish he played a larger role in the whole thing. He was really starting to grow on me.
In summary it’s good, but not as good as the others. It’s basically the middle of a larger story (Hatchet/The River/Brian’s Return) so it’s a little lacking in depth.
Robert
Reading Over The Shoulder 