Gary Paulsen
Biography of Gary Paulsen
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Gary James Paulsen
Common Aliases: Gary Paulsen
Birth and Death Dates
Born: May 17, 1939
Died: October 13, 2021
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Author, Novelist, Adventurer
Early Life and Background
Gary Paulsen was born on May 17, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His early life was marked by instability and hardship, which would later become a profound influence on his writing. Paulsen's father served in the military during World War II, and his mother worked in a munitions factory, leaving him to navigate much of his childhood on his own. This independence fostered a deep connection with nature and adventure, themes that would permeate his literary works.
Paulsen's education was sporadic due to frequent relocations, but he found solace in books, which became his refuge and inspiration. At the age of 14, he ran away from home to join a carnival, an experience that further fueled his love for adventure and storytelling. Despite these challenges, Paulsen's passion for reading and writing grew, eventually leading him to pursue a career as an author.
Major Accomplishments
Gary Paulsen's career as a writer is distinguished by his ability to capture the essence of survival and the human spirit. He authored over 200 books, numerous short stories, and several plays, earning him a place among the most prolific writers of young adult literature. His works have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a global audience and resonating with readers of all ages.
Paulsen's contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor for three of his books: "Hatchet," "Dogsong," and "The Winter Room." These accolades underscore his talent for crafting compelling narratives that explore the complexities of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Gary Paulsen's most notable works is the novel "Hatchet," published in 1986. This book tells the story of a young boy named Brian Robeson, who survives a plane crash and must learn to live in the wilderness with only a hatchet. "Hatchet" is celebrated for its vivid depiction of survival and self-discovery, and it has become a staple in middle school curricula across the United States.
In addition to "Hatchet," Paulsen's other significant works include "Dogsong," which explores the relationship between a young Inuit boy and his sled dogs, and "The River," a sequel to "Hatchet" that continues Brian's story. These novels, along with many others, highlight Paulsen's ability to weave adventure and introspection into his storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
Gary Paulsen's impact on literature, particularly in the genre of young adult fiction, is profound. His stories of survival, adventure, and personal growth have inspired countless readers to explore the natural world and reflect on their own capabilities. Paulsen's writing is characterized by its authenticity and emotional depth, qualities that have endeared him to generations of readers.
Beyond his literary achievements, Paulsen's life itself was a testament to the themes he explored in his books. An avid outdoorsman, he participated in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and embarked on numerous wilderness adventures, experiences that enriched his writing and provided a genuine perspective on the challenges and beauty of nature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gary Paulsen is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to articulate the intricacies of human resilience and the transformative power of nature. His quotes often reflect his deep understanding of survival, courage, and the human condition, resonating with readers who find inspiration in his words.
Paulsen's legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to captivate and educate new generations. His stories encourage readers to embrace challenges, appreciate the natural world, and discover their inner strength. As a result, Gary Paulsen remains a beloved figure in literature, celebrated for his contributions to storytelling and his enduring influence on young readers worldwide.
Quotes by Gary Paulsen
My folks were drunks, and I had a rough childhood - really rough - in fact, rougher than I thought about.
I was raised on farms by people who didn't have Wal-Mart. They had to make their own sleds, harnesses, clothing, etc.
In our family, we've always been owned by border collies, or dogs of one kind or another, and have rescued many dogs. We've lived in the woods and sometimes have had as many as 70 sled dogs. Or had six or seven dogs living in the house. Dogs have saved my life on more than one occasion - and I mean that literally.
I have a pickup truck. And I prefer to be with dogs or on my sailboat than in a car - actually, more than any other place on Earth.
You're never the same after you run the Iditarod, and I still lust to go out and run with dogs, even though I know that I shouldn't. But I'd give just about anything to be able to do it again. To see the horizon again from the back of a dog team would be wonderful.
In sailing, I single-hand, and I want to do the Horn. The Horn is the maximum expression of sailing, the way the Iditarod is the maximum expression of running dogs. It's not to write about it; it's to experience the maximum thing.
The maximum expression of running dogs is the Iditarod. You enter a state of primitive exaltation, and you never return. You're never normal again.
Years ago, when I was writing westerns, other writers who were friends of mine wanted me to collaborate with them. And it just didn't work.
Humans are the big thing that cause damage in life - in war or whatever - and if I can get away from that and into a wilderness situation, I'm OK. You can more or less live on your own merit.
My parents were brutal to each other, so I slept in the basement by an old coal-fired furnace. I became a street kid. Occasionally, I'd live with aunts or uncles, then I'd run away to live in the woods, trapping and hunting game to survive. The wilderness pulled at me; still does.