In the public eye, Gary Paulsen is famous and unique. Born on May 17th, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Paulsen ran the Iditarod (a 1, 180 mile dogsled race through Alaska) two times so far; he bases many of his works on his outdoors adventures. Paulsen’s Hatchet series is loved by countless readers and contributed in the creation of the T.V. show “Flight 29 Down”. His two hundred books and short stories have won numerous honors such as the ALA Best Book Award. Despite all the publicity, fame, and idolization, Paulsen is quite modest about his work and experiences. During interviews or public appearances, Paulsen has an animated presence while talking about his Iditarod journeys. He makes the worst times sound like a breeze, saying, “I ran the Iditarod for fun”. Paulsen’s version of the stories of triumphs or disasters during the difficult race always triggers laughter in the audience. He jokes and never seriously talks about the real dangers on Iditarod. Many seem to get the idea that Gary Paulsen is somewhat an adventurous, wild, carefree person; but that’s not all to this outstanding author.
While many are who they appear to be in public, there’s always a slightly different side to people beyond the media perception. While Gary Paulsen went through a rough childhood (drunken parents; running away from home) that toughened him up, he has a weaker, gentler side. On the race, Paulsen saved a deer from a metal snare, and watched many sunrises and sunsets with his lead dog, Cookie. He spent more time taking care of the dogs than himself. Paulsen also helped out many fellow mushers during bad situations throughout the competition. As much as he jokes about his expedition on the Iditarod, he reveals in Winterdance that after one particularly bad run (through the deadly Rainy Pass, which nearly caused his death), he was "scared...[of just] life. All of it" (18). Paulsen admits that the Iditarod "is, in a word, brutal" (224). It is only in his books that he reveals this kind of emotion and opens up his thoughts. It proves that while he is an enthusiastic, daring adventurer, he is a real person – who, along with the excitement of action, could feel fear, and sympathy towards ones around him.
Matt Campbell, a grade eight student, writes, “Gary Paulsen is the most outrageous and animal-loving author I have ever read. The way he describes animals’ behavior…is so incredible”. It is this kind of connection that draws young readers to his work. And it is in his works that he displays both (the tough and the vulnerable) side of his remarkable personality.
Kelly Ding.
Works Cited
"Gary Paulsen Biography." Scholastics Inc.. 16 Dec 2007
"Gary Paulsen." 15 Dec. 2007. Wikipedia. 16 Dec 2007
Henneman, Heidi. "Extreme author Gary Paulsen pushes writing—and life—to new limits." First Person Book Page. Reviews and Interviews. 16 Dec 2007.
Hoffman, Brenda. "Gary Paulsen." 11 Dec. 2001. International School Library Media
Centre. 16 Dec 2007
Johnson, Jan. "LEARNING ABOUT GARY PAULSEN." Gary Paulsen Biography.
Vandergrift in Young Adult Literature. 16 Dec 2007
"Meet Gary Paulsen." Iditarod Race Across Alaska. Scholastics Inc.. 16 Dec 2007