Presenting Gary Paulsen

"I love writing. I absolutely love it," asserts Gary Paulsen, who, since 1966, has published more than 100 books, among them nonfiction autobiographical works for adults and paperback series and picture books for children. Still, Paulsen's widespread critical and popular reputation rests principally on his two-dozen-plus novels for young adults, which include the Newbery Honor Books Dogsong (1986), Hatchet (1988), and The Winter Room (1990). Presenting Gary Paulsen - the first book-length critical biography of this fascinating writer - offers readers both an overview of Paulsen's life and an analysis of his extensive body of work for young adults. Drawing amply on a series of personal interviews with Paulsen, Gary M. Salvner provides readers with a vivid portrait of his subject and a lively assessment of how the writer's life and work come together. Thematically arranged chapters correlate stories with life experiences and examine the motifs, techniques, and voices Paulsen so winningly employs; covered as well are the writer's contributions to adult nonfiction and children's literature. A concluding chapter investigates "The Now and Future Gary Paulsen: Today's Writing and Tomorrow's Plans."