The River, also known as The Return[1] and Hatchet: The Return[2], is a 1991 young adult novel by Gary Paulsen. It is the second installment in the Hatchet series, but third in terms of chronology with Brian's Winter serving as an alternative second book.

[edit] Plot summary

Brian Robeson is a kid who spent several months surviving alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane accident. Now the government has asked him to do it again: live in the woods with only a knife, surviving only by his wits, so the military can learn his survival techniques.

Though reluctant at first, Brian eventually agrees. Accompanied by a government psychologist named Derek Holtzer, the two set off for a remote Canadian location. Though the government insisted they take emergency supplies, Brian insists they abandon everything but a folding saw and an emergency radio, saying that it would be impossible to eat bugs and sleep in the rain if a tent and prepared food is within reach.

Things take a grim turn when their camp is struck by lightning, which knocks Derek into a coma and destroys the radio. Knowing that Derek will die of dehydration long before anyone finds them, Brian must bring him back to civilization. He makes a raft, in a desperate bid to bring Derek down the river to medical help.