book data
236 ratings, 3.88 average rating, 16 reviews
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published
2003
(first published 1908)
by Wolf Creek Books
binding
Paperback, 32 pages
isbn
0968709184
(isbn13: 9780968709184)
description
TO BUILD A FIRE is one of Jack London's most beloved short stories. A heartbreaking tale set in the vast wintry landscape of the North, it endures as ...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 278)
I read this when it was 6 degrees outside. It inspired me to 'man-up' and brave the cold. I spent the entire next day outside doing housework and chores in the frigid air - probably not the reaction of most. While one might conclude from the tragic hero’s demise that the cold elements of winter are too dangerous to risk, realistically he was in negative 75 degree weather, something I can't comprehend, and in the wilderness far away from help. I will concede that in made me evaluate how it ...more
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I was horrified when I read about the main character keeping his biscuits tucked beneath his armpits in order to keep them from freezing. I remember nothing else about the book.
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recommended to Terrell by:
Professor
I read this in one of my undergrad lit. classes and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I would recommend it and it is a quick read. Sometimes it can get so cold outside!
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Read in January, 2001
THis was assigned reading for a Wilderness Writers and Philosophers class. After reading it we were to go out and try to make a fire with only 2 matches. I failed miserably.
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Well-written but tragic short story. To this day it is a joke in our family about how to make sure you DON'T build a fire under a tree over-laden with snow.
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Read in January, 1990
Just the fact that this story and the feeling it left me with has stuck with me for nearly 20 years is enough to warrant 3 stars.
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Sure it was vividly written -- but what school child wants to mentally freeze to death and crawl inside a dead horse?
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Short story of the 'survival of the fittest mentality'. Entertaining enough with a possibly tragic ending.
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Read in January, 1970
Read this in college. I'm a Jack London fan. He really made me feel the cold and the desperation in this piece.
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This is Jack London's best short story, and perhaps the best short story by an American author to date.
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Read in September, 2007
I think I first read this in 8th grade. I don't remember it being this suspenseful. Nice job, Jack.
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Beside "The Pearl" by Stienbeck, this is probably my favorite short story. Give it a read.
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Read in November, 1979
I may have read this to my kids or had it read to me. A classic of sorts.
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Read in January, 1984
recommended to Nikki by:
G/T teacher
I learned that I should probably live as close to the equator as possible
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Read in January, 1991
recommends it for:
Everyone
A short but inspiring story about human nature and acceptance.
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fiction (on 11 people's shelves)
literature (on 3 people's shelves)
classic (on 3 people's shelves)
classics (on 2 people's shelves)
read-but-dunno-when (on 1 person's shelf)
summer-2008 (on 1 person's shelf)
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