Gentle Ben

by Walt Morey

The Alaskan wilderness is a lonely place for Mark Andersen, especially after the death of his older brother, Jamie. But in time Mark finds someone else to love--Ben, an Alaskan brown bear so huge that no one else dares come near him. Gentle Ben has been a favorite of readers of all ages for 25 years, and is a timeless story of a rare friendship. An ALA Notable Book.

Genres: Fiction, Animals, Classics, Childrens, Young Adult, Adventure, Historical Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Walt Morey was an award-winning author of numerous works of children's fiction set in the U.S. Pacific Northwestand Alaska, the places where Morey lived for all of his life. His book Gentle Ben was the basis for the 1967 movie Gentle Giant and the 1967-1969 television show Gentle Ben.

He wrote a total of 17 published books, most of which involve as a central plot element the relationship between man and animals. Many of his works involve survival stories, or people going into the wild to "discover" themselves; redemption through nature is a common theme of Morey's works.

Reviews

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought, as I tend to do too often, that this would center primarily around the boy and the bear; not so. You meet and love the Anderson family, (the mother, Ellen, was my favorite! ) and other characters, good and bad,mother family friends... And Morey's style of writing is family-orientated, and his love for the woods and living beasts is very evident. He has feelings for his characters. It was altogether very engaging.:)

[Lorena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book, and I really liked the first few chapters. The kids lost interest a bit through the middle, and I had to encourage them along, and then the last third of the book picked up again. I like the writing style well enough, but allow me to explain the low rating.

1. Seeing as we are moving to Alaska, I don't want the kids to learn that bears are friendly pets. Repeatedly throughout the story, anyone who tries to say that Mark's family ought to be cautious is ridiculed. I know it's fiction, but this point was beat into us all the way until the very last page.

2. Very clean, excepting taking the name of the Lord in vain many times. Since I was reading aloud, I edited this out, but I don't recommend books that I have to edit for the kids.

3. Finally, I was disappointed in the ending. I do not like it when books push any agenda, and I felt like the entire last chapter was a BIG push for anti-gun sentiment, which is a huge turn-off for me. So if you don't care about your 2nd amendment rights, and don't mind teaching your kids that guns are evil and want your kids to think mankind should never kill any animals, then you probably won't be offended by this book.

[Kelly Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels reading this book! I read this aloud to my children during our morning time and we loved it so much.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I enjoyed Kavik the Wolf Dog more than I thought I would, and to compare to The Biggest Bear.
................
Yes, I can definitely see why this was so popular. Lots of exciting and interesting stuff in it for kids, and, yes, especially for boys. Maybe not quite enough about Ben himself, at least for kids who are animal lovers. Somewhat dated in some details and attitudes, but still worth a read for those interested.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to ages 4-14! Im not sure how I missed this one in all my homeschooling years . We didn’t just read Gentle Ben, we experienced it. Adventure, a boy growing in responsibility, lovely nature and outdoor descriptions, Alaskan culture and salmon runs woven throughout, a plot twist we didn’t see coming, and oh-so-much family love.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep going back and forth on this one. On one hand, a lot of the writing relies on telling rather than showing, and things are wrapped up with possibly too neat a little bow. But it's still a good story, and not just because I'm nostalgic; and ultimately, I'd rather have the gift wrapped ending.

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful tale of adventure and friendship! Read this aloud to my children (ages 3-12) and we all enjoyed the plot, the characters, the ending, and everything in between.

[Gary Anderson]

As a middle-grade reader almost sixty years ago, my favorite books were outdoor adventure stories about animals. One of my favorites was Walt Morey’s Gentle Ben. I wondered if this novel would hold up after all these years, and if it’s a worthwhile suggestion for contemporary young readers, and the answer is Yes.

The setting of Gentle Ben is Alaska in the years before statehood. Thirteen-year old Mark Andersen lives just outside of town with his father and mother. He is shy and withdrawn as he grieves the death of his older brother. Mark’s father makes a living off of his boat as a seasonal fisherman, while his mother takes care of the family and home.

Mark secretly befriends a five-year old brown bear named Ben who is kept chained in a shed by a local scoundrel named Fog Benson. When Benson floats the idea of selling raffle tickets for the opportunity to shoot Ben, Mark pleads with his parents to buy Ben from Fog Benson. His parents are reluctant because brown bears are dangerously unpredictable, but when they see how Mark and Ben interact, they cautiously give in and bring Ben to live on their property.

Mark and Ben spend summer days in the tall grass and along the wild shores of their Alaskan Sound. As this unlikely friendship deepens, Mark becomes more confident. Eventually, Mark takes his place alongside his father on their boat during salmon season, while Ben continues to grow and grow.

The beauty of Gentle Ben is in Morey’s writing about nature and in Mark’s emotional and physical progress brought on by the bond with his giant pal. The novel’s drama intensifies when gentle Ben faces human and animal predators, and when Mark’s father is caught out in a storm on his boat. (I held my breath through pages 100, 101, and 102.)

Originally published in 1965, the book avoids many of the stereotypes common at the time. The only issue that might seem dated for today’s readers is the relationship between Mark’s parents. Mark’s father is the boss of the house, and he makes clear that some things are best left for men to handle. Mark’s mother is a strong woman though, and she knows how to get her way without overt conflict. This dynamic provides an interesting discussion opportunity for today’s readers.

Gentle Ben is a solid choice for those interested in hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Themes of resilience, responsibility, and healing from grief make the story meaningful for contemporary readers. Maybe I was a little nostalgic as I re-read this childhood favorite, but I found Gentle Ben heart-warming, exciting, and enjoyable. I hope this classic continues to find its way into the hands of young readers who are looking for exactly this kind of story.

Side note: Some might remember the movie Gentle Giant and the television series Gentle Ben, both starring Dennis Weaver and young Clint Howard. These screen versions are based on Walt Morey’s book, but they are inexplicably set in the Florida Everglades instead of Alaska, and Ben is changed from a huge brown bear to a smaller black bear.

This review is also posted in slightly different forms on Instagram and on my What's Not Wrong? blog.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I missed this book all these years. I've got a wife who is an elementary teacher, I have two kids, it takes place in Alaska, there's a bear and a fishing boat...how did I miss this book?

A great great story about a kid growing up in Alaska who befriends a bear.

Yeah sure other stuff happens but it's really the friendship between the boy and the bear that are important and it's magical. Wonderful story, wonderful characters, I just loved every minute of it.

Great stuff here.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark’s older brother dies of tb, and somehow that enables Mark’s mother to allow Mark to befriend a bear. It’s a sweet story of a family growing together, but there were a couple of things I had trouble with:

1. Can a bear really be gentle with a human?
2. Would a mom, a mom who has already lost one son, allow her other son to make a bear his pet?

On the other hand, I loved the setting and reading about the profession of salmon fishing.

[Linda Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I read when I was younger than I am now and loved the story then loved reading this story to my sisters when they where unwell they loved it also so all in all all of us loved this fabulous story it toke you to another place so all said and done keep smiling and happy reading to all with love from wee me.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Chrisanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book club pick. Male attempt at The Secret Garden? So glad no one dies of TB, though.
Expanded version of Ward's The Biggest Bear. Nothing much wrong with it... except that I really don't want my kids playing with bears, deer, or even cats since my kids just don't know how to be around animals. So something that presents as a drama, instead of a fantasy, could be problematic.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Oh my heart. I adore this book! And I don't say that lightly. I really do adore it. The characters are simply amazing. Ellen & Karl are both really great and compliment each other so well, and I love their understated romance. <33 I defy you not to love Clearwater and Kelly, too. Mark himself is a dear, and then, of course, Ben is simply awesome! The friendship between the two is just beautiful. The writing style is excellent; the plot is very well done; the setting is superb. It is a very vibrant, very beautiful, very fascinating book and... really... just simply amazing.

Content: One mention of evolution and some mild euphemisms.

A Favourite Quote: In his sixty years in the North, he had come through many tight spots by refusing to panic.
A Favourite Quote: [Ben’s] delicate black nostrils … were greedily drawing in all the ancient smells of the earth. There were the mustiness of deep canyons, the cold bite of distant snow fields mingled with the pungent scent of the tundra, the soft breath of the sun-warmed earth hat rose about him, all laced with the clean, salty tang of the sea.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “How do you make a good deal?” Mark asked[.]
“It’s like this,” Clearwater cut in[.] “He hopes you’ll pay a dime a loaf. So he asks maybe twelve cents. You figure it's worth nine or ten. You offer six. You argue—you for six, him for twelve. Finally you say seven. He comes down and says make it eleven. You don’t go for eleven. He makes it ten and says your seven is ’way too low. You come up to eight—”
“Hey!” the fish counter yelled above them. “You gonna unload those fish or not?”
“In a minute,” Clearwater said with dignity. “We got a problem in high finance. Now, where was I? Oh, yeah, there’s two cents between you. Finally one of you says we’ll split it. Make it nine and it’s a deal….”

[Helena Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nine-year-old son has read this twice, and he says it might be his favorite book ever. He asked if I'd please read it on my own. "It's such a great book, Mom," he said. "I know you'll love it."

Well, I slid it into my pile. (There are always so many good things to read.) I picked it up, not reluctantly, but not with much enthusiasm either, and then I found a delightful story full of beautiful descriptions and an unforgettable cast of characters.

It was a pleasure to read, and I'm so glad I did. Now my son and I can discuss it in detail.

[Ariel Demo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read about animal injustice that wasn’t like Air Bud not being able to dunk like Kobe or whatever.
I think it’s technically for children, but it shows kids that life can be just fucked sometimes and there’s really not way too much you can do to control it but you won’t waste your passion by trying to help. I like the part where the boy has a treat for Ben in his fist and he’s gnawing on the boys hand trying to get it but he’s a fucking bear

[Megan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwwww. I liked this a lot. Super sweet and happy. Sad, of course. All animal books have to be a little sad. But still loveable and good.

[Ashley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great family read aloud! Brown bears, salmon runs, life in Alaska, all kinds of interesting things and at the center is a nice family story. Loved it.

[Mary Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, read aloud to my boys 8 & 10.

[Sarah Seele]

Dear of a book. Walt Morey is a deceptively good writer. (Though Year of the Black Pony is still far and away my favorite.)

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that this was a bad book, I just really didn't enjoy reading it at all. Not my type of book:)

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.35 stars, really. A sweet book; enjoyable. Good descriptions of Nature, and a good story of the relationship between the boy and his bear. It made me a bit scared at times, how Mark was so cavalier about petting and pulling on Ben — but it was neat to imagine such a relationship.

[Shauna Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!! I love stories that create space for the impossible because sometimes, those things really do happen. People surprise us with their kindness, animals become bosom friends, good fortune leaves us better off than we ever imagined possible….. and sometimes, just sometimes, there can be a little bit of happily ever after.

[Mirjam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read-aloud for kiddos aged K-5 set in a fascinating Alaskan town.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Morey was my great grandfather, my parents gave me the middle name Morey in his honor. He died when I was young, so I remember very little of him. My father remembers him sitting at his desk with a typewriter poking away at the keys. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not read his books until now. With all this time at home (thanks COVID), I decided it is time I finally kick my butt into gear and read them. I chose to start with his most popular book, Gentle Ben. After completing Gentle Ben, I realized I am glad to be reading his work as an adult - I can feel and understand his perspective as a writer. Writing has become progressively more important to me, and I now truly see the significance a book can have on multiple generations. It allowed me to connect with him again - the man I wish so desperately to know. The characters that lived in his head now live in mine. I can sense what inspired him and the values he held. His writing shows a clear sense of wonder and respect for the beauty of nature, his hunger for the thrill of adventure. Growing up in the PNW these sentiments are in my bones and it is delightful to see them bloom on the pages. I am looking forward even more to reading the rest of his collection to see what other discoveries I will find about the man I wish I knew.

[Andrew Morrarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the book this book was about a little kid named mark and he had found a bear that had been tamed so decided to train to not attack people so he ask is perents to keep the bear but they said no to keeping the bear but later on they had been trying to get red of the bear but it would not leave because he had trained it to stay with him and the perents had decided to keep the bear so later on in the book he had an away but then he had been found by his freinds.later on in the book the bear got to much for the family and his parents had to try to get read of the bear but mark had strongly disagreed with getting read of the bear so the parents hd chat with mark and they had told him that it was being to much for the family and they would have to get read of the bear so mark finnily said that it would be a good idea to get read of the bear so when mark and his dad went out to were the bears den was and they had unhooked the bear and tryed to tell it to leave but mark rembered that he had trained it to stay with him for the rest of his life so he new the bear would not go anywere it would stick with ben but he new if he had told his dad that he trained it to stick with him he would get in trouble so finnly he told his dad and they decided to keep the bear.

[Melissa King · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pre-reading this for school, but immediately disliked it as one of the first things you learn about the main character is that he’s hiding something from his father because he’s afraid of his anger. I had intended to push through and give the book a fair shot, but I’ve been avoiding it all week so I’ll go ahead and drop it. And remove it from our family library. Not really interested in more portrayals of dysfunctional families, my kids see enough examples of that from Disney movies. My patience is thin right now.

In the first paragraph “He knew what would happen if his father learned of it. He feared his father’s anger more than anything else.”

[Anthony B]

Gentle Ben is a really cool book about a boy and his pet bear. They live in Orca city and in order to buy Ben as his pet, Mark has to learn how to do a lot of responsebiles. Earn money and get a lot of salmon for Ben so Ben could eat fish and not stale bread. Ben will have to have light in his shed as well

[Ryann Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about a bear named Ben, and as boy named mark. They are best friends until the village gets scared of tame Ben. Mark has to let Ben go into the wild. Ben is the biggest bear in the wild. And he had the best fishing spot on the stream. He eventually findes mark again and they are friends again.

[T.E. Antonino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in middle school. I remember how I was awe of being friends with a bear. There's a lot that I forgot about this book, but I'll always remember reading this book was one of my fondest childhood memories.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a good book