Joe Buising

Dear Daniel Defoe,

The book Robinson Crusoe opened my eyes to the world of adventure in the great outdoors that I had never acknowledged. Your work surprised me about myself.

Before I read your book Robinson Crusoe, I thought of outside as an urban place like a neighborhood or a play ground, but after reading your book I realized that outside was a more wonderful and alive place. Your book inspired me to use my imagination when 1 was outside. I found myself spending a lot more time outside than inside my home. I pretended that I was in a jungle surviving just like Crusoe. I had to build defenses from the native savages, look for food, and gather supplies.

Your work surprised me about myself when I realized that I love nature and its beautiful wonders. At age seven, I spent my time hiking in the great woods beside my home. I would create my own adventures by pretending that I had to survive by saIvaging things and making a fort to protect me like Crusoe. I was more aware of the birds calling and squirrels barking. I listened to the sounds around me to protect myself.

This book was very meaningful to me by inspiring me to learn how to survive and about nature. Soon after reading your book, I joined Boy Scouts to learn how to survive by doing things like camping, nature hikes, first aid, building bridges with wood and lashing, and other activities that I really enjoyed. The skills I learned in Boy Scouts will help me if I ever find myself in Crusoe's situation.

The book Robinson Crusoe inspired me and helped me to see outside in a different way and also helped me to realize things about myself and nature. Thank you for writing this wonderful book.

Sincerely,
Joe Buising