Customer Reviews

Brook Trout and the Writing Life

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brook Trout and the Writing Life is a very finely-written book that is full of wisdom. I read it in one sitting--and I have never even held a flyrod in my hand. It's about fishing and writing, sure, but it's really about living. Nova has lived deeply and well, and it really shows here. This is a wonderful read.

Craig Nova has a fine, craftsman's approach to writing and his writing about fly fishing is excellent, too. This book stands on its own as literature.

While this is a story on the role fly-fishing plays in the life of a man, you don't need to be a trout fisherman to enjoy it. The language is simplistic and I was amazed by the images he was able to create with such a style. Do not confuse this with "simple" writing because it is definitely not. It has layers of subtlety. Because it is so brief, I can see myself reading it again and again.

While the writing is fine here, it is mostly about fishing and not so much about writing, and not very much at all about Nova himself. I was kinda hoping for more of a "memoir." I didn't get it. The truth is I suspect even anglers would be disappointed in this too brief book. While the style is quite personal, the content is not.

I first 'discovered' Nova years ago when I read THE GOOD SON. Liked it so much I read a couple of his previous novels, including TURKEY HASH, which I also liked. So I was curious to learn more about the author. Unfortunately BROOK TROUT didn't give much away. Nope. Something of a disappointment.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir BOOKLOVER

This is a small book, but one that packs more wonder than could be imagined. It is a great book not because it offers many different stories, but the ones he does offer are very vivid and memorable. They are also very thoughtful, which is a nice change from the hedonistic stories offered by a majority of those serving up fly-fishing tales. You will be caught up by these stories and will not want to release yourself from them after having read them. A great read.

I simply love this book. I think every 40 something year old male would benefit from reading this fine work (and their wives, friends, and partners). I can't even point to one passage that stands out, I loved it all.