Customer Reviews

Meanderings of a Fly Fisherman

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

 

 

Meanderings doesn't pander to the fly fishing stereotype. That is, it doesn't pretend to elevate the status of fly fishing to the level of religion. Rather, it puts fishing at eye level and simultaneously delivers a wake-up slap to the cheeks of readers who know what it is like to be mesmerized and held spellbound by water, and sets them to drift. It forces the readers to focus on Seth's thoughts, while they meander through their own.

Seth has a true passion for fly fishing. He uses it as a "medium" through which to talk about the even greater passions of love and life.

This is a book of contemplation, a book that tells stories about the things that go on inside the mind while, or because, one fishes.

Meanderings is a tremendous read.

Mercifully, this is NOT another "how to flyfish" book.

I am no longer interested in what others think about how to CATCH fish. I AM interested in how others approach their lives once utterly obsessed with, and immersed in, the sport. Seth Norman is one of a very (very!) few authors that are able to express a variety of facets of a life lived in the context of this, well lets face it, addiction.

Are his stories always pleasent?. No. Are they light and care-free? Not always. Are they honestly presented and gripping? Absolutly. Norman's stories are well crafted gems that weave the soul of a sport with the soul of a human.

If you want to learn how to roll cast 50 feet, don't read this book. If you want to better understand yourself, DO!

Although most of the stories have flyfishing as the catalyst, the tales told from an admirable storyteller such as Seth Norman are enjoyable to everyone. The scenery. The people. The places. Everything comes alive with the richness of his words. I know the fish lust of " Esox Pike". I felt the pain of the cat as the two pit bulls were trying to rip it in half ("The Siamese Avenger", a non-fishing, but true story). Ahhh.....the strange awakening of manhood as in "Rhythm of a Woman and a Line". Stories of the weave of life that should be read and re-read and savored deeply

I was very disappointed with this book. It dealt far too much with the authors philosophy & non fishing life and was, frankly, very depressing. I don't buy books on flyfishing to be bummed out. The title increased the disappontment in that it sounds like a light hearted easy reading fishing book.

I purchased this book as a gift for my fishing crazed-15 year old nephew. Luckily I read it first. It in NOT appropriate for young readers, and is not about fishing. It is mostly drivl about the author's life.