Customer Reviews

Mississippi Solo: A River Quest

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought a copy of this book after my own canoe trip down the Mississippi. It was fascinating to compare the experiences of Mr. Harris to my own.

The writing is perceptive, insightful, and entertaining. His observations of the people he met along the river, and himself, come across as very honest. He doesn't portray himself as a hero or an expert, but as the person he really is. His dedication to completing the journey is tenuous, but his appreciation for the lasting value of the experience is sincere.

His perceptions on racial issues were objective and refreshing. Although he had preconceived notions on what he might encounter, (a black man in Nordic northern Minnesota and later in the Deep South) he judged people based on how they treated him, and the vast majority of people treated him with kindness and respect.

His descriptions of the river, towns, weather and scenery are also enjoyable, and the hardships and joys are described with equal eloquence.

I was impressed how such a greenhorn of an outdoorsman would have the boldness to tackle such an adventure. My only disappointment with the book is when he skipped some parts of the river. It was his journey to make, however, and he is honest about any shortcuts he took.

In short, this is a great book. It is worth reading to experience the journey vicariously and for the writing itself. You won't be disappointed.

I found this book at a used bookstore while looking for travel books to read on vacation. What a great book! I'm fascinated by the water and enjoyed the description of his trip down the Mississipi river, but I enjoyed even more seeing how a person who wasn't an outdoorsman or even an experienced boater took on this adventure. His experience with people along the way made me feel at the end that I would enjoy sharing a campfire with him and most of the people he met. Except for the rednecks with guns that is.

After hearing of Mr. Harris' book on NPR, I thought a travel book down the Mississippi would be fun to read. Mississippi Solo was an enjoyable slice in time and space of a voyage through the heartland of America. Like the song "Proud Mary," Mr. Harris finds that "people on the river are happy to give." His journey lets the reader enjoy the river experience much like Steinbeck shares his adventure in his camper. Mississippi Solo is an enjoyable book for any river rat or river rat want-to-be.

I read this after his 2nd book that traveled through Africa. It's allegorical structure and content is remarkable. He borrowed nearly everything and took a chance navigating the "mighty Mississip". He traveled the entire length encountering all aspects of Americana. From the poor shanties to large cities. From people living near the river to those working on it and those living on it. He encountered nature, people, life, and God on his trip. The latter was evident one Sunday when he'd lost track of the days. His description riveled meeting God in person. His described joy at having discovered God's announcement to him was inspirational. By the time he reached New Orleans and poured out his brandy to the river, my arms ached from paddling all the way with him. He writes with such an abundance of love, optimism, sadness, anger, but never hatred. Who needs fiction with Eddy Harris writing about his travels so clearly and so beautifully.

An enjoyable read and journey down the river. Thought it was going to be a day to day river trip but was more. Almost put the book away after first few chapters but am glad I didn't . Enjoyed his look at life, himself and people along the river. Race added another dimension to a tough journey. But i was left with a good feeling when done. Nice life lessons scattered thru-out the book.

I bought this book to read on a business trip that involved cross country flights. Did not read it on the trip. Started it the night I got back and read half of it when I really should have been sleeping. Finished it the next night. He transforms and you want to see it happen. He has doubts about completing his trip and you want to see if he will finish it. He has his troubles and you want to see if they get worse. You want to know more about the people he meets. Sometimes he says twice things that he could say once, but it's ok because it moves along. There is some historical perspective, some thoughts on racism, not too much. I would have liked to know more about what he brought with him and what he really needed, but he's not that kind of outdoor guy. He says at the end that his back was never the same. Was there something he could have done to avoid that? He does not say. It's ultimately ok because he sticks to the narrative and that holds your interest.

This is a wonderfully written, atmospheric travelogue. I give copies of this as gifts because it is such a beautiful book. RECOMMENDED. If I had to choose an author to have lunch with Eddy Harris would be in my top 3.

All in all I really enjoyed reading this. It was a little slow at times, but easy to get in to and picture what was happening.

Harris is a superb writer. Without any real adventure experience he takes a boat down the entire length of the Mississippi river and writes about his experiences along the way. I have shared this book with my wife and a friend from work. All three of us rave about what a wonderful experience reading this book was.

A very relaxing read. Never before have I read a book of true life that was so well-paced and soothing. Harris writes as the river flows: gentle to rough, lucid to terse. With a great sense of personal respect to the reader, "Mississippi Solo" is ther perfect read for anyone who wants to take a vacation in the theatre of the mind. An excellent book for travellers and a must have summer read.