Customer Reviews

And Then We Went Fishing

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished this absolutely mesmerizing tale (or really two tales in one) and have come back to order kamikaze cowboy. Not everyone could open up his or her lives like this, but this is a life worth sharing. It is so refreshing and exhilarating to see such a fine actor have such other admirable qualities and the ability to articulate them to the world. I spent my afternoon curled up with this book, and read it cover to cover in one sitting. After all the books I've been required to read by higher education, by the so-called best writers, they all pale in comparison to And Then We Went Fishing: A Story of Fatherhood, Fate and Forgiveness. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone!

This second book by Dirk Benedict touches on some deeply personal experiences of his life that he shares with the reader. It interchanges between the tale of his father's death and his first child's birth, each unique experiences.
He and his wife had elected to have a homebirth way before they became fashoinable, and the endless parade of misfit Midwives makes for humorous reading.
the personal tradgedy of his father's murder, and the state of the family during that time give depth to the pages.
As well as he touches on subtle aspects of his life that may haunt him later, such as his head injuries that kept him out of the Army and his suggestion Natural birth should be required by law for at least two children per family. (Do we really want the government making this personal decision for us? How could anyone make such a suggestion!)
One point of note is chapter 9. A rant against birth-control and a disticntly male-sided view of free love and yuppies, (These views only are valid with one generation and don't seem to apply to us younger then baby boomers) which is typical of his style but totally seems out of place with the rest of the book.
A deeply moving recounting of past experiences with an ironic climax.
But a suggestion to a would-be-buyer: Get it off of Amazon. It's much cheaper. [...]

This book came my way as a gift from a friend. I'd read 'Kamikaze Cowboy' several times over the years and was interested in this new chapter. The intermingling of past and present events was remarkably effective. Once again, the book hit a personal note for me. The feelings I had about my own father's death were paralleled in the story of the death of Benedict's father, and I experienced a little of the release he felt at the birth of his son. Life goes on, and we only have the power to choose the ultimate direction of our own. Thanks, Dirk.

Despite the fact that 'And Then We Went Fishing' is extremely well-written, it's also very helpfull for people who got into a similair situation. It's unbelieveble the way he presents the most personal things to the public, but it seems to carry out just fine. I have never read a book like it, however, I do recommend it to everyone who wants to get to know the true Dirk Benedict. Or to the ones who like to read gripping and insightful stories.

From the guy who brought so many cliches to the screen, to a writer with an honest and traditional background, came "And then we went fishing". I cannot describe the underlying sense or feeling one receives when reading this book. Then comes a story from out of the blue that confirms to you inside that there are good people in the world, moreover, there are people who can be honest with those they know not. To me that is the sign of a true writer,more importantly of a good man. Good Luck.

This true life story is told with no holds bar'd the autor bears his soul for everyone to read. This gripping tail leads you on a a journy of forgivness showing that once you learn to let go of the things which haunt you life can realy begin. It is one of the most compelling books that I have ever read and as the two stories weave their way in and out of each other with skill.Although the book is VERY personal to Mr Benedict it does have a lesson which we can all learn

I loved Dirk's Second book, and it was so wonderfully written by a honest man, not by a celebrity, and I actually felt for the man what he went through for the birth of his first son, George, by reading the pages, and I love the ending, and I hope that he would actually write more for the happiness, and the being of his fans, because we would want more, who wouldn't agree with me?

I cried and I laughed after reading this heart rending tale of the birth of Mr. Benedict's first son and the death of his dad. It is an amazing work of literature which reminds you that tragedies come in all forms and so does joy and laughter. I respect him for his honesty and passion and the impact that the sharing of his stories has made in my life.

I must confess, the original reason that I got this book is because I have been a fan of Mr. Benedicts for the past 20 years. I found the book a thought provoking and emotional book, and very well written. I felt like I was there as Mr. Benedict went back in time to that horrible summer day, the back to the present as his first child was about to be born. The most emotioansl thing for me was when they had to use the "baby hoover" and the sound it made in comparison to the sound of the rifle. I have loaned the book to a few friends, and they loved it too. Thank you Dirk for taking me on part of your incredible journey.

I've been trying to track down this book for a couple of years, ever since I read "Confessions of a Kamakaze Cowboy." With wit, charm, grace (and a little humility) Benedict reveals his take on the struggle for two men to be their authentic selves in a world of cynicism. Anyone who cares about the health of him or herself, or family, and the health of the planet should read this book. If I were Siskel and Ebert, I would give it four thumbs up!