Standing in a River Waving a Stick
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Book Overview
Brilliant, witty, perceptive essays about fly-fishing, the natural world, and life in general by the acknowledged master of fishing writers. With his inimitable combination of wit and wisdom, John Gierach once again celebrates the fly-fishing life in Standing in a River Waving a Stick and notes its benefits as a sport, philosophical pursuit, even therapy: "The solution to any problem--work, love, money, whatever--is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be." After all, fly-fishing does teach important life lessons, says Gierach--about solitude, patience, perspective, humor, and the sublime coffee break. Recounting both memorable fishing spots and memorable fish, Gierach discusses what makes a good fly pattern, the ethics of writing about undiscovered trout waters, the dread of getting skunked, and the camaraderie of fellow fishermen who can end almost any conversation with "Well, it's sort of like fishing, isn't it?" Reflecting on a lifetime of lessons learned at the end of a fly rod, Gierach concludes, "The one inscription you don't want carved on your tombstone is 'The Poor Son of a Bitch Didn't Fish Enough.'" Fortunately for Gierach fans, this is not likely to happen.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:B0064XBO7K
ISBN13:9780684863290
Release Date:April 2000
Publisher:Simon & Schuster
Length:240 Pages
Weight:0.53 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.5" x 8.4"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Practical advice along with the humor
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I enjoy the author's often irreverant humor but along with that is a lot of useful, practical advice. I've often said that we give fish too much credit. Mr. Gierach points out that fish are being taken at the same time by fishermen using significantly different patters and the like. Through the humor you develop the feel of what is really important and what really isn't so impotant.
the best fly fishing book around
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
when I got the book and started reading I could not put in down. It is the beast book I have Read in a long time. i try to keep up on all the fishing books and this one is top of the line, The man is a true fly-fisherman and it shows in his book. I liked it so much i went out and bought more to give to my fishing buddys. keep up the good work.
Another Gierach book that was too short
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Once again, John Gierach writes antother book that is entertaining and a pleasure to read. After finishing, I start to anticipate the next collection of essays. Reading this book will cause you to read the rest of his works. GAURANTEED!!
Vintage Gierach, makes you thirst for more!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Gierach extends some more fly fishing (life's) wit from his last writing (Another Lousy day in Paradise. You read about your own experiences in each chapter. Any one who has ever float tubed has dragged a line across some lake in mid afternoon, hoping to "hang a real pig". You will want to read Gierach's other books to learn more about his supporting cast. Like his previous writings, these real life characters surround John in his many journeys from flyfishing to pheasant hunting or just hanging round the local Lyon's fly shop.When the fish quit rising, sit back, grab a Gierach and start a new journey.
Simply the best modern fly fisherman writng today!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
John shows us once again why he is the voice of many fly fishermen. Thanks for the great read -catch his other books they are as good !
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