Synopses & Reviews
IN his new book about the delightful torture known as fly fishing, John Gierach again demonstrates the wit, eloquence, and insight that have become his trademarks.
Consider this observation about fishing: “From my own experience I can say that a bad back makes you hike slower, stove-up knees keep you from wading confidently, tendinitis of the elbow buggers your casting, and a dose of giardia can send you dashing into the bushes fifteen times in an afternoon, but although none of this is fun, its discernibly better than not fishing.”
Or this explanation for every fishermans fascination with small streams: “The idea is to fish obscure headwater creeks in hopes of eventually sniffing out an underappreciated little trout creek down an un-marked dirt road. Why is another question. I suppose its partly for the fishing itself and partly to satisfy your curiosity, but mostly to sustain the belief that such things are still out there to find for those willing to look.”
And perhaps the ultimate explanation for the fishing obsession: “I briefly wondered how much trouble a guy should go to in order to catch a few little trout, but then any fish becomes worth catching to the extent that you cant catch it, so the answer was obvious: Once you decide to try, you go to as much trouble as it takes.”
In No Shortage of Good Days Gierach takes usfrom the Smokies in Tennessee to his home waters in Colorado, from the Canadian Maritimes to Mexico—saltwater or fresh, its all fishing and all irresistible. As always he writes perceptively about a wide range of subjects: the charm of familiar waters, the etiquette 27.99 of working with new fishing guides, night fishing when the trout and the mosquitoes are both biting, fishing while there is still slush on the river, fishing snobbery, and the delights of fresh fish cooked and eaten within sight of where it was caught. No Shortage of Good Days may be the next best thing to a day of fishing.
Review
"The master of fly-fishing strikes again with his latest adventures in waders."
—Alan Pierleoni, Sacramento Bee
Review
"Even if you can't bait a hook or tie a fly, you may identify with America's best fishing writer, John Gierach, as he details 'the delightful torture known as fly fishing'—and a lot more—in the 20 essays that make up
No Shortage of Good Days."
—Steve Bennett, Houston Chronicle
Review
“If you're a fisherman who also loves to read about fishing, you've probably heard of John Gierach, whose essays on fly fishing and life are full of humor, insight and irreverence. . . . just fun to read, as all of his books are.”
—Bob Frye, Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Review
"While Gierach offers plenty of fishing how-to advice, the book is most memorable for the wit and insight he brings to more introspective matters, such as the whys of fishing, the places the sport takes you, and the people you meet. There are many technically correct fishing writers and many with a unique voice, but few bring together these two sides of fishing literature quite like Gierach."
—Booklist (starred review)
Review
"Few writers, if any, have written about the implications of fly-fishing as eloquently as Ernest Hemingway in
The Big Two-Hearted River, but Gierach brings detailed insight and a sense of humor to the subject. . . . Gierach’s genial campfire manner and woodsy witticisms should hook more than just the average fishing fanatic."
—Kirkus Reviews
Review
"John Gierach is a master at spinning tales."
—The Denver Post
Synopsis
America's favorite fly-fishing writer returns with new observations on fishing, life, and more fishing. His first new book in three years.
About the Author
John Gierach is the author of several previous books, including At the Grave of the Unknown Fisherman, Standing in a River Waving a Stick, and Dances with Trout. His work has appeared in Gray's Sporting Journal, Field & Stream, where he is a contributing writer, and Fly Rod & Reel, where he is a columnist. He also writes a column for the monthly Redstone Review. He lives in Lyons, Colorado.