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meeshsassycat's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful, coming-of-age style book. The writing style is intricate but accessible. It explores concepts of self, spirituality, and philosophy. There are some very colorful characters that I wish I could meet. Very enjoyable read.
mberkman's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of my dad's favorite books, so I read it. In short, its about solitude and learning to love. Too much fishing for me!
colson's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
littletaiko's review against another edition
5.0
I first heard about this book when listening to the What Should I Read Next podcast when the guest inlaced this in his top three favorite books. While I'm not into fishing, I am into coming of age stories and this one is oh so good. The wry humor just sneaks up on you and you find yourself doing a double take at what you just read. This follows Gus's decision to strike out on his own to live a life spent fishing. What he gets instead is a better understanding of what it means to be a well rounded member of society.
dustyeub96's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
What a lovely, heartening read. I was hesitant at first — the prose is crammed full of zeal and simile and metaphor that are over-the-top, trying so hard — but I got used to this as part of accepting Gus, much like we accept the friend that blabbers just a little much. Aside from this bit of stuffiness, it is a charming read and doubles as a prompt for thought. I find myself reflecting on the land, on God, and on growth, and think most readers will have this (very Gus-like) experience, per Duncan’s intent.
davidjordan's review against another edition
5.0
Upon making a new friend recently, I was examining her collection of books displayed on the shelves in her living room. I saw David James Duncan's "Brothers K" and mentioned how much I had enjoyed reading that book. We both agreed that it was one of our favorite novels. She suggested that I should read Duncan's book "The River Why" and loaned me her copy. What a blessing this book is. It is a fantastic and fascinating coming of age story told gloriously through the eyes of a young fly-fisherman as he learns to navigate spirituality, community, his natural environment, and love. The story is wonderful, but that almost didn't matter to me because the author's prose is so masterful that I would have been enthralled regardless of the subject matter. On several occasions I texted the book's owner with sentences that leaped off the page and dazzled me with their humor, cleverness, or profundity. How wonderful it is to continue discovering literature I've missed, and I'm thankful for friends who are willing to share the books they love so others can be blessed by them. Highly recommended.
matthewbrand's review against another edition
2.0
I just did not get this book. I feel like I'm just not the target audience and the target is 19 year old guys? Lots of fishing, but he learned a valuable lesson that fishing isn't everything, cool.
arielamandah's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I am conflicted on this book. When it’s soaring, Duncan flies high. He’s a tremendous writer: he’s funny, he’s thoughtful, he writes beautiful things about beautiful places and interesting people. The anecdotes and stories-within-stories are excellent. But... this book is also boring? The pacing really struggles. The philosophical sidebars are either hard to follow or kill whatever momentum he had worked to create. I wanted to love this book so, so much (for an abundance of reasons!), yet find myself walking away both missing it and being glad I don’t have to read it any more.