The River Why by David James Duncan

The classic novel of fly fishing and spirituality, originally published in 1983. Since its publication in 1983, THE RIVER WHY has become a classic. David James Duncan's sweeping novel is a coming-of-age comedy about love, nature, and the quest for self-discovery, written in a voice as distinct and powerful as any in American letters. Gus Orviston is a young fly fisherman who leaves behind his comically schizoid family to find his own path. Taking refuge in a remote cabin, he sets out in pursuit of the Pacific Northwest's elusive steelhead. But what begins as a physical quarry becomes a spiritual one as his quest for self-knowledge batters him with unforeseeable experiences. Profoundly reflective about our connection to nature and to one another, THE RIVER WHY is also a comedic rollercoaster. Like Gus, the reader emerges utterly changed, stripped bare by the journey Duncan so expertly navigates.

simply wonderful. :)

I feel disappointed. A better Ed might feel something different, but this one is sad that such a beautiful, vivid, promising book kept wandering into religion and a grand Search For Meaning. It was awkward, much like enjoying a rich conversation with a friend who then veers off to talk earnestly about magic pixie dust. Embarrassing.That said, I still found much to love in this book. Yes, it nominally concerns itself with fishing – about which I know and care nothing – but that's really just a vessel for a tale of growth and transformation. Duncan may be hung up on mysticism, but his larger-than-life protagonist can (at times) surpass that to set an example we'd do well to learn from. My rating is unfair: this is not a three-star book. But having just given [b:Empire Falls 187020 Empire Falls Richard Russo http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172536990s/187020.jpg 826474] four stars, and lacking the ability to offer half-stars, I can't justify putting the two on equal terms.

This is at least the second time I've read this book. It's still amazing. Much, much denser than Brothers K, which is my all-time favorite book, but heck, it's a book about why we're here and the answer has nothing to do with baseball (unlike Brothers K again). Why wouldn't it be dense.

Still, an all-in-all amazing read.