I know this is a little out of the norm for me , normally my posts are solely fishing or fly tying related , but this past weekend I finished a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and thought I would pass it on. Maybe an even better reason for writing about this particular book is the message that the author conveys to the reader throughout , that being the fact that many of our wild lands (Yellowstone in particular) are being altered beyond repair by our government and the large energy conglomerates that have leased up much of the area surrounding these locations. The author spent most of his life around the Greater Yellowstone area as a mountaineer , park guide and an array of other jobs. The basis for the book is a year of his life which he spent fishing , hiking and exploring the Yellowstone region and seeing through his eyes the wonder and beauty of the park but also documenting the changes that he has witnessed over the years. This includes very enlightening data about the number of species of wildlife (fish as well) that have become extinct or nearly extinct due to poor management practices by the government agencies that control our public lands. I don't mean to imply that this book is a solemn report on the state of our National Parks , although it may be somewhat true , there are just as many chapters where he talks of the superb flyfishing on the Yellowstone or Snake River and the wondrous beauty of the Western landscape. That being said , you can't read this book without wanting to do something pro-active about the situation that many of our last wild and beautiful places are facing , and in my mind that's a good thing. I finished the book with a new appreciation for what we as patrons of the land should be doing to assure that at least some of that wondrous beauty is still around for future generations to appreciate.
If you get a chance pick this book up , it's an enjoyable read and an educational experience all at the same time , I think you'll enjoy it.
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ReplyDeleteYour the third person to speak highly of this book.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna have to pick a copy up.
Nice post
G Lech - I highly recommend it..one of the best books I've picked up in awhile and I read a lot.
ReplyDeleteI like book reviews, and this sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for putting it out there for us.
ReplyDeleteJim - I would venture to say that you would enjoy reading this book , a little fishing...a litle adventure...and a background theme that even makes you stop and think ocassionally.
ReplyDeleteJack Turner has also written one of my all time favorite books called "Teewinot" about his experience as a guide in the Rockies. It's an awesome read chock full of guiding lore/stories, geology, and close encounters. It's a definite thumbs up. According to half.com, which is where I get most of my books "This mountaineering memoir of a year in the Grand Tetons, by an accomplished climber and teacher, conveys a sense of place and self."
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - Sounds like another good one I need to pick up. Thanks for the heads up.
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