Trout Friends

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: Bill Stokes has written a collection of stories running from his childhood through adulthood centered around flyfishing in Wisconsin. He tells the stories with humor and affection for his friends and those he has fished with (his dog also fishes). It seems to me that Bill must have been the prototypical straight man to play against the "characters" that he wrote about. Stokes tells his humorous stories with fishing as the subject, and what comes out is the importance of sharing experiences with friends, and a hometown feeling for the land and Wisconsin. I love this book!

Rating:
Summary: A master looks back...and ahead
Review: Here a treasure of memories and meaning, presented through the eyes of the writer as he traverses the span from childhood to grandfatherhood. All is spun around the idea of fishing --- particularly trout fishing --- and the various colorful family members, neighbors, buddies, cronies, children, and grandchildren who shared a host of adventures over many decades. Stokes has a wonderful sense of humor and insight and never misses a chance to turn the story of a mishap into something more: fun, learning, or simply human connections. It's great to see that Bill continues to work his wordsmithing magic, now that his professional career as a newspaper reporter in Wisconsin and Illinois has ended. To enjoy this book one need not be familiar with the Wisconsin lakes and rivers that are the backdrop for the tales; the hilarity, pathos, and wisdom that seep through transcends any particular landscape.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: My boyfriend and I discovered this book quite by accident while vacationing in Wisconsin October of this year. It caught my attention with its unique name, as my boyfriend has been known to fish for trout on occasion across various areas of the States. Upon inspection, I found myself laughing aloud simply scanning the pages, amused not only by the content but also the witty and well-written text accompanying the humorous passaages.

I heartily recommend this book for those seeking pleasant short stories or just a relaxing afternoon read in a style we do not often see these days. (And yes, I am only 31 but appreciate a good yarn as much as anyone my senior :-) I fully intend to read more of Mr. Stokes work. In the meantime, I have some wonderful memories of driving through the Northwoods of Wisconsin, reading selections from this book to my boyfriend as we laughed our way through fall downpours. Thank you, Mr. Stokes, for providing such companionship on our travels.

Rating:
Summary: What a wonder book to read aloud
Review: My boyfriend and I discovered this book quite by accident while vacationing in Wisconsin October of this year. It caught my attention with its unique name, as my boyfriend has been known to fish for trout on occasion across various areas of the States. Upon inspection, I found myself laughing aloud simply scanning the pages, amused not only by the content but also the witty and well-written text accompanying the humorous passaages.

I heartily recommend this book for those seeking pleasant short stories or just a relaxing afternoon read in a style we do not often see these days. (And yes, I am only 31 but appreciate a good yarn as much as anyone my senior :-) I fully intend to read more of Mr. Stokes work. In the meantime, I have some wonderful memories of driving through the Northwoods of Wisconsin, reading selections from this book to my boyfriend as we laughed our way through fall downpours. Thank you, Mr. Stokes, for providing such companionship on our travels.