Rating: 
Summary: what do you want to be? smokejumpers!
Review: "Though many are called, few are chosen," could be a motto both for smokejumpers and for the aspiring writers who have tackled this heroic little community of parachuting firefighters. Murry Taylor, a veteran Alaska jumper, has "lived the dream" as the jumpers say, lived more of it than anyone else, and now is the first to capture it in perfect, clear, honest writing. Smokejumping comes alive in this book; and even 500 pages wasn't enough - this book is hard to put down, and harder still to see end. A seminal book on the smokejumping experience has been missing for a long time, but Murry Taylor & Kati Steele have done it. As a reader and an old bro, Congratulations and Thank You.
Rating:
Summary: This Guy Is Legit
Review: As an avid reader of non-fiction I was interested to see how Murry's smokejumping chronicles would compare to some of the nature/action novels so popular over the last few years (Into Thin Air, The Perfect Storm, etc.) I mean, how many parachuting firefighters would (could) take the time to write a 500 page book? I came away absolutely satisfied and impressed. Any literary skills that Sebastian Junger has on Murry Taylor are easily made up for by his candid, thrilling and straightforward storytelling. He balances the technical and strategic aspects of fighting fire with a superb explanation of the question every reader surely asks: "Why would you do this for a living?" His own personal reasons are thoroughly explored and leave the reader with a tremendous respect for anyone willing to suffer the appalling rigors of smokejumping. It's a bitter, dirty, thankless, pain-filled job. Where do I sign up?
Rating:
Summary: A Blown Away Fire Lookout!
Review: I was blown away by this book.! I am a Fire Lookout so I understand the excitement of finding smokes and calling them in to Dispatch as fast as possible. Jumping Fire lets me get a real feel for another piece of the puzzle that I don't get to see. I once knew one of the smokejumpers in this book and it was fun to get a clearer picture of who he is and what it takes to pursue such an incredible career. I enjoyed the book so much and found parts of it so funny that I promoted it in our local State Forestry paper (the Hotspot). I'm on my second reading and this time around there is still much to enjoy that flew by me in the excitement of the first read. There are ripple effects also to reading such a book: thoughts about fire, relationships, inspiration and wonderment at the courage of others, a little sadness too. Thank you Murray Taylor for writing such a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Among the elite
Review: Jumping Fire is a vivid testimony to the importance of courage and dedication in the developement of human character. For much of my life I, like many others I suppose, have wondered just what it might be that draws people into an experience like parachuting into forest fires and spending days, nights, weeks, pitted against one of natures most powerful and dangerous forces. After reading Jumping Fire the picture is somewhat clearer. We're only as big as those challenges we rise to meet. We're only truly as brave as we know we have been. Smokejumpers go into the wilderness and encounter forces that challenge the very essence of what they stand for. From these struggles come their jump stories, many of which parallel the myths that have served to define our humanity down through evolutionary times. Jumping Fire is an important read because we all need to reflect on the value of courage. Because without courage all other human virtues become meaningless.
Rating:
Summary: New outlook!
Review: As a city based firefighter I would not hestitate to enter a burning building to save a life or stop a fire from doing more damage. I would never jump out of a plane to fight a fire with hand tools and chainsaws. I have been educated by Murry as to the life and job of the Smokejumper. These people are the unsung heroes of the fire service. This was a well written book. I enjoyed sitting with Murry and his friends and hearing about their lives. My hats off to you Murry!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Story
Review: In 1979 I worked on the Payette National Forest in McCall, ID as part of an inventory (ie. "count trees") crew. One day we came back from the field hot and sweaty. A guy in the warehouse suggested we "use the shower house up the hill". Not knowing that we were being set up, we walked up to that building, soap and towels in hand, only to find out that it was the smokejumper's barracks. We were politely told to scram; it was obvious that we were lowly scum while the smokejumpers were both god-like and crazy.After reading Jumping Fire, I still believe that smokejumpers are both god-like and crazy. But now, thanks to the wonderful narration by Murry Taylor, I can attach faces and personalities to these men and women. People who are dedicated to fighting wilderness fires, people addicted to the adrenalin rush, people who try to balance fear with humor & determined effort. This is an outstanding story.
Rating:
Summary: A book you can't put down
Review: As an avid reader, I can honestly say this is THE single best book I've read. Something for everyone...adventure, romance, all wrapped up in one compelling book. Buy it for yourself...and give it as a gift. I guarantee everyone will love it. Congratulations to Murry and smokejumpers everywhere for all that you do..and thanks, Murry, for wrapping it all up in one fantastic book. We are proud of you all! (a smokejumper's sister!)
Rating:
Summary: I ran faster
Review: As "toeheads" together, Murry and I would race to the end of his dusty driveway, about 50 yards. As I recall the events, even tho Murry was a year older and bigger, I was faster. He may remember it better. I suppose one would think I should be disqualified as a reviewer because I'm a friend. I don't think that's true. Friends, Murry would tell you, are more critical than enemies. I am a McMurtry and Edward Abbey fan. Taylors' writing, while different, hold some of the same fasination and delight that these writers deliver for me. I guess, because I have known this crazy man for more than 50 years, the book holds a special fasination for me. Try to be objective? OK. I am envious of the "out of doors" life, and sad that Murry, who has always followed his heart, has not connected with a lasting love in his life. The book really brings that home. The major message that means the most to me is something Toots told him - about work - and his belief in being REAL and True to yourself. Murry is certainly a living example of that. For that, I am proud of Murry and proud to call him a friend and a great writer! -Rod
Rating:
Summary: The way it was
Review: Murry didn't write the first Smokejumper book, but I think his is the best overall. The four fire seasons I jumped out of Missoula forty years ago were the most memorable times of my life. Murry has done a great job of bringing the memories back to me. From the dry- mouthed adrenaline high of standing in the door as the airplane bounced above a smoky mountain ridge to the closeness of bs'ing with the Bros after winning a fight with a tough fire- Murry has it all right. If I have any criticsm at all it is that Murry has done such a good job that anybody reading the book is very close to territory previously reserved for Smokejumpers only.
Rating:
Summary: Author of "On Storm King Mountain..The Legacy..The Lesson"
Review: I feel the book talks about the jumpers with great respect. They work very hard and deserve the upmost respect in their work. They put their lives on the line when jumping into fires. There are not many men or women who make it through the classes of smokejumpers,so they are a very elite group.
|
