Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers (John Gierach's Fly-fishing Library) Hardcover – Illustrated, June 2, 2020

I absolutely loved this book. Although I am an ardent outdoorsman myself, I am obviously late to learning about the writings of John Gierach. Without a doubt It certainly rises to the same level of great literature as "A River Runs Through It" type of storytelling, except there is no unhappy ending. Although fisherman, and particularly fly fisherman, will find identity with the fishing experiences detailed in the book, the metaphors with universal application to many of life's experiences and ups and downs will not go unnoticed by any reader. As I read through it a second time, I am underlining those sentences and paragraphs that have special relevance to me, and there are many. This is the first time I have read a book by this author, John Gierach, and he has won me over in no uncertain terms. A wise individual indeed. I will be purchasing other books by him as he is as good a storyteller and craftsman of the written language as I have ever read. Also, at this point in his life when he can reflect with more wisdom on the choices he has made, fishing and otherwise, I can certainly identify with his reflections since I am very close to his same age with some similar experiences. If I haven't convinced you to get this book and read it at this point, I can only say you have cheated yourself out of a beautifully and masterfully written piece of literature. John Gierach is an author everyone should experience, fisherman or not.

With all the author has put in print over the past fifty year his latest collection is just as fresh and entertaining. Of all outdoor writers he is the best living and a reliable pleasure. Probably because its not just about fishing, although it 95 per cent is. But its about human nature with riddles wrapped in conundrums, all with narrative tension building to a punchline that is worth waiting for, or just as good, punchlines from nowhere. All told with the self-deprecation of Charlie Waterman or Sparse Grey Hackle. Every time I pick up a story of his I learn something like: why it is androgynous fish do not feed when they reenter their birth stream, or the Arapahoe cure for insanity.So for me Dumb Luck would be perfect, but for Gierach"s predictable two or three grammatical errors per book. It's worth making allowances.

I'm not much of a book reader. I never have been, but this "Dumb Luck......" book held my attention. I'de be up in the middle of the night reading it. I've fly fished most of my life, but it was so infrequent. I truly related to the author's story when I did go flyfishing. I have done a lot of casting but little catching. My life storyline has always been that a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work! Thanks for the memories.

I’m a fan. have all his books and also give them as gifts. This edition reads well is funny and enlightening. He is a good observer and good at telling stories. If you fish rivers, streams and lakes there is something for you within.

Fly Fishing writing doesn't get much better, or writing in general, for that matter. Another fine work by the old master.

A true to form John Gierach book! I feel like he's been following me. I learned fly fishing from Leon Chandler. I learn it on the roof of Abercrombie and Fitch on Madison ave NYC on my lunch break. Same as the old man in the book😉. Would like to meet the old "bum" some day and put my vest on -so I can jingle when I walk..

Having read all of John's books, as well as countless articles, this collection is prototypical, while long-awaited, Gierach. For long-time fans, this collection has a comfortingly up-to-date vibe. For new readers who are, or aspire to be, fly fishing fanatics, this is as enticing and entertaining a collection of recollections that you can find;....But, be warned; You really should go back and start with his early work. As the arc of his stories progresses, you'll pick up on colorful, but authentic, personalities and visualize the lay of the land in his cherished Continental Divide stomping grounds. I must admit that I have had to pace myself with this latest book; Having read all of his previous collections at least twice, and having waited so long for this one to arrive, well, it would be too easy to polish this one off in one evening!! (and my stack of yet-unread books by other authors is still thigh-high!!). My biggest fear is that his output of great work is slowing down.....deservedly. Don't get me wrong; I'm not sticking a fork in him yet, but, nothing this great lasts forever. Even if you have absolutely no interest in fly fishing, or even fishing for that matter, there's so much observation, insight and humor here that you'll still be happy. Just buy the book. Thank me later.

Great writer. I’m always looking forward for his next book. His experiences are related in a straight forward manner with the right amount of humor. He is someone I would enjoy encountering on a fishing trip, not because of his fame as a writer, but someone who simply enjoys fishing. It’s not about the catching, it’s about the experience.

John usually delivers very readable content with his own take on life and fishing.Well done Mr G.As usual an enjoyable read part social history/life observations.

A great story teller, who inspires you to go fishing!

This is another great John Gierach collection of short stories woven around fishing. If you have not yet read any of his stories you are missing out. If you have you will enjoy this book too

A great book full of observations of people, dogs and landscape plus a bit about fishing too.

Another great read from Gierach!!