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A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories
A River Runs Through It and Other Stories
Author: Norman Maclean
From its first magnificent sentence, "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing", to the last, "I am haunted by waters", A River Runs Through It is an American classic. Based on Norman Maclean's childhood experiences, the title novella has established itself as one of the most moving stories of our time; it ...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780226500553
ISBN-10: 0226500551
Publication Date: 4/1/1976
Pages: 217
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 3

3.5 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

pinkcypress avatar reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 86 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book has only two other stories other than "A River Runs Through It" - the first 115 pages are the novel. It is a beautiful story (and the movie barely did it justice).
reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I tend to not like short stories so I couldn't really get into it. If you like short stories, this books has a collection of them.
daojones avatar reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Loved the movie, and always wondered what the book was like. I'll stick with the movie. This is boring stuff. I can see why they made the changes for the film. Had to do something to make it interesting. I couldn't even finish it. Very dull.
dnhowarth avatar reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 174 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The movie was great, in large part because the story is so well-told. Different from the movie and yet able to stand alone as a great read. Includes "Logging and Pimping and 'Your Pal, Jim"{", and USFS 1919: The Ranger, the Cook, and a Hole in the Sky". U of Chicago Press oversize PB published in 1976.
reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The kingdom of heaven and fly fishing

I began with the movie, which I watch religiously every week, no kid. "My father was very sure about certain matters pertaining to the universe. To him, all good things--trout as well as eternal salvation--come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy."
I can see how some may not see what fly fishing has anything to do with religious matters, and what it has to do with art, or grace. But to those who do an activity for its own sake may be able to connect the dots. For me it's a revelation really, to see this kind of dialogue on American soil. I was under the impression one had to travel to China to speak of activities as meditation, or common activities as a prelude to grace.

"Power comes not from power everywhere, but from knowing where to put it on."
That could also be said of the martial arts. And the Maclean clan was saying it many decades before I was born.
Read All 17 Book Reviews of "A River Runs Through It and Other Stories"

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reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 378 more book reviews
A short but good story. Having seen the movie lets me put faces to the characters. Using fly-fishing as a way to talk about life.
As it starts " In our family, there was no clear line between relation and fly fishing."
srfbluemama avatar reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 80 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book immensely. Maclean has a wonderful way of writing that makes me think of my father. This was an enjoyable read, and definitely a classic I'll keep on my personal bookshelf to pass on to my son when he is older.
reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 9 more book reviews
The story of a Montana man, his brother and the way that fly fishing unites them in the midst of personal struggle. A quiet, affecting book.
dennisdemori avatar reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 2 more book reviews
This book is mainly about fly fishing and the author's relationship with his brother.

Reading this book is like reading like poetry, and it's not surprising since one of Maclean's major writing influences was Robert Frost.

Maclean is one of those special authors who is able to write with vivid detail, creating powerful images for his readers.
reviewed A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories on + 8 more book reviews
The main story deals with serious issues through the context of describing a life in the woods and trout streams of Montana.


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