This paperback book is everything it's cracked up to be: umpteen tips on tying smarter and faster. The photographs are superb. A. K. still doesn't think much of many modern synthetics, exhibiting a strong preference for natural materials. Although not a professional, I just tie for my own use, this book will save me the purchase price in materials alone, with the time savings a bonus. This is not a recipe book - this is a how to tie in (fill in the blank) material better, more consistently, and quicker.

I found "Another lousy day in Paradise" to be an enjoyable read. The author's command of the English langauge is probably as good as his ability to cast a fly (although I must admit I don't know how good that is, but I assume it to be above average). I found the humour used to my liking and not hindered by the current trend of being politically correct at the expense of a good read. At the same time the book offends no-one but is quite suble at poking fun at the wealthy in general and the rat race in particular. The book is a collection of John's outdoor adventures, undertaken both alone and with a few friends. The book covers a broad range of topics from fly fishing to hunting and many things in between. It is the type of book that can be read more than once as the mood takes one. For any other fans of this style of writing may I recommend two books by the South African Author Tom Sutcliffe ; My way with a Trout, and Reflections on fly fishing. (I hope I have spelt the author's name correctly) I look forward to reading more books by John in the near future. Kind regards, Jeff Hume

Another Day in Paradise was the first of John Gierach's books that I read. After putting it down, I could hardly wait to order another. Having waded through quite a few flyfishing books in which authors try to create highly sophisticated reasons for the sport of flyfishing, it is good to read a book by a man who believes that many people simply fish because it is fun! Gierach writes with the fireside wit of outdoor writer Gene Hill combined with the irreverance of Mark Twain. I have read all of his books of humor, yet I keep a copy of Another Day in Paradise in my car to suffice during those many periods of waiting that occur.

John Gierach is one of the better-known names in the flyfishing literature, and he continues his tradition of lively, entertaining anecdotes in this volume. Although his often-biting tone can get somewhat tiresome, the book nevertheless has some very amusing stories - a couple of them downright hilarious. Although everybody will find aspects of the book worthwhile, anglers (especially flyfisherfolk) will see aspects of themselves reflected here, and laugh heartily

For those of you who are either into flyfishing or looking to begin, this is an entertaining view of the sport that has a number of short stories. These stories are inspiring, humorous, and enducational. It is nice to look up to someone who does the sport for all the right reasons.

My favorite John Gierach book happens to be whichever one I am reading at the time, and this one is a welcome addition to the list...Anyone who reads his books knows he prefers bamboo rods to all others, and this book is attempt to put why into words. It offers a brief history of bamboo rod and somewhat less than comprensive list of current makers of them. (But geez.. try and find the magazine he mentions on your local newstand though! ) No it is not a large detailed book nor will it allow the rank beginner to go out and build himself (or herself) a bamboo rod. (At least I would not want to try it on Gierach's book alone). But what it is is a wonderful, very readable book on a often forgotten piece of fishing equipment that every angler should try once. Like upland hunting with a fine double, fly fishing with a bamboo rod just "feels right". Its an "unexplainable" and no one comes closer to explaining it that John Gierach....

Very readable, as you would expect from gierech.... but also very short. I got the impression he knocked this one out over a cup of coffee. Having said that, it's fired me with the enthusiasm to fish bamboo in the uk. The fillers at the end on bamboo rod builders & dealers are not as complete as a quick search on the net will provide... which is probably exactly what he did.

Worth reading because his enthusiasm & philosophy shines through... but expect to finish reading it in a couple of hours!

Well, i`m a bamboo rodbuilder and also a bookseller. I think Gierach wrote a very good book, for rodbuilders ( also not profs) and for all who like to flyfishing. He tells in short words the history of "bamboo rods" and workmanship. Gierach tells the difference betwen bamboo and "plastic" ( he means graphite rods). Shure, this book has mabye a touch of "golden age", but don`t we all need and live with dreams? Look at the funny,new catalogs of the modern angling industrie - every page a "dream" - and most time not reality! Bamboo rod makers don`t produce for a "mass market", and often work in small places like garages behind her house, an this over decades. And some "big names" are still alive, like the growing numbers of her customers. Yes, this book is sometimes poetic and has no glossy images, but some fine etchings - think thats we call "feeling" - and flyfishing with bamboo is just feeling! Second - books about bamboo rodbuilders are seldom and quick out of stock, this past and present. I think this book will be soon a "Classic".

All I do is fish small streams and this book rules.Anyone who doesn't think so isn't really a small stream person, but someone posing as a fly fisherman while it's a fad.I've been fishing small streams since I could walk and he has hit the heart of the subject perfectly.The book is perfectly balanced with humor,good stories and tons of practical and accurate advice-this is by far his best book-and the best book on the subject-PERIOD!BUY IT!!!!

This is the first of John's books that I have read. He has an easy going way of expressing himself. As I read this book it is almost like being there. One of the most enjoyable books I'v ever read. Looking foward to reading his others.

Not as light hearted, but, a very informative read

Archie and John go fishing. That sums up the book about as well as "a couple of teenagers fall in love" sums up Romeo & Juliet. This collection of short stories is a delightful read and is a worthy addition to any collection.

As far as a comparison with Geirach's other books, this book and Flyfishing Small Stream are unlike the other books written by John Geirach. The others, such as Trout Bum, Dances With Trout and the rest, are collections of interesting, insightful and sometimes humurous essays on various flyfishing topics. These would be enjoyed by flyfishermen and women as well as those who do not fish at all.

However,Flyfishing Small Stream and Flyfishing the High Country are relatively more technical, "how to" types of books geared more towards those with a pre-existing knowledge of flyfishing. Also, if you do not live near the Rockies or plan on going there soon, High Country would have limited relevance to you. Having said that, I love John Geirach's work, I have read all of his essay compilation books and I just enjoyed those more than what I call the "how to" books.