John Gierach books

[jaybp30]

I just read Trout Bum and loved it. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I should read next. Should I read them in order (if so, what is next) or does it not matter? I went to Borders the other day but they only had one other choice so I couldn't look them over.

[Andrew]

You could read them in any order. Most of them even the chapter order wouldn't matter. If you liked Trout Bum, you'll probably like them all.

The only one I can think of off hand that is somewhat different (a bit more of a "how to" book than the others) is his book on fishing small streams, but it's also very good.

[WhipFish]

I'm with you. I loved Trout Bum. I think the best bang for your buck is Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders. It is a compilation of 6 different books. While it does sample from Trout Bum, five others are included and it is only $2 more than the standard-sized book but is twice the length with a smaller font. Can't beat it.

[Farmy Joe]

The only one I can think of off hand that is somewhat different (a bit more of a "how to" book than the others) is his book on fishing small streams, but it's also very good.

Good Flies is another one on Mr Gierach's "how to" books. I find it interesting to note that with all the recent so called advancements in fly tying materials, this guy refuses to tie his own flies with anyhting other than all natural materials. With the exception of the hook and thread, all his trout fooling creations are fabricated stictly from critter parts.;)

[Jon]

Yes, read them all. (And if you intend to, save your cash and don't buy Death, Taxes...!)

It's relatively interesting to read them in order as the author ages, literally and otherwise.

Another how-to type book is fishing bamboo. Not something I do (mostly because I'd be broke), but well worth a read.

K

[pvansch1]

Contact the fine folks at http://www.southcreekltd.com/
You can order signed copies of his newest books along with signed copies of AK Best's latest book.

[Don]

Whipfishes advice may be true as far as "bang for buck". That was the first Gierach book I bought. However, I regretted that soon thereafter. When I started to read all the rest of his books I would get to a story that was in the anthology and it was kind of a let down to come across something familiar.

Maybe its just me, but when I read a book of stories I like to turn the page and find something I haven't read before. I think the anthology would be good to buy after you've read all the books it anthologizes (is that word?)

I've read most of the books several times, not saying the stories aren't good to read more than once. Just wish I hadn't read Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders first.

Whipfish, I'm glad you recommended it, just presenting another view.

[Jon]

Don - I did exactly the same thing.... Though I've given a few buddies Death, Taxes... as presents to lure them in.

Jon

[Adam Taylor]

I am not the biggest fan but ave just finished reading standing in a river waving a stick...entertaining read

[Todd K]

Look his books up on Borders.com and then check out half.com. I have found them all there for cheap.

[WhipFish]

Whipfish, I'm glad you recommended it, just presenting another view.

Hey Don...I'm with you. I would rather pay a bit more and have the full version of each (which I do). My suggestion was more for the new reader who wasn't sure if the entire library was something that he wanted to conquer but wanted to sample more..and the price is really good.

If you are a reader, get them all. If you like a light piece now and then, get Leaky Waders.

[trouter203]

"Sex, Death, and Flyfishing" was the first Gierach book that I purchased. I was immediately hooked. I own them all and did not read them in any particular order. In regards to his compilations, I don't mind reading the same story twice when it is a good story......and with Gierach, it is always a good story. Secondly, as fishermen we rehash fishing stories amongst ourselves for years and years so I don't see it as a bad thing to read the same Gierach story under two separate covers.
I purchased "Fool's Paradise" back in May to take on a trip to T&C next month. All of this Gierach talk made me break down last night and start the book. How long until his next book comes out?

[murphq]

I just finished Fool's Paradise which I think is his newest one. It was pretty good but its the only one I have read.

[Jon]

Work your way back. They get better.