Recently my father’s health as took a turn, and he can no longer reader. I’ve started reading to him. The books I’m reviewing today are the first two books I’ve read to him.
Headwaters is all about fishing and freshwater/saltwater fish conservation. It focuses on the steelhead trout population, as well as salmon. The author’s writing style is charming and personable, an affectionate collection of tall tales coupled with the authors concern for the future of fish.
I enjoyed the author’s tall tales the most. While it never quite stretches into the surreal, you can tell the author embellishes the stories somewhat. Whether in his adventures to Russia or Argentina or Japan or Cuba, these stories are well told and enthralling. I enjoyed how the author discussed raising his kids to be avid conservationists as well as fishermen, as well as discussing a failing marriage in the context of fishing.
The discussions of the authors worries for the future of fish populations was raw and worrying. It focused most on the dangers which hatchery fish have on wild fish population, but it also mentions how dams destroy fish navigating rivers, as well as pollution caused by city runoff. I enjoyed how the author focused on his efforts towards coordinating with other conservationists, and making change.
Goodreads for Ghost Town Treasures
This is a shorter book, about using a metal detector to find treasures in ghost towns. I thought it was neat, but only read about half of it. It’s not badly written, it’s just not what my dad and I are interested in reading.
John Mendez- Book Reviews and More 