What do you think?
Rate this book
RayAnne Dahl #1
Fishing!
A hilarious saga of fishing, family, and three generations of tough, independent women—the first in a trilogy
Having fled the testosterone-soaked world of professional sport fishing, thirty-something RayAnne Dahl is navigating a new job as a consultant for the first all-women talk show about fishing on public television (or, as one viewer’s husband puts it, “Oprah in a boat”). After the host bails, RayAnne lands in front of the camera and out of her depth at the helm of the show. Is she up for the challenge? Meanwhile, her family proves as high-maintenance as her fixer-upper house and her clingy rescue dog. Her dad, star of the one-season Big Rick’s Bass Bonanza, is on his sixth wife and falling off the wagon and into RayAnne’s career path; her mother, a new-age aging coach for the menopausal rich, provides endless unwanted advice; and her beloved grandmother Dot—whose advice RayAnne needs—is far away and far from well.
But as RayAnne says, “I’m a woman, I fish. Deal with it.” And just when things seem to be coming together—the show is an unlikely hit; she receives the admiration of a handsome sponsor (out of bounds as he is, but definitely in the wings); ungainly house and dog are finally in hand—RayAnne’s world suddenly threatens to capsize, and she’s faced with a gut-wrenching situation and a heartbreaking decision.
First published in 2015 under a pseudonym, this first installment in a trilogy filled with hilarity and heartbreak unspools with the gentle wit and irresistible charm that readers of Sarah Stonich have come to expect. Fishing! eases us into unsuspected depths as it approaches the essential question . . . when should life be steered by the heart, not the rules?
Having fled the testosterone-soaked world of professional sport fishing, thirty-something RayAnne Dahl is navigating a new job as a consultant for the first all-women talk show about fishing on public television (or, as one viewer’s husband puts it, “Oprah in a boat”). After the host bails, RayAnne lands in front of the camera and out of her depth at the helm of the show. Is she up for the challenge? Meanwhile, her family proves as high-maintenance as her fixer-upper house and her clingy rescue dog. Her dad, star of the one-season Big Rick’s Bass Bonanza, is on his sixth wife and falling off the wagon and into RayAnne’s career path; her mother, a new-age aging coach for the menopausal rich, provides endless unwanted advice; and her beloved grandmother Dot—whose advice RayAnne needs—is far away and far from well.
But as RayAnne says, “I’m a woman, I fish. Deal with it.” And just when things seem to be coming together—the show is an unlikely hit; she receives the admiration of a handsome sponsor (out of bounds as he is, but definitely in the wings); ungainly house and dog are finally in hand—RayAnne’s world suddenly threatens to capsize, and she’s faced with a gut-wrenching situation and a heartbreaking decision.
First published in 2015 under a pseudonym, this first installment in a trilogy filled with hilarity and heartbreak unspools with the gentle wit and irresistible charm that readers of Sarah Stonich have come to expect. Fishing! eases us into unsuspected depths as it approaches the essential question . . . when should life be steered by the heart, not the rules?
280 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
29 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Ava Finch
1 book37 followersAva Finch is a pen name used by novelist Sarah Stonich. Fishing With RayAnne is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 30, 2020
Oops, I never came back, but this was a great book!
It’s now called: FISHING
As usual, I have to mull this over a bit before I write my final review. This book is NOT mere "chic lit" my friends; there is too much substance hiding in these pages. It's too well written, clever and witty to be caste in a pile, a heap with others just for a cozy laugh. Yup, I'll be back with bigger and better words to praise this book to the skies. Cheers!
It’s now called: FISHING
As usual, I have to mull this over a bit before I write my final review. This book is NOT mere "chic lit" my friends; there is too much substance hiding in these pages. It's too well written, clever and witty to be caste in a pile, a heap with others just for a cozy laugh. Yup, I'll be back with bigger and better words to praise this book to the skies. Cheers!
May 29, 2020
Women’s fiction is a new genre to me in fact this was probably my first one. RayAnne has an interesting job and a loving family. She’s in her thirties and trying to navigate life. Working on an all-women’s talk show about fishing is a tricky career for any female. The sports world is dominated by men but for RayAnne her stress comes from finding the right women. She’s very involved with her family and her life/the book shows romance isn’t everything.
Fishing has its highs and lows. It makes for a heartfelt read with some comedy and the dynamics of a modern women. Understanding how to fish is just the beginning.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m a sucker for a pretty book cover and this story intrigued me. A talk show for women on sport is an interesting idea especially when not everyone is familiar with the concept.
Fishing has its highs and lows. It makes for a heartfelt read with some comedy and the dynamics of a modern women. Understanding how to fish is just the beginning.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m a sucker for a pretty book cover and this story intrigued me. A talk show for women on sport is an interesting idea especially when not everyone is familiar with the concept.
September 1, 2015
What's not to love about feisty Rayanne and her all women's fishing show on PBS? Ava Finch spins a clever and intriguing tale of young woman trying to find her path in life. It is not easy when she has "new age" mother, a womanizing alcoholic father, an aging grandmother, and boyfriend troubles. FISHING WITH RAYANNE is full of good natured midwestern humor, and plenty of amusing nods to the women's fiction genre. Reel in this 5 star winner for the most entertainment you can catch this fall.
November 16, 2015
I write a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews because I'm very careful before I buy a book to make sure I think I'll enjoy it. So while I get a lot of enjoyment out of what I purchase and share my feelings about them so that others can hopefully read about how I enjoyed the book and find the same pleasure themselves, writing so many 4 and 5 star reviews makes it tough when a book like Fishing With RayAnne comes along.
I want to give this book 10 stars, but I can't, so 5 is the best I can do. This book is incredible. There are parts that will make you laugh, make you cry and make you realize you've learned something along the way. I cannot begin to say how much I just flat out LOVED RayAnne and her gran, Dot. This book has dysfunctional family members that love, dislike, give advice and interact just like many families do and I think it's the very humanness of the book and the characters in general that kept me reading ever faster.
The end of this book came, as I knew it would, but oh my gosh, I just want it to go on. It doesn't matter if you don't like to fish, don't like TV or don't like the politics that are inserted liberally into the story, you will DEVOUR this book if you have any interest in warm, funny, heartbreaking, loving reads about a normal person living life the best they can.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and for that I thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley, BUT I would love this book no matter if it was free or not. I have already purchased it for a few people as gifts and am recommending it on my Facebook page where I discuss books.
I want to give this book 10 stars, but I can't, so 5 is the best I can do. This book is incredible. There are parts that will make you laugh, make you cry and make you realize you've learned something along the way. I cannot begin to say how much I just flat out LOVED RayAnne and her gran, Dot. This book has dysfunctional family members that love, dislike, give advice and interact just like many families do and I think it's the very humanness of the book and the characters in general that kept me reading ever faster.
The end of this book came, as I knew it would, but oh my gosh, I just want it to go on. It doesn't matter if you don't like to fish, don't like TV or don't like the politics that are inserted liberally into the story, you will DEVOUR this book if you have any interest in warm, funny, heartbreaking, loving reads about a normal person living life the best they can.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and for that I thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley, BUT I would love this book no matter if it was free or not. I have already purchased it for a few people as gifts and am recommending it on my Facebook page where I discuss books.
February 15, 2020
3.5 stars. Fishing! is women's fiction about the host of a Minnesota-based women's fishing talk show. RayAnne Dahl interviews women about their lives while she takes them fishing in her boat in northern Minnesota. The show, which airs on public television, becomes a surprise hit, but after a disastrous end of the season, RayAnne isolates herself and becomes depressed (though honestly I never totally understood her reaction--it didn't seem quite proportionate.) Throughout, RayAnne deals with family conflicts, a new dog, and just a hint of potential romance.
This was a nice story, and I loved the concept of the show. While I was really feeling the humorous first half of the book, it veered just a bit off course for me later on in the book, and the ending straddled the line between heartfelt and schmaltzy. But overall an enjoyable read, and if this really is the first in a trilogy, I would be happy to read the next books.
This book was originally published under a pseudonym and different title in 2015, and is being republished now under the author's real name. I'm not sure whether any changes were made, but the political and cultural references felt a bit dated for a book being published in 2020. I couldn't help but wonder if, in the present day, RayAnne's difficult, drunken father might have turned into a red-hatted MAGA cultist, and how that would exacerbate their conflict and change the trajectory of their relationship in the book. But in any case, keep in mind that it's a story taking place in 2014 or 2015, even though there's no notation in the book that it's set in the (recent) past.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice story, and I loved the concept of the show. While I was really feeling the humorous first half of the book, it veered just a bit off course for me later on in the book, and the ending straddled the line between heartfelt and schmaltzy. But overall an enjoyable read, and if this really is the first in a trilogy, I would be happy to read the next books.
This book was originally published under a pseudonym and different title in 2015, and is being republished now under the author's real name. I'm not sure whether any changes were made, but the political and cultural references felt a bit dated for a book being published in 2020. I couldn't help but wonder if, in the present day, RayAnne's difficult, drunken father might have turned into a red-hatted MAGA cultist, and how that would exacerbate their conflict and change the trajectory of their relationship in the book. But in any case, keep in mind that it's a story taking place in 2014 or 2015, even though there's no notation in the book that it's set in the (recent) past.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2020
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I didn't like this book at all. I had to DNF it at 51% because I just couldn't stand it.
The basic premise of the book was what drew me in - funny family-drama & fishing, but that what all I liked.
The main character RayAnne is a thirty-something-year-old fishing show host and has won several prizes in the professional fishing circuit in the past. So, I expected her to be an interesting person and less of an insecure, self-pitying man-hater. Reading the story from her perspective is depressing. I couldn't relate to or like any of her choices and attitudes at all so I just didn't grow to care about her either. Her family is insane but I suppose that was somewhat relatable and it did deliver on this aspect. Oh, and her brother and nephews' scenes were pretty funny actually.
In terms of story, nothing really happens in the first 50% of the book. It was basically just building up to something. This slow pace really affected my reading experience.
The writing is bad. Sometimes paragraphs were just long-running sentences dropping references like there was no tomorrow. Frankly, I wanted to drop this book in the first chapter. It just didn't work for me.
Overall, I just didn't enjoy it. The main character is the main problem for me and I feel like if she had a different personality perhaps I would've enjoyed it more. I don't recommend it.
Honestly, I didn't like this book at all. I had to DNF it at 51% because I just couldn't stand it.
The basic premise of the book was what drew me in - funny family-drama & fishing, but that what all I liked.
The main character RayAnne is a thirty-something-year-old fishing show host and has won several prizes in the professional fishing circuit in the past. So, I expected her to be an interesting person and less of an insecure, self-pitying man-hater. Reading the story from her perspective is depressing. I couldn't relate to or like any of her choices and attitudes at all so I just didn't grow to care about her either. Her family is insane but I suppose that was somewhat relatable and it did deliver on this aspect. Oh, and her brother and nephews' scenes were pretty funny actually.
In terms of story, nothing really happens in the first 50% of the book. It was basically just building up to something. This slow pace really affected my reading experience.
The writing is bad. Sometimes paragraphs were just long-running sentences dropping references like there was no tomorrow. Frankly, I wanted to drop this book in the first chapter. It just didn't work for me.
Overall, I just didn't enjoy it. The main character is the main problem for me and I feel like if she had a different personality perhaps I would've enjoyed it more. I don't recommend it.
November 11, 2015
Love love love.
Rayanne is spunky, lovely and insecure. She's got a seriously dysfunctional family, but her rock is her Gran. I love Gran (Dot). I love Rayanne. I love that amidst all the uncertainty and hullabaloo, she gets a dog. She tries to act like a normal person, but she's not.
My first reaction to this was that it was funny and smart. I mean, there are references here that you might have to look up. There is a ton of information on actual fishing. But even if you don't know a bobber from a lure, you can still enjoy this rollicking little read. It's not *light*, though - don't let the opening fool you. You may cry. You may rail against the injustice of the world. But then, there's Hal, and you can fancast him in your mind and just get on with your day.
Disclaimer: I know the author - the AUTHORauthor, who has written this under a pseudonym. And she gave me an arc of this. I didn't know what to expect. But knowing her earlier work (VACATIONLAND, people!), I was willing to roll with it. But I never promised her a rose garden. I simply loved this book. And I was very thrilled to discover that it is the first in a trilogy!! The second book, called something like Reeling or maybe Reelin', is currently in the works. Couldn't be happier. (Except when I also found that the book Vacationland is also going to be a trilogy. Whaaat? Oh heart be still.)
Rayanne is spunky, lovely and insecure. She's got a seriously dysfunctional family, but her rock is her Gran. I love Gran (Dot). I love Rayanne. I love that amidst all the uncertainty and hullabaloo, she gets a dog. She tries to act like a normal person, but she's not.
My first reaction to this was that it was funny and smart. I mean, there are references here that you might have to look up. There is a ton of information on actual fishing. But even if you don't know a bobber from a lure, you can still enjoy this rollicking little read. It's not *light*, though - don't let the opening fool you. You may cry. You may rail against the injustice of the world. But then, there's Hal, and you can fancast him in your mind and just get on with your day.
Disclaimer: I know the author - the AUTHORauthor, who has written this under a pseudonym. And she gave me an arc of this. I didn't know what to expect. But knowing her earlier work (VACATIONLAND, people!), I was willing to roll with it. But I never promised her a rose garden. I simply loved this book. And I was very thrilled to discover that it is the first in a trilogy!! The second book, called something like Reeling or maybe Reelin', is currently in the works. Couldn't be happier. (Except when I also found that the book Vacationland is also going to be a trilogy. Whaaat? Oh heart be still.)
October 31, 2015
I wasn't sure exactly why I picked this one to read, but I'm really glad that I did. It's kind of a different one. It has a smidgeon of romance, some about being a woman, more about a woman in a career and a LOT about family.
At first I was getting a little aggravated with this girl who was supposed to just supposed to substitute for a while they found a real host. Well this went on for over well than a year and a half and she was on salary, no contract. I like strong female roles, and this one was not living up to my expectation. Then I realized, RayAnne had a little naivety and an inferiority complex and I grew to love her.
While you probably won't believe it, but this was actually a VERY entertaining book and I really enjoyed reading it. There are definitely some quirky characters in here (most of them are the guests on her fishing show) but the looniest of all of them are her parents. I mean, it's really sad when Badger spells out the initials of your father's wives. There were also many humorous moments in here. And yes, there were tears at the end.
It was a book that I could not tell you why I picked it, was glad I did and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks Lake Union and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
At first I was getting a little aggravated with this girl who was supposed to just supposed to substitute for a while they found a real host. Well this went on for over well than a year and a half and she was on salary, no contract. I like strong female roles, and this one was not living up to my expectation. Then I realized, RayAnne had a little naivety and an inferiority complex and I grew to love her.
While you probably won't believe it, but this was actually a VERY entertaining book and I really enjoyed reading it. There are definitely some quirky characters in here (most of them are the guests on her fishing show) but the looniest of all of them are her parents. I mean, it's really sad when Badger spells out the initials of your father's wives. There were also many humorous moments in here. And yes, there were tears at the end.
It was a book that I could not tell you why I picked it, was glad I did and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks Lake Union and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2020
4.5 ⭐️ I read the version titled Fishing with Rayanne by Ava Finch (pen name) as that was available at library. I loved this book...the characters especially Rayanne, her brother and gran, and I loved that she was a fishing show host (described as Oprah on a boat.) Laughed out loud at times and other my heart ached. Really enjoyed this.
November 2, 2015
3.5 Stars Original review at www.125pages.com
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Fishing with RayAnne was good, not great. Our main character, RayAnne, has a philandering alcoholic father, a mother who leads menopause retreats and a job that, even after a year, is still considered temporary. RayAnne is also a woman that just needs to get her shit together. She is afraid to look at her bills, look at her work correspondence, she hides her phone in a drawer and she generally made me want to shake some sense into her. The first half of the book whipped by with little backstory and lots of questions. The pacing slowed and the character exploration grew in the second half and that’s where it got good. It would have been a much better read if some of the plot elements from the second half were introduced in the first half so confusion was abated. But this was not a bad book. Fishing with RayAnne was a step above average due to the incredibly detailed and fantastic supporting cast; the goth showrunner, the crazy nephews, the love interest and the parents were the shining stars of this book. If I had not wanted to smack the main character and tell her to put her big girl panties on and deal with life I would have liked the book more. Now, I know that was the plot line, but making a successful woman seem childish just rubs me the wrong way. There are other ways to move a plot than to do “poor helpless me”. That said the world created was very real and the second half of the books pacing was spot on.
Favorite lines – “There was something the Birkett twins had said, something she’d thought enough of to paraphrase in pink chalk on the kitchen hall blackboard. Choose who you are. Kira had said, “We didn’t choose how we are…” and Kit finished, “but at least we can choose who we are.” This directive confronts RayAnne every time she bangs in the back door, and for as much as it sounds like something her mother might say, she has to admit, it can’t hurt to try. She will choose who she is, now that she has the time to figure out how.”
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Fishing with RayAnne was good, not great. Our main character, RayAnne, has a philandering alcoholic father, a mother who leads menopause retreats and a job that, even after a year, is still considered temporary. RayAnne is also a woman that just needs to get her shit together. She is afraid to look at her bills, look at her work correspondence, she hides her phone in a drawer and she generally made me want to shake some sense into her. The first half of the book whipped by with little backstory and lots of questions. The pacing slowed and the character exploration grew in the second half and that’s where it got good. It would have been a much better read if some of the plot elements from the second half were introduced in the first half so confusion was abated. But this was not a bad book. Fishing with RayAnne was a step above average due to the incredibly detailed and fantastic supporting cast; the goth showrunner, the crazy nephews, the love interest and the parents were the shining stars of this book. If I had not wanted to smack the main character and tell her to put her big girl panties on and deal with life I would have liked the book more. Now, I know that was the plot line, but making a successful woman seem childish just rubs me the wrong way. There are other ways to move a plot than to do “poor helpless me”. That said the world created was very real and the second half of the books pacing was spot on.
Favorite lines – “There was something the Birkett twins had said, something she’d thought enough of to paraphrase in pink chalk on the kitchen hall blackboard. Choose who you are. Kira had said, “We didn’t choose how we are…” and Kit finished, “but at least we can choose who we are.” This directive confronts RayAnne every time she bangs in the back door, and for as much as it sounds like something her mother might say, she has to admit, it can’t hurt to try. She will choose who she is, now that she has the time to figure out how.”
November 12, 2015
Loved this book right up until the very end, when it pulled hard on my heartstrings and I ended up bawling like a baby (which I hate). I couldn't subtract a star for it, though, because it was consistent with the story and was therefore believeable instead of manipulative.
RayAnne is a fisherwoman (fisherperson?) who formerly competed on a competitive fishing circuit. She was hired as the fishing consultant on a TV talk show (think Oprah, except they're on a fishing boat), but because the original host quit, she's been appointed the temporary replacement. She and her producer find interesting guests, and talk to them about their accomplishments while fishing.
It's an unusual premise, but one that hooked me easily. (Pun intended). The backdrop of fishing could have been expanded a little more, but I found it pleasant and interesting. And RayAnne's family is full of characters, from a slightly has-been, alcoholic father to twin-terror nephews to a completely hippie-dippy mother, all of which add up to a somewhat frenetic family life that contrasts nicely with the peaceful semi-solitude of RayAnne's fishing boat.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
RayAnne is a fisherwoman (fisherperson?) who formerly competed on a competitive fishing circuit. She was hired as the fishing consultant on a TV talk show (think Oprah, except they're on a fishing boat), but because the original host quit, she's been appointed the temporary replacement. She and her producer find interesting guests, and talk to them about their accomplishments while fishing.
It's an unusual premise, but one that hooked me easily. (Pun intended). The backdrop of fishing could have been expanded a little more, but I found it pleasant and interesting. And RayAnne's family is full of characters, from a slightly has-been, alcoholic father to twin-terror nephews to a completely hippie-dippy mother, all of which add up to a somewhat frenetic family life that contrasts nicely with the peaceful semi-solitude of RayAnne's fishing boat.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2015
I LOVED this book, which is beautifully written with great heart and real feeling. Rayanne, her grandmother Dot, her mother Bernadette, father Ray, brother Ky (and his wife/sons)=- and most of all Rory the dog are all people I'd like to know and spend time with. Finch has thoughtfully drawn great vignettes for the guests on RayAnne's show (I wish there really was such a thing). THanks SO much to LAke Union and Netgalley for the ARC, which I savored. Highly recommend.
February 10, 2016
This was light reading...I found it quite enjoyable, made me laugh out loud, as well as cry! The concept of a female fishing show host in Minnesota on PBS was entertaining to start with, I thought....and I'm always a sucker for quirky, authentic Midwestern characters. Hope the author will write a sequel, as I want to know what happens next in RayAnne's life....
November 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lovable and feisty, RayAnne hosts her own fishing show, interviewing edgy (and not so edgy) guests. With a touch of romance involved, and some memorable characters, this was an enjoyable read. Recommended.
Lovable and feisty, RayAnne hosts her own fishing show, interviewing edgy (and not so edgy) guests. With a touch of romance involved, and some memorable characters, this was an enjoyable read. Recommended.
April 20, 2017
Absolutely wonderful book!!
I fell in love with the characters! This is a great book to curl up and read by yourself but even better to read with a book club!
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I fell in love with the characters! This is a great book to curl up and read by yourself but even better to read with a book club!
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
May 23, 2020
I had trouble reading this book, it just didn’t grab me. There was almost too much humor to the point of distraction. I am being generous with three stars. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and I thank the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 22, 2016
Fishing with RayAnne is delightful. You will laugh out loud (perhaps even snort).
November 25, 2015
Totally loved this book. What a fund read. I received this book through goodreads.
May 15, 2025
I really wanted to like this as a woman angler from Minnesota but it was just kind of boring and predictable.
July 13, 2025
an interesting book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading others by this author.
October 9, 2023
3.5 solid stars for this book.
June 11, 2023
Really good balance between heartfelt and light-hearted. Loved RayAnne's character and all of the supporting cast too!
June 15, 2017
Joyful Laughter, with a chance of Tears
I think that the best manner in which to describe this novel, is that it is about life, "warts and all" as Dot would say. Ms. Finch manages to capture all of the beauty and chaos, the awkwardness, humor, anxiety, sadness, and hope that every Human Being faces along this strange journey. And it is all, amazing.
As the novel begins, the reader has the impression that the focus is on the trials and tribulations that RayAnne faces in working on her Public Access TV show, and the uncertainty of a life that is lived outside of the nine to five norm. But, as the novel unfolds, the reader becomes aware that there is much more beneath the surface, and that calm waters not only run deep, but can also hide the strong turbulence of family dysfunction, unspoken hurt, and a beauty that may only be witnessed in owning these factors and ultimately embracing them.
I know that I gush about many of the books I review, but this one is a definite keeper. Perhaps it is just the timing of it all, as I always trust the perfect book arrives in my hands at the perfect time. As RayAnne herself states, "You're timing isn't so bad". The timing of this novel is perfect, and I hope that other readers will laugh and cry and laugh again, throughout this wonderfully honest and deeply moving piece of literature.
I think that the best manner in which to describe this novel, is that it is about life, "warts and all" as Dot would say. Ms. Finch manages to capture all of the beauty and chaos, the awkwardness, humor, anxiety, sadness, and hope that every Human Being faces along this strange journey. And it is all, amazing.
As the novel begins, the reader has the impression that the focus is on the trials and tribulations that RayAnne faces in working on her Public Access TV show, and the uncertainty of a life that is lived outside of the nine to five norm. But, as the novel unfolds, the reader becomes aware that there is much more beneath the surface, and that calm waters not only run deep, but can also hide the strong turbulence of family dysfunction, unspoken hurt, and a beauty that may only be witnessed in owning these factors and ultimately embracing them.
I know that I gush about many of the books I review, but this one is a definite keeper. Perhaps it is just the timing of it all, as I always trust the perfect book arrives in my hands at the perfect time. As RayAnne herself states, "You're timing isn't so bad". The timing of this novel is perfect, and I hope that other readers will laugh and cry and laugh again, throughout this wonderfully honest and deeply moving piece of literature.
May 2, 2016
Unfortunately, I listened to this book on Audible. And with the exception of one other book, I have never disliked a reading performance more than this one. It was awful. This cynical ironic voice reading in a annoying jilted slowness. Did I already say it was awful? Because it was.
I am CERTAIN, that if I had actually read this book, I would have been more generous with the rating. As it stands, however, I could not separate the two. I did see (hear) writing and voice that I would normally admire; cool comparisons and literary observations... With that said, though, the plot/flow of the book baffled me: starting with a fishing show and ending with minutia detail of her grandma with some time in the middle spent on romance -- or lack thereof. Plus, RayAnne just drove me plain bonkers. I think I was supposed to feel sorry for her, but by then end I was rolling my eyes and yelling at her.
But again, to be fair, I think I was yelling more at the Audible reader than RayAnne. *I THINK*
I am CERTAIN, that if I had actually read this book, I would have been more generous with the rating. As it stands, however, I could not separate the two. I did see (hear) writing and voice that I would normally admire; cool comparisons and literary observations... With that said, though, the plot/flow of the book baffled me: starting with a fishing show and ending with minutia detail of her grandma with some time in the middle spent on romance -- or lack thereof. Plus, RayAnne just drove me plain bonkers. I think I was supposed to feel sorry for her, but by then end I was rolling my eyes and yelling at her.
But again, to be fair, I think I was yelling more at the Audible reader than RayAnne. *I THINK*
January 2, 2016
A mix of behind the scenes of reality tv and good ole fishing! Rayanne comes from an interesting family - a mother who takes women on spiritual journeys as menopause hits and a father who has made a code word to remember all the names of his past wives. Rayanne has relied solely on herself with the help of her grandmother as a sounding block.
I loved the show concept, a talk show while fishing with women who have done extraordinary things. I loved that fishing took the guests out of their comfort zone and almost made them talk more openly.
What shined throughout this book was the characters. They were full and complete and just so fun to get to know! From page one I loved Rayanne but all the characters that surrounded her were just fantastic.
I loved this debut from Ava Finch and I am putting her on my author to watch list.
I loved the show concept, a talk show while fishing with women who have done extraordinary things. I loved that fishing took the guests out of their comfort zone and almost made them talk more openly.
What shined throughout this book was the characters. They were full and complete and just so fun to get to know! From page one I loved Rayanne but all the characters that surrounded her were just fantastic.
I loved this debut from Ava Finch and I am putting her on my author to watch list.
January 28, 2016
Loved this fun read. RayAnne Dahl is a thirty something single woman living in Minneapolis, MN. She has sort of fallen into guest hosting a fishing based all women's talk show produced for public television and filmed in Northern Minnesota. She has a background in fishing, not broadcasting, and she isn't really sure how to handle the T.V. people, the sponsors or all the unasked for advice she keeps getting from her family. The writing style reminds me of Lorna Landvik's" Patty Jane's House of Curl" and Fannie Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe." There are terrific characters, lot's of dis-functional family drama and plenty of humor. The end of the book will probably leave you crying but don't let that stop you from reading this book.
April 17, 2020
At its core, Fishing! is a love story but not in the simplistic way we typically categorize love stories. It is a love story to history, family, self, and the stories we are birthed from.
Stonich’s dip into “chick-lit” genre comes out beautifully: this story manages to be lighthearted and laugh-out-loud funny while still being written with care. Stonich’s handle on language is divine. What doesn’t change in Stonich’s writing is her characters are alive and layered. They come to life on the page. And, for dedicated Stonich fans, you’ll appreciate the guest appearances from the world of Vacationland.
Rayanne is as real as friends in my life, with all her quirks, and she manages to steal your heart. Befriend her!
Stonich’s dip into “chick-lit” genre comes out beautifully: this story manages to be lighthearted and laugh-out-loud funny while still being written with care. Stonich’s handle on language is divine. What doesn’t change in Stonich’s writing is her characters are alive and layered. They come to life on the page. And, for dedicated Stonich fans, you’ll appreciate the guest appearances from the world of Vacationland.
Rayanne is as real as friends in my life, with all her quirks, and she manages to steal your heart. Befriend her!
April 26, 2020
This book is only 3 years old, how did I not know about it? A really charming story written by one of my favorite authors, it would have been on the top of my list had I known. Funny, with a relatable heroine, it starts out laugh out loud funny and then turns into a cry fest. But at the same time I’m crying, it’s with a smile. I love how Sarah Stonich (writing as Ava Finch) can breathe such life into her characters that you care about them so much. And someone should take note, if there was a tv show like Fishing with Rayanne, I would watch it. Even better, would be for someone to develop this as a movie or series. Somebody get this book to Reese Witherspoon!
May 7, 2016
I loved this story! Contemporary setting, sassy RayAnne and her flawed but wonderful family, both laugh out loud humor and vividly depicted angst, great writing--all made this a much better than average read. Debated between 4 and 5 stars. Would make a good beach read because it's not a book that takes a lot of work to access, but the excellent writing and great story make it well worth the time and a satisfying read.
December 27, 2015
What a fun book! Share the trials and travails with RayAnne as she navigates her family, personal, and professional life with spunk. The characters in this novel are fully developed, and RayAnne is honest and flawed--just like the rest of us. Finch must have done some amazing research, as the book is filled with details about fishing. I highly recommend this whirlwind boat ride of a book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews