Another Lousy Day in Paradise and Dances with Trout

by John Gierach

Brilliant, witty, perceptive essays about fly-fishing, the natural world, and life in general by the acknowledged master of fishing writers.“Good fishing and good writing use the same skills,” writes John Gierach, “whether you’re after a trout or a story, you won’t get that far with brute force. You’re better off to watch, wait, and remain calm…letting it all happen, rather than trying to make it happen.” As the wry and perceptive essays in Another Lousy Day in Paradise prove, Gierach knows his writing as well as his fishing.Paradise, Gierach shows us, is relative; it can be found in the guilty luxury of fishing private waters or when one is soaked to the skin, in a small canoe on a big lake in a storm a hundred miles from anywhere, exhilarated after a day’s fishing. There are also pleasures to be found in unexpected solitary fishing trips, fishing for less-appreciated fish like carp, or meeting a guide who at first seems like an inarticulate ax murderer but who proves to be a “Zen master among fishing guides.” The point is to let things unfold as they will—because after all, says Gierach, “Basically, the world is a big, dumb trout, and you’re a fisherman with all the time in the world.” As Gierach fans know, this is a description of paradise.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Outdoors, Sports, Philosophy, Memoir

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

John Gierach was an American author and freelance writer who lived in Larimer County, Colorado.

Reviews

[Ayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gierach casts numerous witty, entertaining, and subtly humorous stories that will have the experienced angler cracking up at any time as they explore the journies of a fly-casting river addict in "Another Lousy Day in Paradise". Recounting some of his many great adventures, Gierach delves into a world of acutely fine and simultaneously broad details about his life as a traveler, angler, and fly fishing connoisseur. His precise description of certain flys and other more minute details may be better suited for avid anglers, and less so for the aspiring beginners of this practical art. Gierach beautifully interweaves the vividness of nature with the usually disenchanted virtue of patience and stillness, highlighting the wonders that can be observed when truly observing from a quiet mindset. He glorifies his transcendentalist virtues while inwardly reflecting on his own desires and grievances as he experiences life from the outside-in.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It's just Another Lousy Day in Paradise for acclaimed author and self-proclaimed trout bum John Gierach as he writes about the agonies and ecstasies of the fishing life in this collection of witty, perceptive essays. 'Good fishing and good writing use the same skills,' says Gierach. 'Whether you're after a trout or a story, you won't get far with brute force. You're better off to watch, wait and remain calm ... letting it all happen, rather than trying to make it happen.' Whether he's weighing the pleasures and deprivations of fishing solo, contemplating the guilty pleasures of fishing on private water, or recounting the perils of trying to get a fishing rod case past airport security, this is John Gierach at his best."
~~back cover

It was nice to vicariously experience the trials and tribulations and victories of fly fishing. I'm not a fisherman but I enjoy reading about being one, for the scenery as much as the actual fishing.

[Jeremy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I didn’t want to go fly-fishing when I started this book, I certainly do now. Gierach brings to light the magic in the sport. It’s something that I, personally, love to do and his thoughts on the subject are truly entertaining and insightful.

[Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not being a fly fisherman/person or hunter, really enjoyed this book and promptly purchased a few others, curious to see the changes over the decades. An easy read and interesting snapshot into a point in time.

[Chris Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wider ranging than his earlier books but the quality is the same. Simple my favourite fishing and outdoor writer.

[Jeff Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired the title for my own book.
Great read as always.

[Anthony Whitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big trout fisherman, but you don't have to fish for trout to be a fan of the author. His style takes you places you've never been and that's why I read.

[Mark Loring · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book

[izrtkfliers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might have slightly preferred this over Trout Bum.

[Don Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on tales on fly fishing..

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une rencontre ratée, pour moi.
J'avais bien aimé "Traité du zen et de la pêche à la mouche", du même auteur, j'y avais trouvé de la poésie, de la tendresse pour les rivières à truites, les insectes du matin et le café préparé à l'eau du ruisseau.
Dans "journée pourrie..." je trouve les anecdotes trop techniques. Peut-être, trop anecdotiques. J'ai eu du mal à la lire (20 jours!) alors que je livre n'est pas épais.
John Gierach c'est bien une fois, mais visiblement deux c'est trop.

[Mélanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un livre probablement très intéressant pour les pêcheurs à la mouche. Bien que je ne suis pas adepte, j'y ai trouvé un certain plaisir, comparable à s'intéresser avec ouverture et curiosité à une personne réellement passionnée par xyz. J'ai aussi apprécié le rythme lent de la narration. Toutefois, ce livre n'a pas beaucoup de qualité littéraire et la traduction semble plutôt moyenne.

[John Pappas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even people that don't fly fish will enjoy this book. Gierach in my opinion is the best fishing writer working today, and in this book he gives you some very entertaining and enlightening true stories.

[Marty Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this guy!

[Ron Patch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another classic fishing read.

[Steve Egger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome philosopher.

[Jared]

Sweet stories as always.

[Tom Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical John Gierach. Good reading. The more I read the more I get to know him.