The Love Hunter

I chose this book because I recently read "Grand Opening" by Jon Hassler. "Grand Opening" was a very good read. This story in this book could have been told in half as many pages. It had a great theme but there was too much filler about hunting. I made myself finish the book because I wanted to see how it ended but it was a slow read. After a few pages I was bored and put it down.

Hassler breathes fresh life into two of literature's weariest clichés: the lovers' triangle and the suffering of mortal illness. Because he handles these subjects with a lightness of touch and firm structural craftsmanship, the result is realistic yet never maudlin, insightful though not preachy. An honest read with delightfully quirky characters.

This is an intelligent,literate book that I would highly recommend. The writing is excellent and the story is compelling. Mr. Hassler is one of our best contemporary writers, in my opinion. His characters are so convincing and the dialogue is just as people actually speak. I particularly enjoy his observations on everyday life situations that we all face. This book has everything from laugh-out-loud comedy (Blackie LaVoi and the entire hunting camp fracas) to tragedy, and everything in between. It deals with love, jealously, and selfishness contrasted with selflessness. The characters will in turn infuriate you and then endear themselves, but at all times they are real and believable and human. This is the third novel by Mr. Hassler I have read, and I also recommend Simon's Night and Grand Opening.

It has been a while since I've read this book, but it was so good I intend to read it again, even with all the others I have waiting on the shelf. LOVE HUNTER was the first Jon Hassler novel I had the pleasure of reading, and with it I discovered one of my favorite authors. Mr. Hassler has a special way of developing characters so you somehow feel connected to them. In the case of Love Hunter, the reader can sense the anguish felt by Chris as he witnesses his friend Larry's losing battle with MS. Chris also struggles with his growing love for Larry's wife. Together, Chris and Larry attempt to continue an annual tradition which will soon cease to be. (gdm)