The Mulligan

I enjoyed this book more than any novel I've read in the past few years. I found myself rooting for a downtrodden middle aged man who was alone and searching for his identity. This was a long story, but when it was over I was disappointed, I miss the characters! It was a great read, I hope there's a sequel coming!

A great story, well told! The story is all too common, a middle aged man who's unhappy and unfulfilled in his career and his marriage. But Jorgenson's treatment of protagonist Joe Mix's story is so insightful. I can't think of many other authors who can bring readers to tears, then have them holding their sides with laughter several pages later. This story flowed in three seamless parts. In the first third of the book, Dr. Joe Mix comes to realize that the reason for his unhappiness is that he's led his life trying to live up to the expectations of others. During the middle third, Mix learns that the alternate destiny he thought he'd abandoned years earlier held nothing for him either. In the end, he finds his own way. Jorgenson's insights and descriptions create well drawn characters that remind me of Lonesome Dove.

The Mulligan does not disappoint fans of Jorgenson's first novel, Waiting for White Horses. Though the two stories are very different, the characters in both are memorable and endearing. We care about them, and they make us want more. This book was recently selected as an Iowa Great Lakes Reads title, meaning that the libraries and bookstores of several communities partnered to promote widespread reading and discussion of the novel. A program that has promoted two titles per year for the last several years; this was by far the most successful to date! Over 80 people attended the author's visit and many, many more have enjoyed the books. You've heard about the plot in other reviews. What a summary can't tell you is that people from all walks of life are able to relate to this book. This, and Jorgenson's first book, are a "sure thing" recommendation. Enjoy!

Joe Mix lives out the fantasy of all those people who look around their lives and don't recognize themselves in it - he finally takes action. Leaving all the trappings of his old life behind, he strikes out on his own with one suitcase, a beat-up truck and a lifetime of frustration and regret. Joe's journey leads him across the northern plains - to a ranch, a fly-fishing shop and ultimately to himself. This book was a pleasure to read - Jorgenson's story is poignant and touching. I sincerely felt the pain, regret, courage, wonder and joy in the book. However, my favorite element was the characters - they are so lively and memorable that I missed them when the book ended. For all of those people who haven't yet experienced Jorgenson's rich writing full of colorful characters, hilarious incidents, tear-jerking moments and overall great stories - the Mulligan is a great place to start.

The Mulligan is one of those books that as soon as you finish, the first thing you do is get extra copies and send them to your family and friends. I consider myself a tough guy, but this book had me crying - on a plane no less. I also laughed so hard in several places that I couldn't hold onto the book. This book is genuine. The pain, the joy, the confusion and the clarity are so real. Jorgenson took a great story and then added the human emotions that everyone has felt - on the best and worst days. I highly recommend The Mulligan (and his first book, Waiting for White Horses) to anyone with a heartbeat. Clint Greenleaf, CEO of Greenleaf Book Group