The One That Got Away: A Memoir

Even though I was not going to write a review about this book, the many critiques posted by other reviewers made me pause and then decide to add my thoughts. For the fisherman who has done any amount of fishing, you find that sooner or later, you discuss just about everything on your mind with your fishing buddies. This book does meander over quite a bit of territory, both, literally and figuratively. Howell travels the world to engage in his beloved flyfishing hobby and catch the elusive fish of wherever he lands. He also muses on his career, life, and personal values. The forward and backward in time writing technique seems a little forced sometimes and towards the end it does seem that there has been a little repetition, but, overall this is an interesting book written by a man who has seemingly made peace with himself and life. To any potential readers, if you are a neo-conservative that can't stand a sentence or two of criticism of Fox News and the Bushies, then maybe you should pass. However, if your skin is not so thin, you wonder about what a smart man thinks when in his 50/60's, and you enjoy a fish tale or two, then read this book. The reader is engaging and the story is pretty good.

The sequel to Raine's highly accomplished, insightful, and poignant first memoir, Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis, The One That Got Away fills in the gap between the late eighties and the present, and tracks the occasionally painful arc of the author's professional career and personal life. Compared to Midlife Crisis, the tale is a darker one. Whereas Midlife Crisis had its share of regret, his new memoir has both regret combined with a substantial dose of bitterness, which on occasion gets the better of the author. Still, it's an excellent and in some places truly exceptional piece of work, not lacking in its share of humor, warmth, and wisdom that is clearly hard earned but generously shared. Also, it's simply a pleasure to read such wonderful writing.

Howell Raines writes an incredibly insightful and thoughtful memoir. His descriptive prose is so vivid, and his observations are so accurate that you are "in the moment" from the first paragraphs of the book. A love, or even an understanding of fly fishing is unnecessary in order to understand and appreciate this book. Many people might not like this book because they might be offended by his accurate and unflattering statements about fox news- fox news is not the news, but a right wing propaganda machine. Accurate, although unflattering observations about our present president might also offend some, but the facts are the facts. This book is one of my all time favorite books.

Even readers who have never caught a fish will appreciate Howell Raines' eloquent descriptions of fly fishing and its connection to life. Like Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," Raines' memoir beautifully captures the struggle between man and nature. At the same time, he recounts his love-hate relationship with The New York Times and the events that led to his firing as executive editor in the wake of the Jayson Blair scandal. Raines concludes that being fired was the best thing that could have happened to him because it allowed him to pursue the things that are truly important -- writing books, fishing, and enjoying life with his wife and sons. Let's hope there will be more books like this from Mr. Raines.

Beautifully written by a great writer. Understanding some of life's tougher lessons through the filter of fly fishing. An appreciation of his life and the woman in it. At times very funny and at times politically incisive. Always instructive! Buy this book now.