This is an unfortunate book. Based on reviews and the very interesting/ moving author bio I had big hopes for this one and it fell short. Middleton is clearly a gifted word-master; however, he fails to present a cohesive novel. The book is billed as both quality nature writing and literature, but in reality it exists in the undefined and, thus, unfortunate space between the two. That is, it falls short of, say, Rachel Carson's social portent, but also of the graceful emotive power of Maclean or Hemingway (both of whom also base novels around fly fishing, for whatever that is worth). Let it be said also that this book succumbs to the most consistent flaw of nature writing--it is often effusive. If you just want to read an account of the good ol' days in the rural south where life consisted of witticisms and outdoor activities, then go for it; otherwise, keep looking.

I finished up The Earth is Enough last night. It left me feeling both sad and at peace. It's a book that's in the niche genre along with the Travers Corners Books in that it's not a pure fly fishing book like a collection of Gierach essays but it's built around a type of fly fishing philosophy and a current of fly fishing is in every part of the book. Like Travers Corners it is also based on a true account with the names of the people and places changed. The author Henry Middleton has a beautifully rich style of writing. This is a story of a child who is sent to live with his eccentric grandfather, great uncle and crazy Indian (Elias Wonder). Their down to earth philosophy runs counter to the wordly progress that the other residents of the town seek. The philosophy of the grandfather and uncle has a beautiful and compelling simplicity that will leave you questioning who we relate to the world.

I picked up a paperback copy of this book on the eve of my daughter's wedding. It was to be something to occupy my mind in between the things that Bride's fathers are required to do before and after the hectic push and pull of a wedding; In the first few chapters I was immediately overcome by the book's characters.

The book reached out to me. Reached into my heart and soul. I related to the childhood loss of a friend, being sent off to be raised (for a time) by my grandparents and meeting odd but colorful old sportsmen who baffled me with their dry wit and country philosophies of life. Although I went through these experiences in Northwestern Connecticut, I could appreciate the descriptions that Harry Middleton provided of the farm, the steam, the fields and woods in which Emerson and Albert molded his young mind.

Although I do not believe this book to be a "flyfishing" book I do believe that one must have experienced the individual early development of the craft to appreciate the words in which Middleton describes his introduction, and early education in flyfishing.

He handles well the loss of his elder mentors, a fact that many of us older sportsman had to deal with and still recall now and then. Upon finishing the book, I realized that had gone through an emotional journey. While reading Middleton's words, I recalled old memories - happy and sad - and when I set the book down I was glad that I had made the choice of this read at this point in my life. It was good to go back in time again, it makes me appreciate all the more what the future will bring.

A must read for an older sportsman!!!!!

Five stars is a modest rating, it deserves ten. This book is what life is all about- simplicity, devotion, respect, and love for those things the earth has given these two old men. Being from this same Ozark mountain area, I have known men like these. It drew me back in time when I was youthful and the simple old men who impacted my life. Thank you Harry Middleton for a journey down memory lane.

I read a lot - probably 3 - 5 books a week and this has to be in the top three books I've come across.

I have bought this as a gift for people not interested in fishing, confident that the style and characterization will carry it through. I have yet to be wrong!

Sam

This is a coming of age story with feelings of simple values and people that are treasures beyond dollar value.

If you are looking for a book on fly-fishing, the prevailing theme, this is not the one to instruct you. If you are looking for a book on the instructions on how to live a peaceful and healing life, try this for a mental bandaid.

But only read this if you love hunting dogs, the outdoors, and exceptional quirky characters who appreciate their habitat and and good fly rods.

This is a coming of age story with feelings of simple values and people that are treasures beyond dollar value.

If you are looking for a book on fly-fishing, the prevailing theme, this is not the one to instruct you. If you are looking for a book on the instructions on how to live a peaceful and healing life, try this for a mental bandaid.

But only read this if you love hunting dogs, the outdoors, and exceptional quirky characters who appreciate their habitat and and good fly rods.

Middleton's memoir of being raised in his early teens by his grandfather and great-uncle is a pleasant, albeit repetitive read. With a keen eye for the Arkansas Ozarks geography, topography and wildlife, Middleton sketches well a boy's joy and enthusiasm at simple life and an appreciation for taking only what one needs from the earth. After a hundred or so pages though, the book and Middleton's writing become just too pushy -- the old men are excessively perfect in their earth-friendly crankiness and everyone else, set up as a contrast to the geezers, gets cast with negative physical characteristics (porcine eyes is a big favorite, as are suspicious glances at everything the old men do). The really unpleasant people are inevitably portrayed as fat. And speaking as someone who is 6'3" and 195 and has no personal axe to grind, isn't it about time to end this reactionary writing habit of describing as fat and slovenly anyone who just doesn't understand or appreciate the protagonist or his/her heroes? It's nothing more than a disgusting slur that applied to any other group would be seen as exactly that.

Middleton's memoir of being raised in his early teens by his grandfather and great-uncle is a pleasant, albeit repetitive read. With a keen eye for the Arkansas Ozarks geography, topography and wildlife, Middleton sketches well a boy's joy and enthusiasm at simple life and an appreciation for taking only what one needs from the earth. After a hundred or so pages though, the book and Middleton's writing become just too pushy -- the old men are excessively perfect in their earth-friendly crankiness and everyone else, set up as a contrast to the geezers, gets cast with negative physical characteristics (porcine eyes is a big favorite, as are suspicious glances at everything the old men do). The really unpleasant people are inevitably portrayed as fat. And speaking as someone who is 6'3" and 195 and has no personal axe to grind, isn't it about time to end this reactionary writing habit of describing as fat and slovenly anyone who just doesn't understand or appreciate the protagonist or his/her heroes? It's nothing more than a disgusting slur that applied to any other group would be seen as exactly that.

This is the best book about flyfishing, love of nature and the human spirit that I have found. The author captures the essence of the love of the out-of-doors, and of the pursuit of the wily trout and the wild turkey. The two old men are truly heroic in all their dimensions, and in their steadfast adherence to the ethic that 'the Earth is enough'. This is a book I keep at my bedside and return to time and time again.

This is the best book about flyfishing, love of nature and the human spirit that I have found. The author captures the essence of the love of the out-of-doors, and of the pursuit of the wily trout and the wild turkey. The two old men are truly heroic in all their dimensions, and in their steadfast adherence to the ethic that 'the Earth is enough'. This is a book I keep at my bedside and return to time and time again.

Middleton served up all the emotions, from the joys of life and nature to the sorrows of death. I pretty much love all books about fly fishing. This one will definitely be added to my "for the love of fly fishing" list. My favorite quote from the book is the one by Uncle Albert, who said, "Take up the fly rod, and the shotgun, and before you know it, you're an outcast, a social leper, rejected by your family, despised by your neighbors, mistrusted by your community....The final question is, should any man turn his back on ambition, profit, security, and a parking place in the city, just to pursue a fish?" That quote pretty much captures the life of Uncle Albert and Grandfather Emerson who were tasked with raising their young relative in the Ozarks of Arkansas. Add a little influence from their half crazy Native American neighbor and you understand where the title comes from. The old fellas loved and praised the earth like Native Americans do. My only complaint with this book is that it was almost too heavy with sadness and I don't handle death well. I much preferred his book, "On the Spine of Time", which was lighter and funnier.

In his foreword, Russell Chatham writes, "It was shortly after reading Harry Middleton's "The Earth is Enough" that I made the decision to give up flyfishing."

If I'd read the book first, I might never have taken up fly fishing. This book almost makes one want to give up reading.

The book is overwritten and under-edited -- like a high school sophomore with a big vocabulary and not enough sense to keep his mouth shut. Belongs in the "Br'er Rabbit Book-of-the Month Club."

I didn't learn much about flyfishing -- or anything else -- from the book and when someone asks what I've read lately, I probably won't remember the book. It really is that bad.

I didn't know anything about this book before ordering. It came up as a suggestion on my Amazon account as a result of my buying several other flyfishing related books. This book is extremely well written in a descriptive, intelligent manner. Even if you have never fly fished in your life, the narrative is inviting, contemplative, warm, intelligent and heart warming. I read alot. This book is high on my list of all time for best book ever read. I encourage you to experience the pleasure and tears this book produces...

I've read a good number of books that deal with the subject of fly-fishing, streams, trout and country living, but I've never read one that makes me see the images of my home; home stream; home woods; home folk, quite the way Middleton does; he is superb.

Middleton's pen works just like the streams and life he writes about; it wanders, meanders, gurgles, sprits, colors and calls: beckons you to come along - regardless of whether you see where you're going or not. You will gladly follow and are generously rewareded for your efforts. Middleton is such an artist in delivery, that one must be patient in order to see the full palette of his work. It is well worth the wait.

The captivation experienced within the color and tale found in Middleton's work, is only the lure for the more meaningful and deep-rooted feelings he exposes and we try so desperately to hide from.

The meaning of words like: home, place, belonging, passion, love, devotion, loyalty and the like are all brought to clarity through Middleton's pen.

Middleton pens the human condition into hues and shades we canot overlook; cannot run from; they envelop you and gracefully force you to look deep into the soul that makes us who we truly are.

This book may be best read after living the first 50 years of ones life; else it's wisdom would most likely be lost. But I surely wish all would read it - at least the first time - early in life, then pick it up again later on; read it again, and drink in the full meaning: drink long and full. If only the simple wisdoms pointed out here could be learned early on ... life would be far more enjoyed, than simply endured.

The rest of Middleton's books are equally salient and soulful reminders of what truly matters in life. And chorus the statement eloquently posited here, "The Earth is Enough"; take care of it, there's only one. When it is gone, it's ALL GONE.

Humor. Tragedy. Beauty and depth. Great characters. Middleton has a wonderful pen. I thought it started out very slow, but the rest was good. This is a story about life. Although there were three of them the old men reminded me of Walter Mathau and Jack Lemmon -they were quite humorous- and Starlight Creek reminded me of a place I go where no one can find me.

If you are a fly fisherman you will connect with the environment here; the ecosystem and oneness of life; the beauty of the landscape and our role in it. Not in the wine sipper's hoity toity way, but in the way of our old grandfathers. Real outdoorsmen. Guys who drove old trucks, wore patched waders and took biscuits with them rolled up in kitchen towels.

If you aren't a flyfisherman perhaps you will be stirred by what it's like to get to the creek at daybreak, with hopes that a trout will rise.

In the preface to a later book, the late Harry Middleton said he was asked by an young student how much of this books were true. His answer was, "More than I want."

This is the story of a young boy growing up in a military family, stationed at a staging area during the Vietnam War. When one of his friends is killed - and Harry badly injured - playing with a grenade they found in the jungle, Harry is packed off to his grandfather, a subsistence farmer in the Ozarks of Arkansas. There, with his grandfather, granduncle and the old American Indian, Elias Wonder, Harry is healed, not just of the trauma of seeing his friend disappear in a "pink mist" but healed as well of a great deal of other things he may not have known ailed him.

As Harry learns the rhythms of the land and the mysteries of Starlight Creek from his grandfather and the irascible Elias Wonder, he grows and the reader grows with him. Like David James Duncan's _The River Why_, this is a book about growing up and coming of age, and flyfishing - that "hopeless addiction to trout and the push of water against your legs" - is simply the author's narrative tool.

Harry must have been a more patient and willing teenager than I was, or perhaps time has colored over Harry's experience, but there is nothing else to criticize. Beautifully written, exceptionally well told, full of life, sadness, humor, death and understanding.

And if flyfishing became an addiction for Harry, that was to haunt him in his later years, well, he was warned and in any event there are far worse fates.