Home Waters: Fishing with an Old Friend: A Memoir

by Joseph Monninger

Book Overview

Joseph Monninger thought the worst when Nellie, his loyal golden retriever, became ill. Home Waters is the story of the road trip that Monninger decided to embark on with Nellie, traveling out West to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767905156
• ISBN13: 9780767905152
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful story of man, dog, life...

In this memoir, author Joseph Monninger recounts a very special fly-fishing trip with his best friend, eleven-year-old Golden Retriever, Nellie. Nellie has been diagnosed with cancer and Monninger decides to let the illness run its course- but not without one last grand encounter with nature. The pair traverse the country by pickup truck- camping, fishing and otherwise enjoying nature and the company of each other. This is a great book for those who fish because there are lots of references to the techniques and joys of fly-fishing.But the touching glimpses of the bond between man and dog, and of dealing with the curves life throws at us, add memorable depth and make this wonderful story of interest to everyone, fisher-person or not.

Touching story of a man and his dog

This is a wonderful story about the relationship between a man and his dog. I've never gone fly fishing but I found the descriptions quite interesting. I felt like I was with Joe and Nellie on their adventues. Very moving! I highly recommend this book to everyone even if you don't have a dog!

Deeply Moving!

This story is a tribute to life and the comfort and fine comapnionship our animals give us. It's also a refreshing read on flyfishing. Monninger's tone is avidly unpretentious. I absolutely loved his flashback on his first fishing experience as a young boy. Another scene that will remain in memory was when he was lobtser fishing with Nellie off the coast of Maine. His description of light, color and bouyancy is marvelous.This is not a book about cancer! In fact, I believe the publishers made an error on the coverleaf of the book when they said she was diagnosed as having cancer. Monninger did not want a diagnosis. Nellie is very much alive, and stays that way.Anyone who pays particular attention to their relationship with animals will be deeply moved by this tremendous story. Home Waters is the best story I've read in years, and to think I almost didn't buy it!

Great book - I couldn't put it down!

I originally bought this book for my sister, who has golden retrievers, but thought I could never read it because I don't fish and I'll cry for sure. We'll I was wrong! I said I would only read a few pages but once I started I couldn't stop.The author has such a wonderful relationship with his dog Nellie and his outlook on life is great. I really enjoyed his descriptions about fishing and thought afterwards maybe this might be something to try. I also loved the fact that he let the fish go after he caught them.One of the most touching parts was when he had Nellie get into his sleeping bag with him so she would stay warm. This man truly loves his dog as much as she loves him.Very well written and I didn't cry after all. I just wonder where Nellie is today.Anyone who loves animals in general will love this book and don't worry about the fishing part. It's a great book!!!P.S. My sister loved it too!! And so will you.

A must read for any pet owner

Not being a fisherman, I wasn't sure if this book was right for me. But, this book isn't really about fishing. It's about a hearfelt relationship between a man and his best friend - a dog. I loved this book and have recommended it to everyone that I know. So far, no one has been disappointed. It's a must read for any pet owner who has a special bond with his/her pet.