The Next Valley Over: An Angler's Progress

by Charles Gaines

A fishing travelogue by the author of Pumping Iron and Stay Hungry takes a hard look at the basic drives and behaviors that drive people to fish. Reprint. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Stephen Morefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful collection of fishing stories! Charles is not only a fantastic writer, he's also a man of shockingly varied talents and interests. These stories make you feel like a co-traveler on his fishing expeditions- expeditions where the company and the menu feature as much as the fish. While this book is not kid-friendly (some wild stories from the 70's) and while I'd probably disagree with Charles about quite a few things, I'd sure love the chance to cast a line with him and listen to his incredible stories.

[john a allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this in a discount book store in a mall, and what a fine it was. I have it 5 stars because it won't let you give 10. If you have ever picked up a fly rod, you owe it to yourself to read this. No spoilers from me, just get the book.

[Danny Hampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Gaines goes beyond the world of just fishing in this collection of autobiographical stories and uses the sport as a catlyst for personal discovery and a look into the human psyche. Gaine's writing style has such a unique voice and tone that he easily takes the reader from one adventure to the next. However, no mattter how great the action of a story is he still manages to make deeper correlations the human experience . "The Next Valley Over" to Gaines' is not just the next fishing spot but the next lesson and higher understanding of life.

[James Windale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone interested in exotic locales in fishing. There's a lot of sentimental reflection of the author's own bonding experiences concerning his father and his children. A fantastic book if you're a fishing aficionado.

[Endira77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly enjoyable, more on each page, sad it had to end.