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Le Paradis d'un fou
Composé de cet inimitable mélange de spiritualité et de sagesse qui a fait de John Gierach le plus reconnu de tous les écrivains-pêcheurs, Le Paradis d’un fou relate la vie du pêcheur dans ses moments les plus glorieux (la prise de votre plus gros poisson) comme les plus misérables (être coincé sous sa tente pendant l’orage du siècle). Et dans le monde de Gierach, ces deux expériences sont aussi enrichissantes qu’inévitables.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2008
15 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
John Gierach
40 books234 followersJohn Gierach was an American author and freelance writer who lived in Larimer County, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 17, 2013
This is another noteworthy book in the Gierach series. His stories in "Trout Bum" and "Sex, Death, and Fly-Fishing" got me hooked years ago, and I am happy to see he is still producing an occasional book.
His fishing advice is always good but more important for me is to try and emulate his fishing philosophy. If you fish you will enjoy his books.
His fishing advice is always good but more important for me is to try and emulate his fishing philosophy. If you fish you will enjoy his books.
March 4, 2023
I want to like Gierach, I really do. I’m like 4 books deep and accepting the fact that I just don’t really get it. His writing is good enough and surely he’s a smart, well-read guy, but I’m never sure what I’m really supposed to take away from his books - if there is anything? I honestly don’t know. He has written dozens of books and they all follow the same format - a rather disjointed recount of his travels, told very matter-of-factly, leaving very little for the reader. There’s no philosophy or even suspense built in, it’s just…stories. People obviously really enjoy him, but as someone who reads primarily outdoor literature, I don’t get the draw.
July 8, 2024
I received this book as gift from a high school friend (thanks Jeff,) so I was compelled to read it, even if I am not a fisherman. Gierach is a fly fisherman, a style of fishing I am attracted to because of the grace and elegance I have seen watching the fisherman perform their craft. I enjoyed reading book especially Gierach's observations while he is in the forest or river fishing. Gierach takes in all that is around him, noticing the flowers and different bird calls. As a non fisherman I was a little lost with all the different types of rods and flies ( a great first fishing lesson) but as I read deeper I felt the peace Gierach feels when he is immersed in the life of the Earth
March 14, 2023
Fool's Paradise follows the same formula as all the previous John Gierach books, and I have read all of them chronologically. In this installment I particularly liked the chapters titled Trips, Creeks, Road Books, Flowers and Winter. These were stories and narratives that I could easily relate to. I am slowly catching up with the advancement in technology, and not surprisingly John eschews most of it. Only four more books remain for my consumption, and I eagerly look forward to them.
March 13, 2011
I like John Gierach’s writing. I have read most if not all of his books. Some are more instructional than others, but they all follow a similar formula – a collection of not necessarily related and not necessarily progressing stories, numbered as chapters, about experiences John has had while on, or going to, or coming from, or planning for, or decompressing from, or planning to go on, fishing trips (well, and maybe a tiny bit of hunting). Most of the stories include one or more of a usual cast of characters; Johns fishing buddies.
John is a fly fisherman. Seeking primarily trout and salmonids in his travels in, on and around some of their most storied homes; a list of which would impress and bring tears to the eyes of all but the most die hard bullhead fisherman, he is not quite however, the Orvis vest wearing trout snob. He drives a beat-up pickup, cartops his beat up boat and he has a soft spot for bass and northern pike both of which, when taken on the fly can cause you to wonder why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. In addition, John is a great curmudgeon, possibly even loveable. He cares about the environment, carefully releases many of his fish, has a distaste for tournament fishermen, crowds and showboats, likes a good road trip and drinks a lot of coffee. For these reasons, I like him. He sounds a lot like me.
His treatise on the bamboo fly rod, “Fishing Bamboo” is required reading for all of us who count the fly rod in our weaponry and take it’s history and development seriously or even those who aren’t as serious about it, but wonder why the hell someone would pay gobs of money for a century old piece of cane and subject it to the risks inherent in using it for what it was designed.
My only gripe with John, and from time to time I find myself rolling my eyes, is when he ventures into politics or “big business”. For some reason, his distaste for Republicans seems to have been formulated some time in the 60’s, possibly from being whacked on the head during a sit-in or maybe he holds a grudge for Nixon. He seems to not realize that over the years, there has been no shortage of “stupid” on either side of the aisle and that both parties have done much that is not necessarily in the best interests of the environment. Moreover, while admittedly having attended only a “handful of meetings” in his entire life and allegedly having had only a very short gig as a bike messenger in New York City, confirming since then only to being employed as a self proclaimed “trout-bum” and apparently actually working only when he needs to kick out a book for some money to fish – he seems to harbor an odd vitriol for people who work in mainstream jobs and the companies that employ them. He regularly brings up the specter or straw man of “big business” when lamenting a changing world – sometimes it seems as if he thinks that Colorado should have closed the gates after he arrived. This seems to be related to his political leanings and just seems to resonate with some old 60’s mantra. I would like to think that after having had all this time to reflect and fish in so many wonderful places meeting all sorts of wonderful people that he would have gotten over it – whatever it is. But hey, who’s perfect?
Back to this book, “Fools Paradise”- This one follows the Gierach formula. It is an easy read, a fun read for fellow fisherman. You will find yourself giggling out loud (embarrassing while sitting next to the wife on an airplane), and shaking your head in agreement with many of John’s acerbic comments and witty sidebar remarks as he takes you through his adventures. As always, his introspective thoughts on the places and situations he finds himself in, paints a picture that makes you feel as if you are there with him. His minds eye records things most of us would have missed.
I found chapter (15)-Labrador to be particularly poignant. Here John philosophizes about being stranded in what appears to be a fishing utopia – (can’t do nothing wrong) – and he finds that in the absence of having to do the usual routines necessary to hunt for and fool or trick fish into biting, the process loses its urgency and your actions seem more like a thoughtless assembly line job – it gets boring.
More importantly, just as in his other books, many passages throughout this one serve well to instruct students of the fly rod in all related subject matter, from fly selection and etymology to rod action, leader construction, casting techniques and lessons on fish habitat, customs and physiology. You can also pick up some good camping tips along the way too – check out the “egg shell coffee”.
John is good at showing you what not to do sometimes as well and his self effacing manner makes you empathize to the point of embedding the lesson in your memory. You may find yourself choosing a campsite or peering into some fast moving waters while wearing your waders and suddenly something clicks in your head and you wonder aloud – “Hey, didn’t somebody tell me about something like this?”
While a good read anytime, this is a great book to have in your gear bag for those days stuck in camp.
Recommended!
John is a fly fisherman. Seeking primarily trout and salmonids in his travels in, on and around some of their most storied homes; a list of which would impress and bring tears to the eyes of all but the most die hard bullhead fisherman, he is not quite however, the Orvis vest wearing trout snob. He drives a beat-up pickup, cartops his beat up boat and he has a soft spot for bass and northern pike both of which, when taken on the fly can cause you to wonder why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. In addition, John is a great curmudgeon, possibly even loveable. He cares about the environment, carefully releases many of his fish, has a distaste for tournament fishermen, crowds and showboats, likes a good road trip and drinks a lot of coffee. For these reasons, I like him. He sounds a lot like me.
His treatise on the bamboo fly rod, “Fishing Bamboo” is required reading for all of us who count the fly rod in our weaponry and take it’s history and development seriously or even those who aren’t as serious about it, but wonder why the hell someone would pay gobs of money for a century old piece of cane and subject it to the risks inherent in using it for what it was designed.
My only gripe with John, and from time to time I find myself rolling my eyes, is when he ventures into politics or “big business”. For some reason, his distaste for Republicans seems to have been formulated some time in the 60’s, possibly from being whacked on the head during a sit-in or maybe he holds a grudge for Nixon. He seems to not realize that over the years, there has been no shortage of “stupid” on either side of the aisle and that both parties have done much that is not necessarily in the best interests of the environment. Moreover, while admittedly having attended only a “handful of meetings” in his entire life and allegedly having had only a very short gig as a bike messenger in New York City, confirming since then only to being employed as a self proclaimed “trout-bum” and apparently actually working only when he needs to kick out a book for some money to fish – he seems to harbor an odd vitriol for people who work in mainstream jobs and the companies that employ them. He regularly brings up the specter or straw man of “big business” when lamenting a changing world – sometimes it seems as if he thinks that Colorado should have closed the gates after he arrived. This seems to be related to his political leanings and just seems to resonate with some old 60’s mantra. I would like to think that after having had all this time to reflect and fish in so many wonderful places meeting all sorts of wonderful people that he would have gotten over it – whatever it is. But hey, who’s perfect?
Back to this book, “Fools Paradise”- This one follows the Gierach formula. It is an easy read, a fun read for fellow fisherman. You will find yourself giggling out loud (embarrassing while sitting next to the wife on an airplane), and shaking your head in agreement with many of John’s acerbic comments and witty sidebar remarks as he takes you through his adventures. As always, his introspective thoughts on the places and situations he finds himself in, paints a picture that makes you feel as if you are there with him. His minds eye records things most of us would have missed.
I found chapter (15)-Labrador to be particularly poignant. Here John philosophizes about being stranded in what appears to be a fishing utopia – (can’t do nothing wrong) – and he finds that in the absence of having to do the usual routines necessary to hunt for and fool or trick fish into biting, the process loses its urgency and your actions seem more like a thoughtless assembly line job – it gets boring.
More importantly, just as in his other books, many passages throughout this one serve well to instruct students of the fly rod in all related subject matter, from fly selection and etymology to rod action, leader construction, casting techniques and lessons on fish habitat, customs and physiology. You can also pick up some good camping tips along the way too – check out the “egg shell coffee”.
John is good at showing you what not to do sometimes as well and his self effacing manner makes you empathize to the point of embedding the lesson in your memory. You may find yourself choosing a campsite or peering into some fast moving waters while wearing your waders and suddenly something clicks in your head and you wonder aloud – “Hey, didn’t somebody tell me about something like this?”
While a good read anytime, this is a great book to have in your gear bag for those days stuck in camp.
Recommended!
July 4, 2025
As an outdoorswoman, I really enjoyed this book, even though I don’t fish. Nice mix of travel accounts, reflections, humor, and of course, the different fish John was going for and what kinds of flies he used. :)
June 24, 2020
This was a nice book sharing stories about fishing experiences. If you fish, the takes will resonate and perhaps make you a little jealous of the author.
May 26, 2021
Another awesome collection of stories and essays on fly fishing! Mr. Gierach tells his stories in such a way as to make you smile with pleasure at the reading or makes you wish you had been there!
December 5, 2008
Easily the greatest fishing writer of our time. I don't fly fish, but every time I pick up one of Mr. Gierach's books, I want to...Not only that I feel like I should, like I'm less of a person if I don't.
I don't feel this way because I think Gierach has some sort of 'holier than though' fishing complex. I feel this way because every time he writes about stepping on a river whether it's a river in the middle of winter or the summer on a small pond chasing large mouth bass and musky, it feels magical. It feels like I should be there too, instead of sitting on my couch waiting to turn the page.
If you are a Gierach fan you may not find anything particularly unique in this book, but his voice and ability to put you in his wet soaking waders is just as powerful here as in previous books. For newcomers, it's a great place to get to know Gierach, and certainly no place to stop...Keep reading, every page of each book is worth it.
I don't feel this way because I think Gierach has some sort of 'holier than though' fishing complex. I feel this way because every time he writes about stepping on a river whether it's a river in the middle of winter or the summer on a small pond chasing large mouth bass and musky, it feels magical. It feels like I should be there too, instead of sitting on my couch waiting to turn the page.
If you are a Gierach fan you may not find anything particularly unique in this book, but his voice and ability to put you in his wet soaking waders is just as powerful here as in previous books. For newcomers, it's a great place to get to know Gierach, and certainly no place to stop...Keep reading, every page of each book is worth it.
May 11, 2011
This is the third book I've read by Gierach, and so I'm getting used to his writing style. I don't think this is a bad book; I just don't think it is a very good one. That's my complaint with all of his books that I've read. I guess you could say he is consistent.
There are parts of the book that shine, that show insights into the collective trout-fishing-with-a-fly body politic that are quite good. In fact, he did manage to get me to laugh out loud on at least one occasion, which is an accomplishment in itself. But they do not occur with enough frequency for me to want to go back and donate more money for this guy's fishing trips.
I hope he continues to go on those trips, though. Maybe I can join him someday.
There are parts of the book that shine, that show insights into the collective trout-fishing-with-a-fly body politic that are quite good. In fact, he did manage to get me to laugh out loud on at least one occasion, which is an accomplishment in itself. But they do not occur with enough frequency for me to want to go back and donate more money for this guy's fishing trips.
I hope he continues to go on those trips, though. Maybe I can join him someday.
June 17, 2008
A book (an autographed first edition gift from friend, fly fishing mentor and guide Stephen Woodcock) I hated to finish because I enjoyed it so much. I learned a little bit more about a sport than requires continual learning.
June 19, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. I don't know much about fly fishing but now I really have to get out there and give it a go. It's a nice easy read for a rainy day, plus you might learn a thing or two.
January 17, 2016
A collection of short stories. Very dry read and left me hanging on some stories, no ending. Would have liked to see the pictures he mentioned in a couple of places of the people and fish. Hints of humor here and there. Disappointed in this book.
July 14, 2008
I should have highlighted many parts of this book.
September 15, 2008
Another John Gierach gem. He is my favorite fly fishing author. Instantly readable.
November 15, 2008
Good writer muses about fishing and life.
January 10, 2009
good essays about fly fishing, pretty laid back read.
January 11, 2014
Another great read from John.
January 19, 2016
essays on fishing
good books on any subject is a good book
good books on any subject is a good book
July 11, 2009
Great writing about fishing and the outdoors.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews