What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sage of Dibbin Creek: A Struggling Boy Finds Friendship, Insight, and Life Lessons Through Fly Fishing
"A heartwarming tale of a young boy's journey that captures the essence of resistance, growth, and the enduring power of human connection."- April Vokey, Flyfisher, Steelhead Guide, and host of the podcast Anchored Outdoors
"...a touching, compassionate chronicle that's destined to be a classic in understanding the healing qualities of fly fishing and the outdoors."
- Jack Dennis, Legendary Flyfisher, Fly Tier, Guide, and Television Host. Creator of the Jackson Hole One-Fly Tournament. In 1975, Sam Candage, a fatherless twelve-year-old boy with learning challenges, strains to learn to read and write. Alone, he finds solace in nature, fishing and exploring his favorite creek. Sam finds himself falling behind in school until he meets a wise and kind man who, through the sport of fly fishing, teaches him about biology, stewardship, and the true meaning of friendship. When the mentor teaches Sam how to read, the boy's life is changed forever. The Sage of Dibbin Creek is an engrossing account of Sam's coming of age.
"...a touching, compassionate chronicle that's destined to be a classic in understanding the healing qualities of fly fishing and the outdoors."
- Jack Dennis, Legendary Flyfisher, Fly Tier, Guide, and Television Host. Creator of the Jackson Hole One-Fly Tournament. In 1975, Sam Candage, a fatherless twelve-year-old boy with learning challenges, strains to learn to read and write. Alone, he finds solace in nature, fishing and exploring his favorite creek. Sam finds himself falling behind in school until he meets a wise and kind man who, through the sport of fly fishing, teaches him about biology, stewardship, and the true meaning of friendship. When the mentor teaches Sam how to read, the boy's life is changed forever. The Sage of Dibbin Creek is an engrossing account of Sam's coming of age.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2024
3 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
D. Dauphinee
6 books54 followers Dee is an American author of novels, biographies, and essays. His writing has gained a following with readers interested in the out-of-doors, history, travel, human interest, fly fishing, and the construction of essays. He has been a farmer, a photographer, a fishing & mountaineering guide, and an orthopaedic physician’s assistant. For seven years he was a semi-pro wide receiver in the Canadian Football League’s farm system, and in the Eastern Football League. Dee has lived in Europe and South America.
Dee was born with wanderlust in Bangor, Maine. After graduating from high school, he made his way to Wyoming. He spent the next decade splitting his time between Jackson Hole, WY, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Living in Jackson Hole in the 1980's was Heaven, he recalls...he was climbing mountains or fly fishing every second he could. Photography and climbing too Dee to many places including El Salvador, Peru, the Arctic, throughout Europe, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Ecuador, Jordan, the UK, Panama, Lebanon, Kenya, Algeria, Columbia, and many places in between where he did contract and spec work for several media outlets, including United Press International.
Dee has led or co-led mountaineering, desert, and jungle expeditions on 5 continents, and has climbed above 20,000 feet above sea level fourteen times; at one time, more than any Maine native. He has been involved in several state and international Search & Rescue teams.
Dee has contributed articles, photographs, and essays to many periodicals for thirty years, including National Geographic, The Canadian Geographic, Outside Magazine, Mariah, Backpacker, Climbing, and Ascent, magazines, to name only a few.
Dee has had two books published by North Country Press; Stoneflies & Turtleheads, a collection of fly-fishing essays from Maine and around the world, and The River Home, a novel. Highlanders Without Kilts, an award-winning historical fiction about a Canadian family’s ordeal during WWI and a Nova Scotia battalion’s odyssey in that war was released May 2015 by Kicking Pig Press. Dee’s new book, When You Find My Body, is about Appalachian Trail hiker Geraldine Largay who became lost in Maine in 2013. Despite the largest manhunt in Maine’s history, Gerry was not found, and she perished. It was released in June 2019 by Rowman & Littlefield (Globe Pequot Press). By the second week of June 2019, it was recorded on two Bestseller lists.
Dee lives in Middle Maine with his wife and two children, who all hike and fish.
Dee is represented by Janklow & Nesbit Literary Agency.
Dee was born with wanderlust in Bangor, Maine. After graduating from high school, he made his way to Wyoming. He spent the next decade splitting his time between Jackson Hole, WY, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Living in Jackson Hole in the 1980's was Heaven, he recalls...he was climbing mountains or fly fishing every second he could. Photography and climbing too Dee to many places including El Salvador, Peru, the Arctic, throughout Europe, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Ecuador, Jordan, the UK, Panama, Lebanon, Kenya, Algeria, Columbia, and many places in between where he did contract and spec work for several media outlets, including United Press International.
Dee has led or co-led mountaineering, desert, and jungle expeditions on 5 continents, and has climbed above 20,000 feet above sea level fourteen times; at one time, more than any Maine native. He has been involved in several state and international Search & Rescue teams.
Dee has contributed articles, photographs, and essays to many periodicals for thirty years, including National Geographic, The Canadian Geographic, Outside Magazine, Mariah, Backpacker, Climbing, and Ascent, magazines, to name only a few.
Dee has had two books published by North Country Press; Stoneflies & Turtleheads, a collection of fly-fishing essays from Maine and around the world, and The River Home, a novel. Highlanders Without Kilts, an award-winning historical fiction about a Canadian family’s ordeal during WWI and a Nova Scotia battalion’s odyssey in that war was released May 2015 by Kicking Pig Press. Dee’s new book, When You Find My Body, is about Appalachian Trail hiker Geraldine Largay who became lost in Maine in 2013. Despite the largest manhunt in Maine’s history, Gerry was not found, and she perished. It was released in June 2019 by Rowman & Littlefield (Globe Pequot Press). By the second week of June 2019, it was recorded on two Bestseller lists.
Dee lives in Middle Maine with his wife and two children, who all hike and fish.
Dee is represented by Janklow & Nesbit Literary Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 16, 2024
This is an uplifting story of a young boy, who gains a strong foothold in life, from a remarkable man.
Sam’s Father died when he was young and he is being raised alone by his widowed mother. She runs a seasonal farm stand and Sam is a good helper. He is a genuinely good boy but has a learning disability that causes him to fall behind his classmates and be made fun of. Because of this he loses confidence and spends a lot of time alone. However, he is very interested in nature and enjoys learning about his surroundings.
One day he meets Alton, a man in his 70’s, while fishing along the creek near his farm. And that’s where a beautiful friendship develops.
I enjoyed this book. I don’t know anything about fly fishing but as Alton teaches Sam I was able to understand how it worked. The instructions were very well written. I also liked learning about where and why specific kinds of fish are caught in specific kinds of waters.
I found it amazing that an older man would have the patience or care to befriend and tutor this young boy. What a gem Alton was! It seems there is not that much of a connection between the old and young these days. Not even between relatives. This was definitely a special relationship and one that changed Sam’s life for the better.
We could all use someone like Alton in our lives!!
Many thanks to D. Dauphinee and BookSirens for my copy. My honest review is given voluntarily.
Sam’s Father died when he was young and he is being raised alone by his widowed mother. She runs a seasonal farm stand and Sam is a good helper. He is a genuinely good boy but has a learning disability that causes him to fall behind his classmates and be made fun of. Because of this he loses confidence and spends a lot of time alone. However, he is very interested in nature and enjoys learning about his surroundings.
One day he meets Alton, a man in his 70’s, while fishing along the creek near his farm. And that’s where a beautiful friendship develops.
I enjoyed this book. I don’t know anything about fly fishing but as Alton teaches Sam I was able to understand how it worked. The instructions were very well written. I also liked learning about where and why specific kinds of fish are caught in specific kinds of waters.
I found it amazing that an older man would have the patience or care to befriend and tutor this young boy. What a gem Alton was! It seems there is not that much of a connection between the old and young these days. Not even between relatives. This was definitely a special relationship and one that changed Sam’s life for the better.
We could all use someone like Alton in our lives!!
Many thanks to D. Dauphinee and BookSirens for my copy. My honest review is given voluntarily.
May 20, 2024
If you're looking for a positive, classic, wholesome coming-of-age story for young adults, you won't go wrong with The Sage of Dibbin Creek by Denis (Dee) Dauphinee. Its rural setting (presumably Maine, where the author lives) during the Vietnam War is ideal for the blossoming of a sweet relationship between an old man and a boy in this often touching story.
Sam Candage is twelve years old and living alone with his mother, Rachel, father and husband having died in an accident seven years earlier. It left Rachel in charge of the farm and, while fully capable, a lot of work for which she relies on Sam to help her out just to make ends meet. Fortunately Sam's an extremely polite, loyal boy who prioritizes his chores before his fun in untamed nature, particularly his most enjoyable activity: fishing.
Their bond and his idyllic home life contrasts with Sam's struggling at school where the other kids make fun of him. He really has no friends other than his mother and long time family friend, artist Teri Williams. Until one day, while fishing at the eponymous creek, Sam comes upon Alton Sands, a retired teacher in his seventies. They strike an immediate affinity for fishing and, although not stated because we don't see much of Alton's personal life, fulfill a likely mutual need for a father-son, mentor-mentee companionship.
Rachel is pleased that Alton is willing to teach her son fly fishing and more about nature and life in general. Sam proves a quick learner, Alton a good teacher, and Sam begins to show measurable improvement in his reading, which in turn helps him scholastically. This requires persistence but Sam's obliging nature makes it work. Over the next few years, Alton attains the same status as Teri. The four form a tight, loving unit, each enriching the other, and all enriching Sam who will be able to look back at these years as happy and instrumental to his upbringing, despite being fatherless and humble living.
For the most part, the story is told in the first person voice of Sam but there are a couple of times when his point-of-view veers away to an omniscient one. At these points the story lapses a bit, losing the youthful charm of Sam's voice, as well as the sense of a coming-of-age, albeit not for long. Much of it also consists of Alton talking and his dialogue is like a YA version of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, with the Zen replaced by fatherly advice and the Motorcycle Maintenance replaced by fly fishing and other practical skills.
What enhances this somewhat simple story is the depth of detail given by Alton and shared by Sam's own experience about nature, fishing, and the building of a cabin. I came away knowing much more about fishing, and other things—including learning an otter den is a holt, which coincidentally recently came up in a crossword puzzle.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sam Candage is twelve years old and living alone with his mother, Rachel, father and husband having died in an accident seven years earlier. It left Rachel in charge of the farm and, while fully capable, a lot of work for which she relies on Sam to help her out just to make ends meet. Fortunately Sam's an extremely polite, loyal boy who prioritizes his chores before his fun in untamed nature, particularly his most enjoyable activity: fishing.
Their bond and his idyllic home life contrasts with Sam's struggling at school where the other kids make fun of him. He really has no friends other than his mother and long time family friend, artist Teri Williams. Until one day, while fishing at the eponymous creek, Sam comes upon Alton Sands, a retired teacher in his seventies. They strike an immediate affinity for fishing and, although not stated because we don't see much of Alton's personal life, fulfill a likely mutual need for a father-son, mentor-mentee companionship.
Rachel is pleased that Alton is willing to teach her son fly fishing and more about nature and life in general. Sam proves a quick learner, Alton a good teacher, and Sam begins to show measurable improvement in his reading, which in turn helps him scholastically. This requires persistence but Sam's obliging nature makes it work. Over the next few years, Alton attains the same status as Teri. The four form a tight, loving unit, each enriching the other, and all enriching Sam who will be able to look back at these years as happy and instrumental to his upbringing, despite being fatherless and humble living.
For the most part, the story is told in the first person voice of Sam but there are a couple of times when his point-of-view veers away to an omniscient one. At these points the story lapses a bit, losing the youthful charm of Sam's voice, as well as the sense of a coming-of-age, albeit not for long. Much of it also consists of Alton talking and his dialogue is like a YA version of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, with the Zen replaced by fatherly advice and the Motorcycle Maintenance replaced by fly fishing and other practical skills.
What enhances this somewhat simple story is the depth of detail given by Alton and shared by Sam's own experience about nature, fishing, and the building of a cabin. I came away knowing much more about fishing, and other things—including learning an otter den is a holt, which coincidentally recently came up in a crossword puzzle.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2024
D. Dauphinee's "The Sage of Dibbin Creek" is a beautifully crafted story that chronicles the coming of age of a young boy who has a passion for fishing and the outdoors, but who encounters unavoidable obstacles along the way. The touching book frames the importance of how having a supportive parent and special friends, one can overcome life's unexpected challenges and chase their dreams. You'll fall in love with uplifting cast of characters, each of whom plays an integral part in helping Sam discover his true passions in life and building the confidence necessary to become a fulfilled man eager to pass along the important lessons he has learned through his time on the water, in the woods and on the farm.
December 29, 2023
This is a charming coming of age story about a 12 year old boy. Sam's favorite retreat is time at the fishing hole. Alton Sands, a proficient fly fisherman offers to mentor young Sam. With Alton's kind instruction and Sam's patient and curious wonder of the natural world the two form an endearing bond.
This is an enchanting book for any young reader with an interest in fishing and the outdoors. It offers great insights in overcoming hardships. Lovely illustration throughout the chapters.
January 13, 2024
A delightful tale that brings together family love, perseverance in the face of disability and difficult life circumstances, love of the outdoors, and the kindness of an older man who devotes the last years of his life to impact a young boy's future. It is an encouraging, uplifting story which reminds us that there are still many people that willingly and unselfishly share their lives and experiences with others who might just need a little extra help in life. It is truly a good read!
May 6, 2024
As a note, this is a review of the pre-release version which I received compliments of the author.
This was really a heartwarming story that also reminded me why I love fishing so much. The writing sometimes moves between first-person and third-person somewhat randomly, which I found a bit jarring, but if you just let the story take you, you’ll enjoy it.
This was really a heartwarming story that also reminded me why I love fishing so much. The writing sometimes moves between first-person and third-person somewhat randomly, which I found a bit jarring, but if you just let the story take you, you’ll enjoy it.
January 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book
January 16, 2024
Inspirational
A boy, a fly rod and a teacher. He learned. He teaches. And they both fish. Lessons of school. Lessons of life and especially lessons of fly fishing.
A boy, a fly rod and a teacher. He learned. He teaches. And they both fish. Lessons of school. Lessons of life and especially lessons of fly fishing.
February 2, 2024
Excellent story!!
February 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
Good read for adolescents.
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for my digital copy.
Good read for adolescents.
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for my digital copy.
December 29, 2023
This is a charming coming of age story about a 12 year old boy. Sam's favorite retreat is time at the fishing hole. Alton Sands, a proficient fly fisherman offers to mentor young Sam. With Alton's kind instruction and Sam's patient and curious wonder of the natural world the two form an endearing bond.
This is an enchanting book for any young reader with an interest in fishing and the outdoors. It also offers great insights in overcoming hardships. Lovely illustration throughout the chapters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews